Assessing the full extent of an injury following a motorcycle accident isn’t easy. The body’s immediate responses—swelling and pain management—can mask deeper injuries, sometimes leading to chronic issues.
Neck and Back Issues After a Motorcycle Accident
The spinal column, brain stem, and brain control a multitude of bodily functions. Injuries to these critical areas can trigger secondary complications and often take longer to heal due to the constant use and movement of the neck and back.
Nearly half of all back injuries lead to significant consequences, including surgery and even death. Fortunately, only 15 percent of motorcycle accidents result in neck and back injuries.
However, these injuries are often severe, difficult to detect, and can present delayed symptoms. This creates a challenging situation for victims. To combat this, it is essential for motorcycle accident victims to push for comprehensive medical assessments. Early detection is crucial for a full recovery. If you need help sorting out your medical situation, speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
Common Long-Term Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident
Neck and back injuries fall under musculoskeletal injuries, which affect not just the muscles or bones, but also the nerves.
- Bones – Broken bones heal slowly and often require extensive surgical work, including the installation of pins and plates.
- Muscles – Deep tissue damage can severely impair mobility. While soft tissue injuries heal more quickly, they are often very painful. Tendon and ligament damage can require surgical intervention.
- Nerves – Nerve damage can lead to chronic pain, partial, or complete paralysis. Even if a limb isn’t disabled, nerve damage can exacerbate and hasten further injury.
- Displacement – This includes whiplash and disc damage. While not as severe as a full break or rupture, these injuries can cause chronic pain and intermittent mobility issues due to flare-ups and shifts.
Avoiding an accident altogether is the best way to prevent injury. However, since accidents are unexpected and often unavoidable, it’s important to take steps to reduce damage if they occur.
Preventing Long-Term Injuries
While it’s impossible to completely prevent neck and back injuries in a motorcycle accident, riders can take steps to minimize the severity or longevity of injuries. Smart prevention comes in three forms:
- Awareness – Avoid bad weather and poor road conditions. Stay vigilant about other motorists, ride defensively, and operate within your skill level.
- Protective Gear – Helmets, boots, jackets, and pants all play crucial roles in reducing injury.
- Maintenance – Keep your motorcycle in top condition. Regularly check your bike for issues with the wheels, brakes, and lights before every ride.
Despite taking all possible precautions, long-term injuries from motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common.
Post-Accident Steps
After an accident, getting evaluated for injuries is paramount. Medical professionals and emergency responders will address the most obvious injuries first. Even if you’re cleared medically or released from the hospital, this only means you aren’t in immediate danger.
Opting for more detailed testing can help identify potential issues early. Even in minor accidents, documenting everything is crucial. This documentation helps establish a timeline for injuries and determines fault. Even if you don’t plan to pursue a case, having an accurate picture of events is important.
If you believe the accident was caused by another party and want to seek compensation for injuries and lost wages, starting the process promptly can speed up your financial and medical recovery.
The Importance of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer after a motorcycle accident is essential. Here’s why:
Legal Expertise
Motorcycle accident cases can be legally complex, involving multiple parties, including other motorists, insurance companies, and sometimes even government entities if road conditions contributed to the accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can navigate these complexities, ensuring that all liable parties are held accountable.
Evidence Collection and Preservation
A personal injury lawyer will help collect and preserve crucial evidence, such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photographs. This evidence is essential for building a strong case and proving liability.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize their payouts, which can result in unfair settlements for accident victims. A skilled lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. They will present a compelling case to a judge or jury, advocating for the compensation you deserve.
Peace of Mind
Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Having a dedicated personal injury lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
When selecting a personal injury lawyer, consider the following:
- Experience with motorcycle accident cases and a track record of successful outcomes.
- Clear and effective communication skills.
- In-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations related to motorcycle accidents.
- A commitment to protecting your rights and best interests.
- Willingness to offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
Conclusion
Neck and back injuries from motorcycle accidents are serious and can have long-lasting effects on your health and quality of life. While wearing protective gear and riding safely can reduce the risk, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, seek immediate medical attention and consult with a personal injury lawyer.
At New Mexico Biker Lawyer, we are dedicated to helping motorcycle accident victims navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Your recovery and justice are our top priorities.
