At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident attorney has the specialized skills, experience, and legal expertise to handle catastrophic injury claims, including spinal cord damage cases. If you or your family member suffered a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle crash, we can help. Call us at 866-529-2453 or connect with us through our website to schedule a free, no obligation initial consultation with a top Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer.
Spinal Cord Injuries from Motorcycle Accident Require Emergency Medical Care
The spinal cord plays a core role in virtually all aspects of the functioning of the human body. Even a seemingly small amount of impact to the spinal cord is a catastrophic injury. Unfortunately, there are many people and families who have gone through the trauma. According to data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are nearly 250,000 Americans who are currently living with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury.
A spinal cord injury in a motorcycle crash is life-altering. When the spinal cord is injured, it can result in loss of sensation, movement, or both. It is essential to seek emergency medical care immediately after an accident. Emergency medical care for spinal cord injuries will always be customized to meet the needs of the patient—it could include things like immobilization, oxygen therapy, and surgery. Prompt care can improve the chances for recovery.
The Debilitating Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord damage can result in long-lasting, downright devastating consequences. Spinal cord injuries can cause a diminished quality of life, persistent and chronic pain, and even permanent physical disability. Some of the most significant adverse effects of a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident include:
- Paralysis: Depending on the severity and location of the injury, individuals may experience complete or partial paralysis of the body.
- Chronic Pain: A spinal cord injury can result in pain, discomfort, and muscle spasms. It can have a profound impact on a patient’s ability to perform daily tasks and enjoy life.
- Loss of Sensation: Damage to the spinal cord may result in numbness, tingling, or the complete loss of sensation in affected areas of the body.
- Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Spinal cord injuries can disrupt normal bladder and bowel control, leading to incontinence or constipation, which can significantly impact quality of life.
- Sexual Dysfunction: Spinal cord damage can result in sexual difficulties, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and fertility issues.
- Mental Health Challenges: The long-term impact of spinal cord damage can lead to depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation or hopelessness.
An Overview of Motorcycle Accident Liability in Georgia
Motorcycle accidents can have severe consequences for riders. If you suffered spinal cord damage in a crash, it is especially important that you have an understanding of Georgia law. Here are three things to know:
- Fault-Based Motorcycle Accident Standard: Georgia operates under a fault-based system for accidents, meaning that the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages incurred. In a motorcycle accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company typically covers the medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage of the injured party.
- Comparative Negligence for a Crash: Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which considers the extent to which each party is at fault for the accident. Under this rule, an injured party’s damages may be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if the injured party is found to be 50 percent or more responsible for the accident, they will be barred from recovering any compensation.
A Two-Year Statute of Limitations: Under Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32, there is a two-year statute of limitations for motorcycle accident injury claims. If you sustained spinal cord damage in a motorcycle crash, you must initiate your claim within two years. Failure to do so could prevent you from bringing a claim at all.
Recovering Compensation for Spinal Cord Damage After a Motorcycle Accident
If you sustained spinal cord damage in a motorcycle crash, it is essential that you are able to obtain the maximum financial compensation available under the law. Unfortunately, defendants and insurers try to resolve their liability for less—even when the victim suffered a catastrophic injury, such as spinal cord damage. Our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers help victims recover for:
- Property damage;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills;
- Medications;
- Medical devices;
- Physical therapy;
- Mental health counseling;
- Lost wages;
- Diminished earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Permanent disability; and
- Loss of life enjoyment.
Spinal cord damage claims are often complicated due to the severity and long-lasting nature of the injuries sustained. These cases involve significant long-term medical needs, such as ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices, which can be challenging to quantify. Spinal cord damage also carries severe pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other non-economic damages.
Spinal Cord Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Motorcyclists are at inherent risk. A rider has little built-in protection. A spinal cord injury in a motorcycle crash can be caused by a high-impact collision—it could be a rider being struck by another vehicle, a rider hitting a stationary object, or a rider being thrown off of their motorcycle. Some factors that may contribute to a spinal cord injury include excessive speed, lack of protective gear, road hazards, and adverse weather conditions.
Motorcyclists can take several precautions to minimize the risk of spinal cord injuries. Wearing proper safety gear – a helmet and protective back brace, etc—is essential. Motorcyclists should always wear high-visibility clothing and reflective accessories to help increase visibility on the road. Practicing safe riding techniques, maintaining a safe speed, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, and regularly inspecting the motorcycle for any mechanical issues can further reduce risks.
The long-term consequences of spinal cord injuries can be life-altering. There is no such thing as a minor spinal cord injury. A motorcyclist who sustains spinal cord damage may deal with chronic pain, limited mobility, psychological trauma, or even complete paralysis. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and assistive devices like wheelchairs or braces. In some cases, victims may also face emotional and psychological challenges.
How Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
Motorcycle accident claims are complicated—particularly so if you suffered a catastrophic injury such as spinal cord damage. At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, we have fought for the rights of injured motorcyclists for more than 25 years. Motorcycle law is our exclusive focus. When you contact our Georgia law firm, you will have a chance to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer who can:
- Hear your story and answer questions about your spinal cord injury claim;
- Thoroughly investigate your motorcycle accident, gathering evidence;
- Represent you in settlement negotiations with defendants and insurers; and
- Develop a personalized strategy to help you maximize your spinal cord compensation.
Contact Our Georgia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today!
At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers fight tirelessly to protect the legal rights and financial interests of riders who have sustained spinal cord damage. Give us a phone call at 866-529-2453 or contact us online for a free, completely confidential evaluation of your case. From our Roswell law office, we handle spinal cord damage claims throughout Georgia, including in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Macon.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR GEORGIA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER NOW
At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys are passionate, experienced specialists. We have what it takes to help injured motorcyclists get justice after a serious crash.
You do not have to take on the legal system alone. Call us now at 866-529-2453 or contact us online for a free, no commitment review of your case. With law offices in Atlanta and Roswell, we represent motorcycle accident victims throughout all of Georgia.