Internal Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents ⏐Causes, Symptoms & Compensation

Motorcycle accidents commonly cause severe injury problems on West Virginia roads. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to internal injuries due to the lack of protection compared to occupants of passenger vehicles.

Today, our attorneys will examine the types of internal injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents and their significance in personal injury lawsuits.

Why Motorcycle Crashes Cause Internal Injuries

The forces involved in motorcycle accidents make riders especially vulnerable to internal injuries compared to those inside enclosed vehicles. With little to no protective outer shell, a motorcyclist’s body directly absorbs the full force of impacts.

This immense blunt-force trauma can cause:

• Internal bleeding from damaged blood vessels
• Ruptured or bruised organs like the spleen, kidneys, liver
• Pulmonary contusions and collapsed lungs
• Abdominal aorta aneurysms and injuries
• Intestinal tears, herniation, and perforations

Even at lower speeds, the sudden deceleration when a bike collides with another object creates extreme forces on the body’s internal structures and cavities. Compression injuries from hard impacts to the abdomen or back are also a major culprit.

Wearing protective gear can help reduce overall severity and prevent some external injuries. But once the extreme forces at play in a motorcycle crash breach that outer layer, internal damage becomes likely.

Symptoms of Internal Injuries

While external injuries like road rash, fractures, and lacerations are often the most visible after a motorcycle crash, it’s the internal injuries that can prove most life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Unfortunately, many internal trauma symptoms can be easy to overlook initially or mistaken for typical soreness. As a motorcyclist, being aware of these warning signs is crucial:

• Severe, worsening abdominal pain or stomach tenderness
• Dizziness, weakness, cold sweats, fainting
• Coughing or vomiting up blood
• Abnormal bruising on the abdomen, chest, or lower back
• Dropping blood pressure and rapid heart rate
• Acute, localized pain in areas like the chest, upper abdomen, or between shoulder blades

Even if you initially “walked away” from the accident scene, the delayed onset of these symptoms could indicate serious internal bleeding, organ damage/rupture, or other potentially life-threatening conditions.

Seeking immediate emergency medical evaluation is critical if experiencing any combination of these red flags. Internal injuries require timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications. When it comes to motorcycle crashes, better safe than sorry.

Typical Internal Injuries Suffered by Motorcycle Riders

If a motorcycle has crashed into you, you may be suffering from a hidden critical injury. Let’s look at some of the most common harms after an accident.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden external force impacts the head, causing the brain to move within the skull. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result from the extreme forces exerted on the body during a motorcycle crash. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage.

Chest Injuries

The chest is vulnerable to blunt force trauma in a motorcycle accident, potentially causing injuries such as broken ribs, punctured lungs, or damage to the heart and major blood vessels.

Abdominal Injuries

Abdominal injuries can occur when the body strikes an object or is crushed between the motorcycle and another surface. These injuries may include damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or intestines.

Pelvic Injuries

The pelvis is a ring-like structure that can fracture or become unstable due to the impact of a motorcycle accident. Pelvic injuries can be extremely painful and may require extensive surgery and rehabilitation.

Diagnosing and Treating Internal Injuries

Some internal injuries may not present symptoms immediately, but prompt diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving. Doctors may use diagnostic tools such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds to identify internal injuries and determine the best course of treatment, which may include surgery, medication, and rehabilitation therapy.

Pursuing Compensation for Internal Injuries in Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits

If you or a loved one suffered internal injuries from a motorcycle accident caused by another’s negligence in West Virginia, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. These types of traumatic internal injuries often result in staggering medical expenses, lost wages if unable to work, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Building a strong case will require proving the at-fault party’s negligence as well as directly linking your internal injuries to the motorcycle crash. Properly documenting your medical treatment from the very start is absolutely vital.

Potential damages that could be recovered include:

• Emergency transport and hospital costs
• Follow-up treatments, surgeries, medications
• Future anticipated medical care for permanent injuries
• Lost wages and income during recovery
• Loss of future earnings capacity due to disabilities
• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Spouse’s loss of consortium

An experienced West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer will gather all evidence to establish negligence and bring in medical and economic experts to fully calculate your total losses from internal injuries. This ensures you receive fair and complete compensation.

Why Seek Legal Counsel After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle crashes almost always lead to life-altering harm, mainly when they involve internal injuries. You must seek medical attention immediately after the incident and consult with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Miley Legal in West Virginia can help you take on insurance companies and the legal process to fight for the justice you deserve. We offer confidential consultations and free case reviews to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your case.

Don’t wait to get started on your path to recovery. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation.