Motorcycle wrecks are significant accidents. Miraculously, some riders walk away from these accidents with only minor aches and pains. However, in the coming weeks, those “minor” injuries can turn out to be more significant than victims could have imagined the day of the crash. Contact Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers for assistance with an accident claim. Insurance adjusters will probably emphasize how uninjured you are or question why you delayed getting medical care. Our Augusta motorcycle accident lawyers can advocate for you and build a solid claim for compensation if you reach out to us today.
Complications from Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia
Some relatively minor injuries include:
- Bruises
- Abrasions
- Friction burns
- Sprains and strains
However, these injuries often have unforeseen complications which increase the cost of medical care and cause additional pain and bodily limitations.
Infections
Any burn or abrasion can become infected. Although most infections are treatable, some motorcycle accident victims might delay treatment. When left untreated, infections can lead to scarring, sepsis, and possibly even death.
Watch your wounds closely after an accident. If you notice red streaks radiating from the wound or pus leaking, then you probably have an infection which warrants immediate medical attention. Go to the hospital.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Burns, abrasions, and lacerations can all leave disfiguring scars when they heal. Thick scars might cause a person to sink into depression or struggle with anxiety. Some people will stop socializing out of embarrassment. Helpfully, we can negotiate compensation to cover emotional anguish and related emotional distress.
Compartment Syndrome
This is a medical condition which arises when rising pressure in a muscle compartment ends up cutting off the flow of blood. When left untreated, compartment syndrome can lead to the death of tissue.
Some “Minor” Injuries Are Really Major Injuries
It’s a mistake to assume that major injuries are always obvious right after a crash. For example, you might have suffered bleeding in your skull, which can slowly increase the pressure inside your skull. You can’t see that anything is wrong, but hour by hour your life is becoming more endangered. After a day or two, you experience a thunderclap headache which is a sign of a life-threatening injury and requires emergency treatment.
- Other serious injuries might slowly develop:
- Arthritis in a joint. Traumatic injury to a joint can lead to damaged cartilage and ultimately arthritis, even in young people.
- Spinal cord injury. You might notice numbness in your hands or feet, which are early signs something is compressing your spine. Without treatment, you can experience even more serious limitations.
- Concussions. Perhaps you only notice a headache or slight dizziness after the accident. In the coming days, more prominent concussion symptoms manifest, including loss of balance or memory loss.
- Whiplash. Motorcyclists might not notice any immediate pain in their neck. The next day, and the day after that, their neck stiffness steadily increases, and they might be unable to turn their head.
- Fractures. A broken bone should heal if set properly. Nonetheless, some complications will arise which can lead to bone death and other problems.
Did You Not Receive Immediate Medical Treatment?
Motorcycle accident victims can run into trouble if they do not receive medical treatment following a crash. The insurance companies might use this fact to argue you are not seriously hurt. They might even accuse you of faking injuries.
There are ways you can prevent this from happening:
1. Visit a doctor immediately after a crash, even if you feel fine. You can discuss the accident and whether you struck your head on the ground. A doctor can also look at minor injuries, such as bruises or strains.
2. Return to the doctor at the first sign of worsening pain. You should be proactive. Don’t stay at home for a week or two hoping things get better. The sooner you receive treatment, the more you document the injury.
3. Avail yourself of rehab and physical therapy. Accident survivors also need to show they are committed to getting well. This means receiving all treatment recommended by your medical team.
4. Save records and other documentation. You want to show your lawyer bills, benefit statements, and receipts. Our team will use this information to support a compensation claim.
5. Obtain a second opinion if you are not improving as fast as you hope. It never hurts to have another doctor perform an exam and offer their recommendations.
Get Help with Your Injury Case
Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers focuses solely on motorcycle accident cases. This experience has paid dividends over the years, allowing us to effectively advocate for accident victims. Call us to schedule a consultation.