Top Reported Motorcycle Accident Injuries and How to Legally Protect Yourself
A motorcycle accident can result in different injury types ranging from mild rashes to more severe body damage, and sometimes death. Across Texas, there’s a record of varying motorcycle accident injuries. Understanding the types of injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident and knowing how to protect yourself legally in the event of an accident is crucial.
This article outlines what you should know and the steps to take for legal protection.
The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Texas
Motorcycle crashes rarely result in simple bruises and a damaged fender due to the impact of the crash. “Without the steel frame of a car or truck around you, even a low-speed collision can leave behind severe trauma,” says motorcycle accident lawyer Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm.
Here are the most frequently reported injuries in Texas motorcycle crashes and what you should know about them:
Road Rash
Road rash is not just a scrape; it can range from minor abrasions to full-thickness skin injuries requiring grafts. Even with full clothes, it can still be difficult to shield yourself from road rash after some accidents.
Broken Bones
The impact of hitting the ground or a vehicle following a motorcycle accident can result in fractured wrists, arms, legs, or ribs. The sudden nature of these crashes leaves riders more vulnerable and can make the impact more severe.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
In Texas, a rider who is 21 years or older and has met the prescribed insurance requirements or completed the necessary training may not always be required to wear a helmet. Riding without a helmet leaves the rider vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries that can alter the regular functioning of the individual.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal injuries can result from high-speed impacts, particularly when a rider gets ejected from the bike. These injuries may lead to paralysis, chronic pain, or permanent disability that may cause the victim to require a lifetime of care.
Internal Bleeding and Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can cause damage to organs, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs. These are not always immediately noticeable at the scene without medical diagnosis and can become deadly over time if untreated.
How to Legally Protect Yourself Before and After a Motorcycle Crash
Now that you are aware of some common injuries that you can record after a motorcycle accident, the next step is to know how to ensure legal protection for yourself.
Have the Necessary Gear On At All Times
Aside from the obvious safety benefits that gearing up when riding offers, it also helps to tidy up any possible loopholes that insurance companies or the court may want to exploit against you.
Do Not Fail to Document and Gather Evidence
As much and as safely as possible after an accident, try to ensure detailed documentation of the event. You can take photos and videos of the scene, or have someone else do it. You can also obtain a detailed account from eyewitnesses and document it for future reference.
Seek Quality and Immediate Treatment
Some injuries, especially internal ones, may not immediately manifest after an accident but can worsen progressively over time. Therefore, do not wait to get treated to avoid further damage to your health, and also to prevent insurance adjusters from using it against you.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Legal Guidance
You may need a personal injury attorney to handle some of the legal complexities that accidents present. However, it is not enough to work with the first attorney you come across; you need one who specializes in motorcycle accidents and has experience handling similar cases in Texas.
Conclusion
The thrill and fun of riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience for anyone. However, you must always consider your safety while riding, as one accident can have a profoundly negative impact on your life. If, despite doing all you can to ensure your safety, you still get hit while riding, you must speak with a motorcycle personal injury attorney in Texas about your case.
