Internal Injuries From Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can leave riders vulnerable to severe injuries—and hidden dangers beneath the surface. Unlike car accidents where passengers are surrounded by metal and airbags, motorcyclists lack that protection. This makes them much more likely to sustain internal bleeding, organ damage, and other complications, even in seemingly minor crashes. Early detection is critical.

Learn about the causes and effects of internal injuries from motorcycle crashes. Mountain States Injury Law offers expert legal representation for accident victims. Contact our personal injury law firm for a free consultation.

Understanding Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are hidden dangers that occur when blunt force trauma damages organs or blood vessels inside the body. Unlike most common injuries like cuts or broken bones, these injuries aren’t immediately visible and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Common Internal Injuries for Motorcycle Riders

• Internal Bleeding: The impact from a crash can tear organs or blood vessels, causing blunt force trauma injuries. This can occur in the chest (around the lungs or heart), abdomen (spleen, liver, kidneys), or the brain. While some bleeding might be minor, undetected internal bleeding can lead to shock and death.
• Organ Damage: Organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys can be bruised, lacerated, or even ruptured during an accident. The damage can cause internal bleeding but also disrupt the organ’s function, leading to infections or long-term organ failure.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even with a helmet, the head remains vulnerable. A blow to the head can cause traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe bleeding and swelling within the brain. These injuries can have lasting effects on memory, motor skills, and cognitive function.

Severity and Long-Term Impact

The severity depends on the force of impact and the affected organs. Minor bleeding might resolve on its own, while severe internal bleeding can be fatal within minutes without treatment. Organ damage may require surgery and extensive recovery, potentially leading to long-term health issues.

TBIs could have a profound impact, causing issues like difficulty with daily activities, speech problems, personality changes, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The potential for long-term complications highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident, even if there are no obvious external injuries. Early diagnosis and treatment can substantially improve the chances of a full recovery.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Below we discuss the factors that raise internal injury risk in motorcycle accidents, helmet and protective gear, and reckless driving behaviors.

Risk Factors

• Speed: Higher speeds during a collision translate to greater impact forces. This increases the likelihood of organ damage and internal bleeding
• Inexperience: New riders are more prone to making mistakes that can lead to accidents. Their lack of experience in handling unexpected situations can further elevate the risk of internal injuries.
• Impaired Driving: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and reaction time. This can lead to crashes and worsen the severity of internal injuries from a motorcycle accident.
• Road Conditions: Poor road surfaces, potholes, and debris all contribute to potential accidents. Uneven surfaces can destabilize the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a fall and internal trauma.

Helmet Usage and Protective Gear

While not foolproof, helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries, including TBIs. Wearing proper protective gear like leather jackets, pants, and sturdy boots offers additional protection for the body, potentially reducing the impact on internal organs during a motorcycle crash.

Reckless Driving Behaviors

Certain risky behaviors on the road considerably increase the chances of a severe accident. These include:

• Lane Splitting: Sharing lanes with moving cars is dangerous and illegal in many places. It significantly reduces the space cushion for the rider in case of sudden maneuvers by surrounding vehicles.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating limits reaction time in case of the vehicle in front braking suddenly. This can lead to rear-end collisions and internal injuries for the motorcyclist.
• Swerving or Speeding Through Traffic: Erratic maneuvers at high speeds leave little room for error and increase the risk of collisions with other vehicles or objects.

Recognizing Symptoms

Beyond wounds, motorcycle accidents can leave riders vulnerable to hidden dangers that may not be immediately apparent. Luckily, the body often sends warning signs. Here’s how to recognize the warning signs and seek timely medical attention.

Signs of Internal Injuries

• Pain: Following a motorcycle accident, any persistent or worsening pain, especially in the abdomen, chest, or back, could indicate internal bleeding or organ damage.
• Bleeding: Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or blood in the stool or urine are all alarming signs of internal bleeding.
• Swelling: Unusual swelling in the abdomen, limbs, or around the head could indicate internal bleeding or damaged organs.
• Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or chest pain can signal internal motorcycle accident injuries to the lungs or ribs.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: These symptoms can indicate internal bleeding or a head injury.

Importance of Seeking Medical Attention

Internal injuries can be deceptive. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it’s advisable to seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of a full recovery and minimize long-term complications.

Diagnosing and Treating Internal Injuries

Following a motorcycle accident, prompt diagnosis and treatment of motorcycle accident internal injuries are vital to reduce the risk of complications. Medical professionals use various diagnostic procedures and tests to identify internal injuries, including:

• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can help visualize internal structures and identify injuries to organs, bones, and tissues.
• Ultrasound: This non-invasive imaging technique can be used to assess internal organs for injuries or abnormalities.
• Blood Tests: These can help identify internal bleeding, organ damage, or other indicators of internal injuries.

Treatment depends on the injury. Minor bleeding might require observation, while severe cases might necessitate surgery to stop bleeding or repair damaged organs. Medications can manage pain and prevent infections. For TBIs, treatment ranges from monitoring for complications to surgery and rehabilitation depending on the severity.

Early diagnosis is key. By seeking immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident, you increase the chances of successful treatment and a full recovery.

Legal Rights and Recourse

Motorcycle accidents with internal injuries can leave you facing significant medical bills and lost wages. The legal system offers a path for claiming compensation for motorcycle accident injuries.

The Legal Process

• Consultation: Discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer specializing in motorcycle accidents. They’ll assess the evidence, determine fault, and advise you on the best course of action.
• Filing a Claim: Your lawyer will file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, outlining your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
• Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
• Lawsuit: If negotiations fail, a lawsuit might be necessary to pursue compensation in court.

Time Limits and Filing Requirements

Each state has a statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim. Colorado, for instance, has a three-year time limit for personal injury claims. Missing this deadline can restrict your legal options.

Calculating Damages

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs related to the accident and your internal injuries.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to your injuries and recovery time.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries limit your ability to work in the future.

Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer who can effectively calculate your total damages and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Get Started With Mountain States Injury Law

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and suffered internal injuries, don’t face the mounting medical bills and lost wages alone. The road to recovery is challenging enough. Our team at Mountain States Injury Law is here to help. We understand the complexities of motorcycle accident claims and will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.