When it comes to auto accidents, the type of vehicle you drove has a lot to do with the severity of your injuries, recovery time, and likelihood of survival. While motorcycles are fun to drive and extremely fuel-efficient, the lack of an exterior to protect your body and airbags that surround you makes most motorcycle accidents much worse than car accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, here are some things that you should know.
More Fatal
Motorcycle accidents are more fatal than car accidents. Statistics show that most motorcycle accidents have more injuries and fatalities than accidents involving other types of vehicles. In other words, motorcycle riders are more likely to get into accidents with other drivers than they are with other motorcycles.
Motorcycle accidents are more serious than car accidents because of the lack of protection that a car provides. A motorcycle rider’s body is fully exposed during the accident. Accidents that involve more severe trauma are more likely to lead to death.
More Severe Injuries
Because motorcycles do not have seatbelts, airbags, and a windshield to protect your body, the force of an accident can easily cause more severe injuries. In addition, there is often less space between you and the impact, making it more difficult to avoid breaking bones, lacerations, and head and neck injuries.
Injuries to the Spine
Accidents that involve a motorcycle rider’s back are often more severe than other types of accidents. A spine injury can cause chronic issues such as severe pain, numbness, and reduced mobility. This can make it difficult for you to perform your daily tasks or engage in physical activities. In a worst-case scenario, severe spinal injuries can lead to paralysis. A victim’s mobility may be greatly impaired, which can result in a permanent disability.
Long-Term Injuries
The most serious injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident are the ones that can permanently damage the affected area. Since there are fewer safety features on a motorcycle than in a car, your risk of a long-term injury is significantly higher. This is especially true if the accident caused injuries to your chest, abdomen, back, or neck.
A motorcycle accident can be a devastating event for both parties. A negligent driver can cause severe injuries to the motorcyclist. If you or a loved one was involved in a crash involving a motorcycle, it is important to get medical treatment as soon as possible. It is important to seek medical attention right away to minimize the long-term effects and costs of treatment.
Higher Medical Bills
Motorcycle injuries are also more likely to require surgeries, intensive care, and other expensive procedures. This is because compared to car accidents, motorcycle accidents often result in severe abdominal, chest, or head injuries as well as broken bones and other internal injuries. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, it is very likely that you are facing a large number of doctor’s visits, surgeries, and other medical procedures. Even worse, these expenses aren’t likely to go away soon.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to the financial costs associated with surviving a motorcycle accident, you could also face emotional trauma. If you were severely injured or lost a loved one in an accident, it could be difficult for you to move on with your life. The pain and suffering you experience after the accident are real, and they may make it difficult for you to return to your normal life.
Need for Ongoing Care
Even if you are not in a wheelchair due to a motorcycle accident, you may require ongoing medical care. This care may include physical therapy to help you walk again, intravenous medications to help your body recover, and surgery to repair your injuries. It may not be possible for you to go back to your regular job right away, which could make it even more challenging to get the care that you need.
Contact a Savannah Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the injuries you sustain are more severe and likely to last longer than if you were in a car accident. The lack of protection provided by a motorcycle means that you are likely to sustain more serious head and neck injuries than in a car accident.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, it is critical that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Contact the team at Phillips Carson & Phillips to schedule a consultation by calling (912) 232-0081 or using our online contact form. We can discuss the specifics of what happened and what your legal options are.