Motorcyclists risk injury and death every time they take to the roadways with larger, heavier and more powerful vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that overall, 80 percent of motorcycle accidents involve injuries or fatalities. In comparison, only 20 percent of auto accidents involve injuries or fatalities.
Motorcyclists are at a disadvantage in a collision because they lack the protection offered by vehicles. There is nothing to protect the rider from impacting the road, objects along the road, or even another vehicle. As a result, serious injuries are common, and some of the more serious injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include loss of limb in a motorcycle accident by blunt force trauma or amputation.
Blunt Force Trauma and Crushing Injuries
When a motorcyclist’s body comes into direct contact with an object or vehicle there is a risk that the force of the trauma or crushing could separate a limb from the body. This scenario is most likely in high speed crashes. This is serious and immediately life threatening injury from a large loss of blood. In many such cases, the limb will be lost and the rider will need to adjust to life without an arm or leg.
Surgical Amputation
Sometimes motorcycle accident victims arrive at the hospital emergency room with injuries to one or more limbs that are so severe the limb cannot be saved. In these cases, doctors will work to remove the damaged portion of the limb in order to save the victim’s life. Crushed bone and damaged tissue are taken from the victim’s body and the doctor seals nerves and blood vessels. In many cases, muscles need to be shaped and prepared to be able to fit into a prosthetic limb.
Recovering after Loss of a Limb in a Motorcycle Accident
Lost limb injuries require a significant healing period. Amputation surgeries often require a couple weeks in the hospital depending on the circumstances of the procedure. Complications related to other health conditions are carefully monitored during the recovery period, as is the patient’s mental and emotional state. Loss of limb injuries can be accompanied by phantom pain (pain sensed in the missing limb) or a period of grief.
After a couple of weeks, the patient may begin physical therapy. It’s around this time the patient may also be fitted for a prosthetic limb. Long-term therapy and rehabilitation efforts are often ongoing for an extended period of time.
Seeking Compensation for Loss of Limb in a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve lost a limb in a motorcycle accident, you may be facing large medical bills, significant lost time at work and/or future loss of earning potential, not to mention pain and suffering. You need to understand your rights and seek compensation from the responsible party.
The at-fault driver’s insurance pays for bodily injury damages related to an accident under Ohio law. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer or file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and/or pain and suffering.
Establishing fault in a motorcycle accident often becomes a critical element of obtaining compensation for your losses in the state of Ohio. You will need to compile all significant information to support your case.
- police reports.
- witness statements.
- photographs of the scene.
- and, estimates for repairs or medical bills.
Seek the help of an attorney who handles motorcycle accident cases and is familiar with applicable laws.
David Bressman Can Help File a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Contact Bressman Law for help. David Bressman is devoted to helping people who suffered serious injuries understand their rights and win settlements that allow them to pay their bills and support their families. Call 877-538-1116 to schedule a consultation.