Motorcycle wrecks are among the most devastating types of accidents on the road. Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to serious injuries than car drivers or passengers, because they have less protection and are more likely to be thrown from their vehicles. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, there were 2,067 motorcycle crashes in 2020, resulting in 1,635 injuries and 122 fatalities.
Traumatic brain injuries
A TBI is any injury that causes damage to the brain, either from a direct impact or from a penetrating object. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can impair cognitive functions, memory, speech and vision, and can bring about alarming changes in personality. TBIs can also cause permanent disabilities or death.
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 22% of all non-fatal motorcycle accidents cause TBIs. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a TBI by 37%, but Missouri does not have a universal helmet law for riders over 26 years old.
Spinal cord injuries
An SCI is any injury that damages the spinal cord. SCIs can cause partial or total paralysis, loss of sensation, chronic pain and organ dysfunction. SCIs are often caused by severe trauma to the neck or back, such as from a motorcycle collision or a fall.
SCIs have the highest rate of hospital admissions and the second-highest average hospital costs after motorcycle accidents, according to the NHTSA. The average SCI patient faces bills of $29,495 for the hospital stay alone, not counting the ongoing medical expenses and lost income.
Pelvic fractures
A pelvic fracture is a break or crack in one or more bones of the pelvis, which is the set of bones that supports the lower abdomen and connects the spine to the legs. Pelvic fractures cause severe bleeding, organ damage, nerve injury, infection and disability. Pelvic fractures are often caused by direct force to the pelvis, such as from being hit by a car or landing on a hard surface.
What does it all mean?
These are just some examples of the catastrophic injuries that can result from motorcycle wrecks. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.