Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Riding a motorcycle in nice weather on Kansas roads can be an exhilarating experience. Sharing the road with cars, vans, trucks, and other motor vehicles, however, comes with some inherent risks. Motor vehicle accidents always have the potential to cause devastating damage, but when a motorcycle is involved in a wreck, the odds of severe injuries are significantly increased. Because of these increased risks, drivers in Kansas are expected to “exercise the highest degree of care” when behind the wheel. If you have been hurt in a Kansas motorcycle accident, there are laws that protect you and provide compensation for your injuries and losses.
At Bretz Injury Law, we take motorcycle injuries seriously. Our motorcycle accident attorneys provide top-notch legal services to motorcycle accident victims and their loved ones throughout Kansas. Our legal team is well-versed in the Kansas liability insurance requirements applicable to motorcyclists. We will protect your rights and help you recover the benefits available to injured riders under Kansas’ no-fault insurance law.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case. We’re here for you every step of the way.
Kansas Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Sadly, Kansas does not have the best record when it comes to motorcycle-related crashes. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Traffic Crash Facts Book, there were 869 motorcycle crashes in 2021, representing a 2% increase from 2020. Six hundred and eighty of those crashes — approximately 78% of the total crashes — resulted in injuries. Forty-six people lost their lives in 43 of those crashes.
Common Causes of Kansas Motorcycle Accidents
So, now you know too many motorcyclists are being hurt on Kansas roads, but what’s the cause? Several factors can cause motorcycle crashes, but they are often the result of another driver’s reckless, malicious, or careless behavior. Some of the common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Sudden-turn accidents
- Aggressive driving, including road rage
- Failure to share the road or yield
- Miscalculating speed and distance
- Dangerous roads
- Motorcycle defects
Many people have the misconception that riders are daredevils and architects of their own demise, but that’s all it is — a misconception. While some crashes are indeed the result of a biker’s negligence, a significant number of motorcycle accidents result from other drivers failing to take a biker’s safety into account.
At Bretz Injury Law, our attorneys can review your case and collect evidence to hold negligent drivers accountable for your injuries. We’re riders ourselves and know how life-changing motorcycle injuries can be. We’re here to help.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Whether it’s a solo crash or a crash involving another motor vehicle, motorcycle accidents are often tragic for motorcyclists and their passengers, resulting in significant catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
Knowing the physical implications of a motorcycle accident can help you understand the different forms of compensation available via a claim or a lawsuit. Here are some of the common motorcycle accident injuries we see:
Head Injuries
Motorcycle riders have a higher chance of sustaining head injuries following an accident. Wearing protective gear such as a helmet can prevent a head injury but doesn’t assure complete safety from head trauma when hit with tremendous force. Some of the symptoms or injuries associated with head injuries include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Chronic headache
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Difficulty speaking
- Concussion
- Skull fracture
- Amnesia
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Symptoms of head injuries may sometimes not manifest immediately and may take hours or even days. On top of the physical symptoms, head injuries can have lasting consequences, such as personality changes and cognitive impairment. Your doctor can assess your head injury to establish whether you have a mild concussion or a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Head injuries are severe and may result in hefty medical costs and the loss of the ability to work. The compassionate legal team at Bretz Injury Law understands the financial and emotional toll head injuries can have on your life. Trust our Kansas motorcycle accident attorneys to work tirelessly to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and to protect your family’s future.
Broken Bones
Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer broken bones and fractures following a crash. The extent of the fracture may vary from a complete break to a hairline fracture. When a crash occurs, the impact of the collision can result in tremendous force being applied to the body, resulting in bone fractures in the pelvis, hips, legs, or arms.
Broken bones can be extremely painful and may require considerable time to heal. Treatment may involve restraining the affected body part with a brace or cast, and in some instances, surgery may be needed to straighten the bones. Bone fractures can also result in lasting complications such as arthritis, reduced mobility, and chronic pain.
Soft Tissue Injuries
After a motorcycle accident, force intensity can cause soft tissue injuries. Injuries vary from minor bruises to more severe injuries such as ruptures or tears of the ligaments or tendons. Soft tissue includes ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other connective tissues surrounding and supporting the joints and bones in the body.
Arm injuries
A motorcyclist’s arms are at risk of injury when a crash happens. A rider may fall on their arm during a collision. After getting thrown off a motorcycle, the rider may land on their arm. “Biker’s arm” is a severe injury that causes nerve damage and loss of some functionality.
A “biker’s arm” denotes one of several potentially severe injuries that can impact a rider’s ability to operate normally following an accident. Common arm injuries include fractured hands, wrists, and forearms; broken fingers; shoulder or elbow lacerations; and debilitating injuries that potentially require amputation.
Lacerations
When a motorcycle rider comes into contact with debris, poor road surfaces, or other vehicles, accidents can result in lacerations and deep cuts. These types of injuries need surgical intervention or stitches to prevent infection.
