What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries and mounting medical expenses. Because of the lack of protection riders have – as opposed to drivers in vehicles that have airbags and the frame of the vehicle to protect them – the consequences of motorcycle accidents are often extreme.

If you’ve been in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial payment to cover your losses. Before filing a claim, it’s important to know the most common types of injuries that lead to personal injury claims.

Head and Brain Injuries

Head and brain injuries are among the most severe dangers faced by motorcycle riders. Even if you were wearing a helmet, a motorcycle accident can cause devastating damage to the head should it come into contact with another vehicle or the pavement.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are a frequent injury among motorcyclists in South Carolina. Because motorcycle riders don’t have the protection of seatbelts or airbags, they are often thrown from their bike during an accident and sustain broken bones from the impact.

Road Rash

Road rash is a common injury among bikers. This type of abrasion occurs when skin comes into contact with asphalt or concrete at high speeds and can be especially severe if left untreated.

Burns

In some cases, either the motorcycle or the other vehicle involved can catch fire, and the motorcycle driver may suffer serious burns as a result of the accident. This can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement, as well as costly medical and rehabilitation costs.

Who Is Responsible For Paying Expenses From My Injuries?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, like driving under the influence or texting while driving, they may be liable for any resulting damages or injuries caused by their actions.

There could be multiple parties that are liable for your losses. This includes other drivers on the road at the time of the crash, manufacturers if any of the motorcycle parts were defective, and even government entities responsible for maintaining the safety of roads.

Additionally, if you are partially responsible for your injuries or the accident, your compensation will be reduced accordingly. For example, if you are 20% responsible, any compensation you receive will be reduced by 20%. As long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages in a motorcycle accident.

Compensation You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, the amount and type of compensation you are entitled to will depend on multiple factors, such as the extent of your injuries and medical expenses, how long you’re out of work, damage done to your bike, and the details surrounding the accident itself. These are economic and non-economic damages.

In cases where the other driver was especially reckless or negligent, you may be able to recover punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant rather than compensate the victim, and can only be awarded if you prove that the defendant’s behavior was intentional or without regard to the safety of others, despite knowing that their behavior was likely to cause harm.

If you need help after a Charleston motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation.