Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Durham

Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, and it’s crucial to have skilled legal representation on your side. At Ward and Smith, our team of motorcycle accident lawyers has the expertise to help victims of motorcycle accidents in Durham seek justice. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us at (919) 827-8475 for a free consultation today.

Injuries You Can Suffer in a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles. When riders are involved in a crash, they face a much higher risk of injury. Even with the proper safety gear, such as a helmet and protective clothing, the force of a collision can cause serious harm.

In Durham, motorcycle accidents are a real concern. Knowing the common types of injuries sustained in these accidents can help riders understand the risks they face and take steps to protect themselves. While each accident is different, there are several types of injuries that are more likely to occur.

Head Injuries

One of the most dangerous injuries riders face in a motorcycle accident is a head injury. The head is particularly vulnerable because motorcycle helmets, while effective, can only do so much to absorb the force of a crash. In serious accidents, riders may suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, or skull fractures.

A traumatic brain injury can be mild, such as a concussion, or severe, resulting in permanent brain damage. Symptoms of a TBI may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and even memory loss. In more severe cases, a brain injury can lead to long-term disability or death.

Wearing a helmet greatly reduces the risk of brain injuries, but it is still possible to sustain significant damage in an accident. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are another serious concern in motorcycle accidents. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury. This type of injury can be life-changing and may require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments.

Injuries to the spinal cord can occur from the force of the impact or from the rider being thrown from the motorcycle. The higher the impact and the more violent the crash, the greater the risk of spinal damage. Victims of spinal cord injuries may experience loss of motor function, loss of sensation, and difficulty breathing, depending on the location and extent of the injury.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Motorcycle riders are at high risk for fractures and broken bones. The force of an impact with another vehicle or the ground can easily cause bones to break. Common fractures include broken legs, arms, collarbones, and ribs.

Fractures can range from minor cracks to complex, multiple fractures that require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Broken bones often result in long-term pain, limited mobility, and the need for physical therapy. In some cases, surgeries or implants (such as rods or plates) may be necessary to stabilize the broken bones.

Fractures can be particularly severe if the rider is thrown from the motorcycle and lands on hard surfaces like concrete. The risk of fractures increases in high-speed collisions or crashes that occur at intersections or while navigating curves.

Road Rash and Skin Injuries

Road rash is one of the most common injuries among motorcycle accident victims. This type of injury occurs when the rider’s skin is scraped across the road’s surface. Road rash can range from mild abrasions to deep, painful wounds that expose underlying tissue.

While road rash is often not life-threatening, it can cause severe pain and result in permanent scarring. In some cases, road rash can lead to infections if not treated properly. Wearing protective gear such as leather jackets, pants, gloves, and boots can significantly reduce the risk of road rash, but accidents at high speeds may still lead to skin injuries.

Severe road rash may require surgery to remove damaged tissue, and the recovery process can be lengthy. In addition to the physical pain, road rash often leads to emotional distress due to the visible scars it leaves behind.

Leg and Knee Injuries

Leg and knee injuries are especially common in motorcycle accidents, particularly when the rider is thrown off the bike or the bike falls on top of them. Riders often suffer fractures to their legs, knees, and ankles, which can be complicated by the twisting and impact forces at play during a crash.

These injuries can range from simple fractures to more complex injuries, like dislocations or ligament tears. In some cases, motorcycle accidents can lead to amputation if the injury is severe enough. Riders may also suffer from severe bruising, sprains, and strains in the lower limbs.

Recovery from leg and knee injuries often involves physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. These injuries can affect a person’s ability to walk or perform everyday activities for months, if not longer.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as damage to the organs, can occur in a motorcycle accident due to the force of the impact or blunt trauma. These injuries may not always be immediately apparent, which is why it’s essential to seek medical attention after any motorcycle crash, even if you don’t feel significant pain at first.

Common internal injuries include damage to the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries can result in internal bleeding, which may require emergency surgery to address. In severe cases, internal injuries can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider’s foot is caught under the bike or hits the ground during the crash. These injuries can range from fractures to sprains, strains, and ligament tears.

Because motorcycle riders are typically more exposed than car passengers, the risk of foot and ankle injuries increases, particularly in high-speed crashes. Severe injuries to the feet or ankles may require surgery, followed by months of rehabilitation to restore function and mobility.

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious and sometimes life-altering injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, or road rash, the consequences of a crash can affect your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Get the Support You Need from a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Recovering after a motorcycle accident in Durham can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Ward and Smith understand the complexities of these cases and are prepared to pursue the full compensation you deserve. From medical bills to long-term recovery needs, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us at (919) 827-8475 for a free consultation and let a skilled motorcycle accident attorney guide you through the legal process.