Burns
Burns can arise from touching hot surfaces such as the exhaust pipe, engine, or flame exposure in case a fire erupts during the crash. The types of burns a biker may sustain in a collision include first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns. Burns can be excruciatingly painful and may need medical care to prevent infection and manage pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury occurs when a rider’s back is twisted or impacted in a manner that causes nerve damage. Spine injuries can be mild or severe, leading to complete or partial paralysis. Spinal cord injury symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. They include:
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation
- Incontinence
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme back pain
At Bretz Injury Law, we know how life-altering spinal injuries can be, from multiple surgeries to years of rehabilitation, lost earnings, and being forced to make drastic life changes. Our Kansas personal injury attorneys can compile evidence and consult with doctors to build a strong case. We won’t allow you or your family to bear the financial burden of someone else’s careless mistakes.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries vary from minor bruises and cuts to more severe injuries, such as a disconnected retina, which can lead to permanent vision loss. Motorcyclists are susceptible to eye injuries as they are unprotected from debris during crashes. If you have suffered an eye injury in a motorcycle crash, prompt medical care is integral to preserving your vision and preventing further damage.
Dismemberments
Although guard rails are intended to assist in keeping vehicles on the road, when a motorcycle collides with one, it can change into a lethal weapon that can cut off legs, hands, arms, or even complete torsos. Crashes can occur anytime, and you may be unable to avoid crashing into a guardrail, regardless of how hard you try.
Bruising and Internal Bleeding
Motorcycle crashes can lead to various forms of bruising, such as a black eye or hidden internal bleeding, which might demand urgent surgery.
Signs of internal bleeding after a motorcycle accident may not always be apparent in the minutes or hours following a crash. This makes swift treatment critical for victims to avoid life-threatening consequences. Common internal injuries among motorcyclists encompass fractures, organ damage, and internal bleeding. Don’t underestimate the importance of timely medical attention.
Road Rash
Road rash is another common motorcycle injury that happens when a rider falls off their bike and scrapes across a pavement or rough surface, such as asphalt or concrete. Injuries can occur to any exposed body part, including arms or hands, after being flung from a bike at high speeds.
Injuries sustained from road rash can vary from severe to mild, depending on the severity and length of your contact with the rough surface and the speed at which you were moving when you were thrown off your motorcycle. If you’re fortunate and were wearing protective gear, road rash can result in mild scrapes, irritation, or bruises.
Road rash can cause disfigurement and scarring, often requiring reconstructive surgeries or skin grafts, which can lead to costly medical bills. It may also hinder your ability to work. Road rash can result in bleeding, swelling, and pain, requiring prompt medical care to prevent infection.
To avoid liability, the at-fault driver might deny fault if you’ve been injured due to their negligence. At Bretz Injury Law, we understand that even superficial injuries can lead to serious medical complications. Our legal team will gather medical evidence detailing the extent of your injuries to fight for the fair compensation you deserve. We’re here for you in your time of need.
Kansas Motorcycle Safety Tips: How To Increase Your Odds of Survival
Motorcycle wrecks can result in serious injuries that often require multiple surgeries and extensive periods of physiotherapy and may have long-lasting consequences. Fortunately, Kansas has established state motorcycle laws aimed at ensuring rider safety. Here are some key tips for riders to keep in mind:
- Don’t ride while impaired. Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated kills! Always ride sober.
- Always wear a helmet. Helmets are your best defense against head and eye injuries while riding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets reduce fatalities by 37% for riders and 41% for passengers. So, remember, strapping on a helmet is a simple and vital step to protect yourself on the road.
- Wear body gear. It’s crucial to wear proper body gear while riding. Why? Because in the unfortunate event of a collision, you’ll get flung from your motorcycle and end up skidding across the rough surfaces of concrete, asphalt, and road debris. Protect yourself by gearing up for safety.
- Be predictable and visible. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and ensure you’re easily seen at night by using lights and reflectors. These simple steps will go a long way toward keeping you safe.
While you can’t always control the behavior of negligent or reckless drivers, you can significantly improve your chances of staying safe and preventing common motorcycle accident injuries by following the safety tips mentioned above.
The Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Kansas That Gets Results
If you have sustained an injury in a motorcycle crash, you have legal recourse to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Bretz Injury Law, our skilled accident lawyers believe that you shouldn’t be left to bear the financial brunt of somebody else’s negligence. Our firm has won over 98% of the cases we’ve pursued and has successfully recovered over $300 million for injured victims in Kansas. We can help you get maximum compensation for losses and injuries suffered.
We care about our clients, and we show our commitment by offering our legal services on a contingency fee basis. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys have not sent a bill to an injured client since 1997.
Don’t allow the two-year statute of limitations to lapse without taking legal action against the responsible party. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you get the justice you deserve. We build strong relationships with our clients through constant communication and a steadfast commitment to trust and truth. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, please fill out our contact form or call 620.RESULTS to schedule a no-cost consultation and case review.
