Motorcycle accidents can leave riders with severe, life-altering injuries. Without the protection of a vehicle’s frame, airbags, or seat belts, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to spinal cord injuries when thrown from their bike. These injuries can lead to permanent paralysis, chronic pain, and profound changes in quality of life.
How Motorcycle Crashes Lead to Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine is a delicate structure of vertebrae, nerves, and soft tissue that transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It is highly vulnerable during a motorcycle accident due to the forces involved in such crashes.Â
Spinal cord injuries can occur when:
- A rider is thrown from their motorcycle and lands forcefully on their back or neck
- The spine is compressed, twisted, or fractured during impact
- The rider’s body collides with another vehicle or fixed object
- A violent whiplash motion causes spinal damage or dislocation
Even with protective gear, these injuries are still common and can occur in combination with other trauma, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal damage.
What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
The severity and location of a spinal cord injury determine its impact on the body. Generally, spinal cord injuries are classified into two categories:
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries. Here, the spinal cord is partially damaged, and some motor or sensory function remains below the injury site. Victims may regain limited movement or sensation with long-term rehabilitation.
- Complete spinal cord injuries. In these instances, the spinal cord is fully severed or severely damaged. The victim has a total loss of function and sensation below the point of injury. These injuries often lead to permanent paralysis.
Depending on the injury’s location, victims may experience:
- Paraplegia affects the legs and lower body.
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia) affects all four limbs and potentially the torso and respiratory muscles.
Even herniated discs or vertebral fractures can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility.
What Compensation is Available After a Spinal Cord Injury?
If your spinal cord injury was caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for your accident-related losses. A successful personal injury claim may recover damages for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Home modifications and assistive devices
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can help you track and calculate your damages. They can even work with medical and economic experts to assess your future losses and pain and suffering.
Contact a Geneva Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help
Spinal cord injuries can permanently change your life. If another party was responsible for your injury, they should be on the hook for your damages. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can handle all aspects of your claim and work to obtain full compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Geneva motorcycle accident lawyer today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Feagans Law Group provides free consultations.