How Motorcycle Accidents Can Happen In Today’s Society

As a motorcyclist, there may be nothing quite as thrilling as cruising along the streets and highways. However, danger can pop up at every corner. Unfortunately, car drivers are just not as aware or considerate towards those who are operating a motorcycle. And due to the addictive nature of social media in today’s society, more than over before people are distracted behind the wheel. It seems as though it’s impossible for some drivers to put down the phone until they reach their destination.

Sadly, motorcyclists tend to suffer the very worst impact of distracted and reckless driving. If you or someone you love was in a motorcycle crash due to the negligence of another, then it is recommended that you consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Trenton, NJ in your area as soon as possible. 

How will I know if I sustained a head injury?

The most vital organ aside from our heart, is our brain. If a motorcycle accident occurs, the victim may suffer from serious head injuries that require emergency care. Such injuries can rapidly turn into a life or death situation. If you have symptoms such as blurry vision, persistent headache, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, or a visible head wound, then call for help. Here are the most common head injuries that can happen to motorcyclists during an accident:

• Concussion: when a person’s head gets jolted back and forth rapidly, or after sustaining blunt force. 
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): caused due to a direct impact to the head, which can result in temporary or permanent disability. These injuries are quite serious and the victim may experience changes to their reasoning, thinking, ability to concentrate, memory, vision, hearing, and personality. 
• Contrecoup: this occurs if the brain hits the inside of the skull from sudden acceleration or deceleration. 
• Hematoma: a hematoma of the brain can be fatal. A blood clot may form in between the brain or tissues and the skull. 

What are the different grades of road rash?

Road rash is when the skin comes into contact with a hard surface such as pavement or a roadway, and it probably goes without saying that these wounds can be terribly painful. A motorcyclist can suffer from extreme road rash, especially if any skin was exposed at the time. There are three grades of road rash, which are briefly described below:

• 1st Degree: the skin surface is irritated and red
• 2nd Degree: the skin surface has been broken, but muscle tissue is not exposed
• 3rd Degree: skin has been torn away, causing fat tissue and inner layers of muscle to be exposed

What if I have a loss of feeling in my arms after the accident?

If you have numbness in the arm area after a motorcycle collision, then you may be suffering from what is called “Rider’s Arm”. This condition is unique to motorcycle accidents specifically, as the motorcyclist may put out his or her arms to brace the fall after being struck. The nerves may become damaged, and the victim may have temporary or permanent loss of feeling in their arms. 

Thanks to Davis & Brusca for their insight into personal injury claims and how motorcycle accidents happen.