In 2012, there were over 1,000 motorcycle injury crashes in Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Injuries to a motorcyclist following a crash can be extremely painful, expensive to correct, and may require an extensive healing period. Some of the most common injuries that a motorcyclist may sustain as a result of an accident are broken bones.
Broken bones from a motorcycle accident can typically be remedied with proper medical care. In some cases, though, broken bones may lead to long-term complications and impairment. If you’re a motorcyclist who's suffered broken bone as a result of a motorcycle accident in Iowa, you may be able to pursue and recover compensation for your damages if another party caused the wreck.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone
Usually, the most distinct characteristic of a broken bone is intensive pain at the affected area. Other signs of a broken bone include the following.
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Limited mobility at the site
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Broken skin with a protruding bone
- An obviously misshapen or out-of-place limb or joint
Bones Commonly Broken in a Motorcycle Accident
There is no limitation to the number or types of bones that may be broken in a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists have very little protection in the event of an accident, whatever is on their bodies – like helmets – are generally all that is protecting them.
Broken bones depend upon multiple factors.
- Severity of the accident
- Angle of impact
- Speed that the motorcyclist was traveling
- The part of the body impacted
Motorcyclists might suffer rib fractures from the trauma that comes with their torso striking the ground, other vehicles, or an object. Collarbone, leg, arm, spine, and pelvis breaks are possible, too. The severity and type of break will determine healing and recovery time, as well as whether or not there is a risk for long-term complications.
Recovery Time for Broken Bones from a Motorcycle Accident and Long-Term Complications
Treatment for a broken bone will vary greatly depending upon the area and severity of break. Cast immobilization, for example, will typically be used for breaks in the limbs (arms, legs). A functional cast or brace may also be used for minor breaks. Some serious breaks may require surgery to repair.
More serious breaks, such as a broken spine, can be particularly traumatizing. If a break of the spinal column causes any disturbance to the spinal cord, injuries can be severe and permanent. An injury to the spinal cord can cause permanent paralysis, for example.
Broken bone injuries have the potential to cause future complications. In some cases, for example, the condition known as post-traumatic arthritis may cause problems for a person later in life at the affected area.
Who’s liable for your broken bones from the motorcycle accident?
If your motorcycle accident, and therefore your broken bone injuries, were the result of another driver’s negligent or irresponsible actions, that driver may be liable for the damages you sustain because of your injuries. Damages may be awarded for medical expense and future medical expenses, lost wages that you suffer as a result of your injury, and even pain and suffering.
In Iowa, the law requires that you file a motorcycle injury case within two years of your injury occurring if you want to recover damages. As such, you need to get started on speaking with an attorney immediately.
How an Attorney from Walker, Billingsley & Bair in Iowa Can Help
Proving the liability of the other driver on your own, and recovering the compensation to which you’re entitled, can be complicated in cases involving serious injuries or a lot of damages.
At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our attorneys can help you to gather all the evidence you need to prove liability, can file your claim on your behalf, and will guide you through the entire legal process.
To get started on getting the money that you need for your broken bones and other damages, call us now at (888) 435-9886. Also be sure to check out our Iowa Consumer's Guide to Motorcycle Crashes.