Motorcycle safety is of the utmost importance. Riders have limited protection. According to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), 2,972 motorcyclists were injured, and 202 were killed in accidents in the state in 2021 alone.
In this article, our North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers provide an overview of the most common injuries, explain why seeing a doctor after a crash is so important, and highlight the types of compensation victims can seek through a legal claim.
An Overview of the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Did you know when it comes to motorcycle crashes, the overwhelming majority result in injuries to the rider? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motorcyclists are injured in 80 percent of all crashes that are reported. This is a sharp contrast to passenger vehicle collisions. In those cases, just drivers and passengers are hurt in crashes. Even more concerning, motorcycle crashes are more likely to result in severe, catastrophic, or life-changing harm. Below you will see a list of the most commonly reported motorcycle accident injuries in North Carolina:
- Road Rash: Road rash is a common injury that occurs when a rider is thrown from their motorcycle and skids across the pavement. Road rash can range from mild scrapes and bruises to severe, deep wounds that require surgery.
- Biker’s Arm: Also referred to as rider’s arm, biker’s arm is a term used to describe a specific type of injury that can occur in a motorcycle accident. In a motorcycle accident, it is common for the rider to have their body thrown from the bike and to land on the ground, often with significant force. When this happens, the rider may instinctively reach out to break their fall, which can cause the arm to take the full impact of the fall.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Soft tissue damage, including whiplash, can occur in a motorcycle accident. Soft tissue injuries are complex. They require proactive care to ensure the victim is in the best position to recover fully and properly.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries are among the most severe and life-threatening injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident. These injuries can range from concussions and lacerations to traumatic brain injuries that can cause long-term cognitive impairment.
- Fractures: Fractures are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbone. With a fractured or broken bone, immediate medical attention is a must. When these injuries are not treated properly, they can cause long-term impairments.
- Amputations: In some cases, motorcycle accident injuries are so severe that the victim is required to have a limb amputated. An amputation is a life-altering event.
- Spinal Cord Damages: Any damage to the spinal cord is a catastrophic injury. A motorcyclist who sustains spinal cord damage may be left with permanent physical or psychological impairments.
All Motorcycle Accident Injuries Should Be Evaluated By a Doctor
Every motorcycle accident injury in North Carolina requires immediate medical attention. The most severe injuries are medical emergencies. Call 911 and get an ambulance ride to the nearest hospital. Less severe injuries still require treatment. You may be more injured in the motorcycle crash than you realize. Head injuries, soft tissue injuries, and other common impairments often feel worse 48 or 72 hours after a motorcycle crash. Notably, you cannot successfully recover compensation for a motorcycle accident in North Carolina unless you see a doctor and have valid medical records.
We Help Injured Motorcyclists Maximize their Financial Settlement or Verdict
North Carolina is a fault-based motorcycle accident jurisdiction. Through a motorcycle accident injury claim, victims can take action to hold the responsible party legally liable for the full extent of their injuries, including actual out-of-pocket losses and non-economic damages. Our North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers fight tirelessly and passionately to help our clients secure the absolute maximum financial compensation. You may be able to recover for:
- Ambulance costs and emergency room treatment
- Hospital bills and other healthcare costs
- Physical therapy and/or mental health support
- Lost wages and diminished ability to earn
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disability
- Wrongful death
Schedule a Free Consultation With a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Paynter Law, our North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers have successfully recovered more than $500 million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of injured victims across our practice areas. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle crash, we can help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no-obligation review of your case. From our law office in Hillsborough, we fight for the rights of injured motorcyclists throughout the State of North Carolina.