Motorcycle Accidents Can Leave Victims with Spinal Cord Injuries

March 7, 2018 | Motorcycle Accidents

 

At risk of stating the obvious, riding a motorcycle is significantly more dangerous than riding in a car or truck. Motorcycles are not equipped with safety features like airbags and seatbelts, and a serious collision often throw riders and passengers from their bikes.

When accidents throw people from motorcycles, they often land on the ground or collide with another vehicle or object headfirst. This can put incredible physical forces on the spine, resulting in damage to the spinal cord or spinal column. In some cases, this damage can interfere with the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body, resulting in extremely serious consequences.

Spinal Cord Injuries Can Cause Paralysis

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Incomplete spinal cord injuries leave victims with some function below the site of their injuries—but they often experience significant issues, including pain, lost range of motion, sensations of pins of needles, and tingling and numbness. A complete spinal cord injury, on the other hand, entirely cuts off communication, making it impossible for victims to move or feel sensations below the sites of their injuries. Currently, no effective treatment exists for complete spinal cord injuries, and victims are typically paralyzed below the site of their injury permanently.

Recovering Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury Caused by a Motorcycle Accident

Recovering compensation for a spinal cord injury caused by a motorcycle accident is much like recovering compensation for any other type of accident in Indiana—victims must establish that someone else’s negligence caused their injuries.

Examples of driver negligence that can easily lead to serious motorcycle accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Following too closely
  • Failing to address malfunctioning headlights, taillights, or turn signals
  • Drunk or drugged driving
  • Aggressive driving
  • Failing to signal lane changes
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road

Cases involving spinal cord injuries often entitle victims to significant compensation, as the effects of an SCI can last for months, years, or even for the rest of a person’s life. As a result, it is critical for victims to retain an attorney who is familiar with Indiana personal injury law and who understands how to get injured victims the compensation they deserve.

Insurance adjusters for the at fault driver will frequently try to take a statement and assign some or all fault to the motorcyclist. It is important to be advised of your rights before you talk to the insurance company.

Call Indiana Personal Injury Attorney Merry Fountain Today for a Free Consultation

Indianapolis personal injury lawyer Merry Fountain is a skilled injury advocate. If you are looking for an injury law attorney to represent you in a spinal injury case in the greater Indy area—Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Avon, Kokomo, Lebanon—she’s here to help! Call her anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878), or simply click Tell Us About Your Case for a free consultation.