Motorcycle Accident Broken Bones

When you get on your bike, you often get a much-needed break from whatever worries are plaguing you. Freedom on the open road allows you to relax, enjoy your ride, and hit pause on all other things. But, if another driver fails to pay adequate attention to their surroundings, they could hit you. You risk breaking much more than your bike when you're involved in a motorcycle accident. You could sustain debilitating injuries, causing both short and long-term problems. Some injuries, like road rash, are relatively minor, while others, like a broken bone, are serious.

If you or a loved one are dealing with broken bones after a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a reliable law firm to determine if this is the case with your claim. Better yet, call Steelhorse Law. Our team has made a name protecting ONLY the rights of bikers from those who would seek to do them an injustice. We'll examine every inch of your case to ensure you receive fair compensation for what you've endured. When it comes to protecting the rights of downed riders, there's no team more qualified than us.

Understanding the Types of Breaks

You may think you understand precisely what "broken bone" means. However, having a broken bone isn't as simple as it sounds. There are many different types of breaks, AKA fractures, that you could be experiencing after a bike crash. Each kind of break varies in severity, including those that do not physically break through the skin and those that don't entirely break in half. Let's examine the types of bone breaks you may deal with after an accident.

1. Closed or simple fractures. Breaks that do not puncture the skin to create open wounds.
2. Incomplete fractures. A break that doesn't fracture it in half often leads to more severe risks.
3. Comminuted fractures. AKA segmental fractures, the bone is shattered into three or more small pieces.
4. Open or compound fractures. Breaks that penetrate the skin can lead to open wounds and increase the chance of infection.
5. Compact fractures. AKA compression fractures, two bones are forced together, breaking and collapsing due to pressure, usually in the spine.
6. Avulsion fractures. A break occurs when a ligament or tendon attaches to the bone.
7. Oblique fractures. A break where the bone comes apart at an angle, going all the way through.
8. Complicated fractures. A break occurs when structures surrounding the fracture are injured, such as veins, arteries, or nerves.
9. Spiral fractures. The bone is broken in a twisting motion, resulting in a fracture line resembling a corkscrew.
10. Complete fractures. The bone is broken horizontally, going all the way through the bone.

The Risks of a Broken Bone

You probably don't worry about the chance of breaking a bone each time you get on your bike. And why would you? There's no point in worrying about what may or may not happen. If it's going to happen, it will, as it has to countless other motorcyclists. All you can do is your best to avoid a ride gone wrong.

• Of 3,528 motorcycle accident victims, 59.66% experienced fractures in lower limbs (PubMed)
• 40.34% of victims experienced upper limb fractures (PubMed)
• Over seven years, over 18% of broken bones were leg fractures in motorcycle accidents (PubMed)
• In 578 bikers, 406 sustained appendicular skeleton, pelvis, and/or spin fractures (National Library of Medicine, PubMed)
• 11.4% of polytraumatized patients experienced multiple fractures (National Library of Medicine, PubMed)
• Pelvis fractures account for 18% of lower body injuries (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Common Broken Bones in Motorcycle Accidents

Depending on the force of a motorcycle crash, you could break many bones or only one. Bones get broken based on different factors, such as the angle of impact, force, and location. Commonly broken bones include legs, arms, vertebrae, ribs, collarbone, and skull. To understand the full effect of a broken leg in a motorcycle accident and other breaks, keep reading.

• Legs and arms. Requires rehabilitation and long recovery times. It limits a person's abilities and increases their need for care. Still, it will usually heal with proper casting and surgery.
• Skull. Can create long-term problems with cognitive functions due to brain bleeds. It may require complex surgeries to counter brain damage.
• Vertebrae. AKA a back break, can cause paralysis if nerves are damaged. It may also lead to painful chronic problems.
• Ribs. It could have significant risks and permanent damage if a broken rib pierces internal organs.
• Collarbone. Painful and requires long-term physical therapy and long recovery times.

Bone Break Complications

When you have broken bones after a motorcycle accident, it's crucial to get them set or cast by a doctor as soon as possible so that they can heal correctly. Surgery may be necessary if you are forced to put down your bike. Even if addressed quickly and properly, complications may still appear. Though the most common complications are pain and delayed healing, you may be susceptible to more extensive issues such as:

• Infections at surgical or wound sights
• Arthritis
• Compartment syndrome
• Nerve damage
• Blood vessel damage
• Bone infections
• Limited function of the limb

How We Can Help YOU

While you're laid up recovering from your accident, it's normal for your mind to run wild with thoughts. How long will you be out of work? Will you need to get a new bike? How are you going to cover your medical bills? If someone else is responsible for causing your injuries, you may be able to hold them financially accountable. That's where securing the help of an attorney comes into play. Crashes can cost thousands of dollars when you account for medical expenses, physical and emotional pain, wrecked bike repairs, lost wages, and more. Our team will work day and night to ensure you receive compensation that may include:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgical procedures
• Short- and long-term rehab
• Pain medications and treatments
• Support at home for recovery
• Costs related to complications
• Pain and suffering

It's our job to examine the details of the case, document your injuries, and track down reports regarding the crash. Depending on what we find, you may be able to file to recuperate losses you've suffered due to the negligent actions of another. You can ease off the gas by having us handle your case— we've got it from here. Our experienced team of outstanding lawyers will aggressively fight to get you the total value of your claim.

What is the Average Broken Bone Claim Amount?

As the victim of a motorcycle accident caused by someone else's reckless actions, you could be entitled to compensation. It's important to understand that the average broken bone claim amount varies depending on the injury and circumstance surrounding the accident. A settlement amount considers the severity and location of injury, medical expenses, lost wages and future income, and any pain and suffering you've endured. The average settlement for a broken bone, based on the type of injury:

• $45,000-$92,000 (broken arm)
• $55,000-$150,000 (broken leg)
• $112,000 (single vertebrae fracture)
• $207,000 (multiple vertebrae fractures)
• $167,000 (femur fracture)
• $15,000-$100,000 (fractured ribs)

Even if you think your injuries aren't as severe as someone else's involved in the crash, you may still be able to recover a substantial settlement with the help of an experienced attorney.

Call Steelhorse Law. The Firm That Rides for Atlanta Bikers.

Don't hesitate to take action if you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident. Every day you wait, the clock is ticking down on how long you have to start the fight to put money back in your pocket. When you've experienced trauma like a broken leg caused by a motorcycle accident, you deserve to focus on healing and moving forward without worrying about paying your bills. At Steelhorse Law, it's our mission to provide you with legal representation that protects your peace of mind and right to recover damages.

So, let the opposition take their best shot at dismantling our case. We've been beating biker bias for a decade and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Call Steelhorse Law to schedule a free case consultation and learn how we can assist you in recovering compensation.