Internal Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents | Lawyers in Fort Smith
If you suffered internal injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. The Fort Smith motorcycle accident attorneys of McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm will help you fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve for your losses.
Call us today at (479) 783-0036 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Riding a motorcycle down the roads and highways of Arkansas is a source of great joy for many people. The freedom that comes with traveling on a motorbike is simply unparalleled. However, that freedom comes with some serious risks, which is why motorcycle riders must take special precautions when on the road.
Arkansas requires all motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 to wear helmets. However, even if you are wearing a helmet, getting into a motorcycle accident can lead to devastating injuries. Some of the most serious harm comes from internal injuries deep within the body.
Causes of Internal Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
There are numerous ways in which a motorcycle rider or passenger might suffer internal injuries. Most of these causes break down into the following two categories:
- Blunt force trauma – Blunt force trauma occurs when the body suffers an impact that does not break the skin. This can happen when another vehicle strikes a motorcyclist directly or when the rider hits the pavement or another road object as they come off their motorcycle. Many blunt force trauma injuries occur in the abdominal region.
- Penetrating trauma – This type of trauma happens when something sharp damages the body by breaking through the skin. This can occur when a shard of glass or another piece of debris penetrates the body during a collision.
In a penetrating trauma, the injury is usually obvious. However, internal injuries due to blunt force trauma can be much more difficult to identify because they are deep within the body. They could also remain hidden for some time after a motorcycle collision because the body releases a large amount of adrenaline in an accident, which can mask the pain of the injury.
After you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should always seek medical treatment even if you do not believe you have any injuries. Internal injuries can be extremely serious and possibly even life-threatening, but without a medical assessment, you may not become aware of them before it is too late.
Types of Internal Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Because motorcycle riders have no metal frame to protect them as enclosed vehicles do, their bodies are completely exposed. Blunt force trauma or penetrating trauma can occur to any part of the biker’s body in a motorcycle accident, even if the operator or passenger is wearing protective equipment. Some of the most common internal injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
Internal Bleeding
The blunt force trauma of a motorcycle accident can rupture blood vessels within the body. The extent of the damage that occurs can often prevent the blood vessels from repairing themselves by clotting. If this type of injury is left untreated, internal bleeding can cause organ failure and can even be fatal.
You may have internal bleeding if you experience the following symptoms after a motorcycle accident:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in urine
- Blood in vomit
- Breathing problems
- Bruising
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Excess thirst
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Light-headedness
- Pale complexion
Brain Bleeding
If you suffer head injuries during a motorcycle accident, the impact may lead to bleeding in your brain. This is especially the case if you have been riding without a helmet. Bleeding in the brain can restrict the flow of oxygen in vital areas of the brain, and it can also create excessive pressure inside your skull. One consequence could be permanent brain damage.
Broken Ribs
Blunt force trauma to your torso can lead to fractures or breaks in your ribcage. Not only can these fractures be painful, but they can also make it difficult to breathe. In certain cases, a broken rib may puncture a lung or another organ, which will require immediate medical attention.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
If you suffer compression or crushing of the stomach in a motorcycle collision, the abdominal aortic artery can rupture. In many cases, such a rupture is fatal.
Injuries to Organs
Organs within the chest, abdomen, and pelvis may all suffer serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. If these organs are badly damaged, they may suffer from reduced function or organ failure. Serious injuries to organs may even lead to death, particularly if they are left untreated.
Types of Compensation Available for Internal Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
If you file a claim for compensation for the losses you have suffered because of internal injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to receive a financial recovery for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages due to missed time at work
- Property damage
- Reduced earning capacity
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will be able to help you determine how much compensation you deserve for your losses.
Contact an Experienced Fort Smith Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Suffering internal injuries in a motorcycle accident is a horrific experience. Anyone who receives these kinds of injuries due to another party’s negligence should not have to pay for the resulting expenses on their own. Those responsible need to be held accountable for the harm they have caused.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or if someone you love has lost their life, the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers of McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm in Fort Smith can help you receive the compensation you deserve. We understand that no amount of money can truly make up for the losses you have suffered, but we want to help you have the best chance possible at moving forward in your life with dignity.
Call us today at (479) 783-0036 or contact us online for a free case evaluation to find out what your legal options are.
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