Attorneys
Last Updated: 2/23/2023
Motorcycle accidents carry a high risk of serious injury. Motorcyclists are at greater risk of injury than passenger car drivers given their relative lack of protection. For example, in mid-July 2014, an Iowa motorcyclist was run over by a motorist who fled the scene, causing the biker severe injuries, reports the Des Moines Register.
Many motorcyclists are hospitalized each year for severe injuries that require surgery or intensive care. In some cases, bikers suffer internal injuries, some of which might not be readily apparent. Knowing some internal injury signs is therefore important.
Types of Internal Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Internal injuries are a common result of a motorcycle accident. Accident victims may experience internal bleeding in the abdomen or head or other areas depending on the location of the injury. Blunt trauma or penetration can cause internal bleeding, and though any sign of internal bleeding warrants a trip to the hospital, sometimes the bleeding will stop on its own without intervention. Severe or uncontrolled bleeding may require surgery.
Some possible internal motorcycle accident injuries include the following.
- Tears in the aorta, superior or inferior vena cave or branches.
- Tears, cuts or blunt trauma to organs such as the spleen or liver.
- Bleeding around the lungs.
- Intracranial hemorrhage.
This is just a small sample of internal injuries that motorcyclists might sustain after being thrown from the bike, run over by a vehicle, or otherwise experiencing blunt trauma in a collision.
Internal Injury Signs to Know
It’s important to be aware of some of the common internal injury signs. In many cases, the signs are obvious and severe and there will be no doubt that the individual requires immediate medical care. However, in other cases, the signs are more subtle and there is no visible accompanying injury that will alert bystanders or the victim of the seriousness of the injury.
Any of the following symptoms might be an internal injury sign and warrant a call to 911from the accident scene or a trip to the nearest emergency room for examination.
- Loss of consciousness or headache: Pain in the skull or loss of consciousness may result from internal hemorrhaging in the brain. This is an emergency situation and requires immediate medical care.
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen: Swelling can occur due to blood in the abdomen when there is an internal injury. In addition, pain in this area may signal a more serious condition than the initial examination uncovered.
- Discolored skin: Internal bleeding can cause the skin to turn a deep purple as it seeps into the soft tissues beneath the skin’s surface. This may indicate that there is a more serious internal injury.
- Light-headedness or fainting: Blood loss that occurs internally can cause dizziness. Any type of fainting spell or feeling of dizziness requires an examination to rule out an internal injury after a motorcycle accident.
After receiving medical treatment for internal motorcycle accident injuries, you may need to enlist the help of an attorney to recover compensation for your motorcycle injuries. If you’ve experienced large medical bills, lost time at work or decreased ability to return to work after your accident, an attorney can help. Call a lawyer to help you explore your options to seek reimbursement for your damages.
Call Walker, Billingsley & Bair after a Motorcycle Accident
If you need help after a motorcycle accident Walker, Billingsley & Bair can help. We specialize in motorcycle accident cases and will help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (888) 435-9886 to set up a free consultation.
