Motorcycle Accident Face Injury

Motorcyclists face a higher risk of facial injuries compared to car drivers due to the lack of protective barriers and the inherent exposure of riding a motorcycle. A motorcycle crash attorney in Castle Rock from Mountain States Injury Law understands the devastating impact that facial injuries can have on victims’ lives. We are dedicated to helping injured motorcyclists when they are claiming compensation for facial injuries and related losses they may endure.

Types of Facial Injuries a Motorcyclist May Sustain in an Accident

Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Mountain States Injury Law will aggressively represent and protect the rights of motorcyclists who have suffered facial injuries in an accident, resulting in severe physical, emotional, and psychological aftermath.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are among the most common facial injuries motorcycle riders may experience. These injuries include lacerations, abrasions, and contusions, often caused by impact with the pavement, debris, or other vehicles. While soft tissue injuries may appear minor, they can result in significant pain, scarring, and disfigurement, requiring extensive medical treatment and cosmetic surgery to repair.

Fractures and Dislocations

Facial fractures, broken bones, and dislocations are frequently encountered in motorcycle accidents, often due to the force of impact or contact with hard surfaces. Fractures may affect the bones of the nose (nasal fractures), jaw (mandibular fractures), cheekbones (zygomatic fractures), or orbits (orbital fractures), leading to pain, swelling, deformity, and impaired function. Dislocations, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation, can cause severe discomfort and difficulty with jaw movement.

Eye Injuries

The eyes are particularly vulnerable in motorcycle accidents as they are exposed to flying debris, shattered glass, and impact trauma. Common eye injuries include corneal abrasions, foreign body penetration, retinal detachment, and globe rupture, all of which can result in vision loss or impairment. Eye injuries affect visual acuity and impact daily activities, employment, and quality of life.

Facial Nerve Damage

Trauma to the face caused by motorcycle accidents can damage facial nerves, leading to paralysis, weakness, or sensory loss in the face. Facial nerve injuries, such as Bell’s palsy or facial nerve palsy, can cause facial asymmetry, drooping, or inability to control facial expressions, significantly impacting self-esteem and social interactions.

Dental Injuries

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in dental injuries, including avulsions, fractures, and luxations of teeth. Facial impact with the ground, handlebars, or other objects can cause dental trauma, resulting in tooth loss, fractures, or misalignment. A mouth related facial injury not only affects oral health but also contributes to difficulties with eating, speaking, and self-confidence.

Maxillofacial Trauma

Maxillofacial trauma refers to injuries affecting the structures of the face and jaws, including the maxilla (upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw), and surrounding tissues. These injuries can range from simple fractures to complex fractures involving multiple facial bones. Maxillofacial trauma often requires surgical intervention to restore function and aesthetics, with potential complications such as malocclusion, difficulty chewing, and facial asymmetry.

Nasal Septal Hematoma

A nasal septal hematoma is a collection of blood within the nasal septum, typically resulting from blunt trauma to the nose. This condition can lead to nasal obstruction, pain, and difficulty breathing for the motorcycle accident victims. If left untreated, a nasal septal hematoma can increase the risk of infection, nasal deformity, and septal perforation, highlighting the importance of prompt medical evaluation and drainage.

Facial Burns

Facial burns can occur in motorcycle accidents involving fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces. Thermal burns, chemical burns, or friction burns can cause extensive damage to the skin, underlying tissues, and facial structures. In addition to physical pain and scarring, facial burn injuries from motorcycle accidents may require reconstructive surgery and long-term rehabilitation to restore function and appearance.

Facial Contusions and Hematomas

Facial contusions and hematomas are common consequences of blunt force trauma to the face, resulting in bruising, swelling, and localized bleeding beneath the skin. While often superficial, severe contusions and hematomas can indicate underlying tissue damage or fractures. Prompt medical assessment and imaging studies may be necessary to rule out more serious injuries and ensure appropriate treatment.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Perhaps the most visible and enduring consequences of facial injuries are scarring and disfigurement. Deep lacerations, burns, or crush injuries can leave permanent scars and deformities, affecting the appearance and function of the face. Scarring and disfigurement can have profound psychological effects, leading to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.

Negligent Actions of Other Motorists that May Cause Facial Injuries to a Motorcyclist

Our motorcycle crash lawyers at Mountain States Injury Law will find evidence to prove the liability of the negligent motorist for your facial injuries, no matter whether or not you were wearing a helmet. Here are some common negligent actions of other motorists that may cause facial injury as well as other injuries (such as brain injuries) to a motorcyclist:

Failure to Yield Right of Way

Motorists who fail to yield the right of way at intersections or when making turns can cause collisions with motorcyclists, resulting in facial impact trauma from the force of the collision or contact with the ground.

Distracted Driving

Drivers who engage in distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting controls while driving may fail to notice motorcyclists on the road, increasing the risk of collisions and facial injuries caused by distracted drivers.

Speeding

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards on the road, including motorcyclists. Collisions with speeding vehicles can result in severe motorcycle accident injuries due to the higher impact forces involved.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Motorists who make sudden or improper lane changes without signaling or checking blind spots may collide with motorcyclists traveling in adjacent lanes, causing facial impact injuries from the collision or subsequent ejection from the motorcycle.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs are less able to maintain control of their vehicles and may fail to see or react to motorcyclists, leading to bike collisions and other motor vehicle accidents involving facial injuries.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, or disregarding traffic signals increase the likelihood of collisions with motorcyclists, resulting in facial trauma, facial lacerations, or face, neck, and head injuries from the impact.

Failure to Check Blind Spots

Drivers who neglect to check their blind spots before changing lanes may collide with motorcyclists traveling in those blind spots.

Opening Vehicle Doors

Motorists who open their vehicle doors without checking for approaching motorcycles can cause riders to collide with the door, leading to facial impact injuries or head injury and potentially ejecting the rider from the motorcycle.

Types of Damages Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Recover

Our motorcycle accident claim lawyers at Mountain States Injury Law will pursue the largest possible damages for victims who have suffered facial injuries. You may have a strong claim for damages, whether or not you were wearing a motorcycle helmet or other protective gear at the time of the crash.

Economic Damages

• Medical Treatment: Compensation for the cost of medical treatment, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical expenses related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Surgeries and Facial Grafts: Coverage for the medical bills associated with face injuries, including multiple facial grafts, plastic surgeries, and reconstructive procedures necessary to address scarring, disfigurement, and other facial injuries.
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Reimbursement for the costs of physical therapy, rehabilitation programs, and other forms of rehabilitative care to restore function and mobility.
• Loss of Income: Compensation for the loss of current and future income resulting from the inability to work due to injuries sustained in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Damages awarded for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress experienced as a result of the injuries sustained in the motorcycle crash.
• PTSD and Psychological Damages: Compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological injuries resulting from the trauma of the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to the spouse or family members of the injured party for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life experienced as a result of the motorcycle accident facial injuries, including the inability to participate in activities and hobbies enjoyed before the accident.

Legal Help is Here from Seasoned Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you have suffered facial injuries or another serious injury (such as traumatic brain injury) in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, don’t let insurance companies delay or undervalue your claim. Motorcycle accident attorney Dale Casares at Mountain States Injury Law is here to help.

With her background in the insurance industry and access to a network of medical professionals, accident reconstructionists and motorcycle industry experts, Dale will ensure you receive the largest possible settlement for your injuries and losses. To schedule your free consultation, call 888-617-6084 or contact us online.