Unlike car occupants who benefit from steel frames, airbags, and seatbelts, motorcycle riders absorb the full force of any collision. This vulnerability makes serious injuries more likely, and broken bones are among the most common results. If you have suffered bone fracture injuries in a motorcycle accident, you deserve fair compensation for the harm you have suffered. Here’s what you need to know.
What Compensation Can Cover Fracture-Related Expenses?
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you have legal options for pursuing compensation. You may file an injury claim after an accident with your own insurance provider, file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, or, if necessary, pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
An injury victim can seek damages in a personal injury lawsuit to address both the immediate and long-term effects of your bone fracture injury, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future treatment your fracture requires.
- Lost Wages: If your injury keeps you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: You can secure damages for the physical and emotional toll of the fracture, such as chronic pain, permanent limitations, and emotional distress.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Seek Legal Help From a Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Immediate Steps to Take After a Suspected Fracture
If you believe you have broken a bone after a motorcycle accident, your first priority should be getting medical attention. Call 911 or ask someone nearby to do so. Try to stay still and avoid moving the injured area, as this could cause further damage.
While waiting for help, document what you can. Take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and any visible injuries if you are able. Get contact information from witnesses and the driver involved.
Even if your fracture seems minor, always follow up with a doctor after receiving initial medical care. Attend every subsequent appointment and adhere to your doctor’s treatment recommendations. Once your condition has stabilized, contact a Kansas City motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
Common Types of Fractures in Motorcycle Crashes
Not all fractures are the same. The bones most likely to break in a motorcycle accident depend on several factors, including how the collision occurred, the angle of impact, and the force involved. A side collision might crush your leg against the bike, while being thrown forward could send you skidding across pavement with your arms extended.
Because riders have little protection between themselves and the road or other vehicles, fractures can range from relatively minor to life-threatening. Here are some of the most common fracture sites:
- Fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms
- Lower leg bones, especially the tibia and fibula
- Pelvic and hip fractures
- Skull fractures
- Ribs, collarbones, and shoulders
- Spinal and neck vertebrae fractures
Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney About Your Next Steps
Recovering from a bone fracture is hard enough without the added stress of navigating insurance claims and legal proceedings. If you have suffered a bone fracture in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe will fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (816) 876-2600 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.