Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Fractured Bones
motorcycle accidents often result in fractured bones. In many cases, riders and passengers are thrown from the motorcycle, with inertia propelling their full speed towards pavement, trees and vehicles. Even when wearing all the protective gear prescribed by MGL chapter, it can be difficult to shield your extremities. 90 section 7. 90 section 7.
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Orthopedic injuries, such as fractures, can be minor or severe. In some cases they are even life-threatening. Even though most fractured bones in motorcycle accidents won’t cause death, they will alter your life at least until the cast is removed. Some victims can’t perform everyday tasks or return to work until weeks or even months later. Chronic pain is a problem. Certain fractures can also have an impact on nearby nerves, soft tissues and internal organs. Unfortunately, some fractures never heal properly.
Motorcycle Injury Attorneys at Jeanette Secor PA Attorney At law in St. Petersburg FL have won many cases involving fractured bone victims. We will go to court if we cannot reach a fair settlement with the defendants/insurers before trial. We thoroughly investigate every case to identify any possible defendants, including negligent drivers, employers, vehicle owners and alcohol vendors.
The types of bone fractures that can occur in motorcycle accidents
Bones may be rigid but they “give” a little when external force is applied. Motorcycle accidents, however, tend to be more violent than the bones can handle, leading to fractured bones.
The severity of an injury will depend on the force applied and which bones or joints were involved. The result of a fall could be a hairline crack or a simple fracture. However, extreme force (such a a collision in a car) can cause the bones to break.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons breaks the five basic types of fractures down:
- Stable fracture. It is when the ends of both bones are in alignment and not too far apart.
- Open compound fracture. Open compound fracture.
- Transverse fracture The bones are broken along a horizontal fracture.
- Oblique fracture. It is an angled fracture.
- Comminuted fracture. Comminuted fracture. This is a type of fracture where the bone breaks into three or more pieces.
The severity of the fracture and your general health will determine the treatment and the long-term outlook. Many breaks can be healed with proper treatment and prompt action, but some will not heal. These may require more intensive treatments, such as permanent rods or grafts.
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Common bone fractures in Florida motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle crash victims can suffer from a variety of injuries.
Leg fractures
Lower extremity injuries were the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (followed closely by upper extremity and head injuries). In a 10-year period, people who sustained a single lower extremity injury, such as a broken fibula or tibia, were discharged from the hospital after receiving acute treatment, but they still racked up an average of $21,000 in charges.
Multiple lower extremity injuries resulted in an average hospital bill of $39,000. Hospital bills for those with a combination other injuries ranged from $56,000 to $62,000. Injury to the femur, fibula and tibia can take the longest to recover from – particularly if the bones are not aligned. Pelvic fractures can be extremely dangerous due to the excessive bleeding or risk of damaging important organs. In most cases, an operation is required. Crush injuries, which occur when a leg gets pinched or crushed, will take longer to heal and may require an amputation. Patellar fractures or dislocations can also affect the knees. These fractures are often complex and require surgery.
Arm fractures
This can include fractured fingers, wrist fractures, and shoulder fractures. Motorcyclists often suffer forearm injuries (radius and ulna), because they use their arms to break a fall or an impact. In the event that the injury is minor, the doctor will realign the bone and apply a cast. You may still be unable to go to work, depending on the nature of your job. If the fracture is more severe, you may need to have surgery to insert screws and metal plates in order to hold your bones together.
Facial fractures
These can include fractures of the nose bone, orbital (bones beneath the eye), jaw and skull fractures. They are often associated with severe bleeding and a serious risk of major functions being affected (such as breathing, vision, taste, smell, hearing, and cognitive function). These injuries are more common in motorcyclists that didn’t wear a helmet, which is required by law. However, this alone will not stop you from winning.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation: Fighting for Motorcycle Injury Benefits
MGL Ch. 90 section 34M. Insurers are not required to offer no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to motorcycle riders as they do to other drivers. 90 section 34M. This means that we have to pursue other avenues for damage recovery from those at fault, especially since fractures resulting from motorcycle accidents are often very serious. It is not fair to be left with the bills and burden of trying to survive because you can’t work. In single-vehicle accidents, passengers may also take legal action against a motorcycle driver. Some people are reluctant to take legal action because they feel the motorcycle operator is a close friend or family member. However, in reality, it is almost always the auto insurance companies who pay the final bill, and not the motorcycle operator.
In Florida, x-rays of bone fractures are difficult for defendants to dispute. This is because unlike soft tissue injuries, which are hard to quantify or prove, a black and white x-ray can’t be argued. The severity of these injuries is often undisputed, and defendants are less likely to contest the cause or dispute its severity. The settlement process is often more favorable for the plaintiff.
Defendants may still vigorously argue against our evaluations of your injuries, including the extent of pain and suffering you have experienced, your loss of enjoyment of life, and your negative impact on your future earning capacity. It is possible to contest medical and rehabilitation expenses. Our St. Petersburg motorcycle attorneys know the tricks of insurance companies, and how to counter them.
Jeanette Secor is a PA Attorney at Law who offers a confidential and free consultation.
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