Spinal Cord Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident

In a motorcycle accident, spinal cord injuries typically occur due to the rider's body being violently thrown or twisted. The impact can cause compression, stretching, or severing of the spinal cord. 

Without the protection of a car's structure, a rider's spine is vulnerable to direct blows from the collision or from hitting the ground or other objects. High-speed crashes increase the risk of severe spinal injuries, as the force of impact is greater. 

Additionally, if a rider isn’t wearing adequate protective gear (e.g., reinforced jacket or proper helmet), the risk of spinal cord damage increases significantly.

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of the back and transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Injuries to the spinal cord can cause painful and debilitating symptoms. These include:

• Loss of movement: Difficulty or inability to move parts of the body, especially in the arms or legs.
• Altered sensation: Loss of feeling or altered sensations, such as the inability to feel heat, cold, or touch.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control: Inability to control bladder or bowel movements.
• Extreme pain or pressure: Feeling intense pain or pressure in the neck, back, or head.
• Numbness or tingling: Experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities (fingers, hands, feet, or toes).
• Difficulty with balance and coordination: Struggling to maintain balance or coordination.
• Impaired breathing: Difficulty breathing or coughing, particularly if the injury is in the neck area.
• Spasms or increased reflex activities: Uncontrollable muscle spasms or exaggerated reflex activities.
• Changes in sexual function: Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity, or fertility issues.

Rehabilitation is important for recovering from spinal cord injuries after a motorcycle accident. The goal of rehabilitation is to help you regain as much function as possible and to achieve the highest quality of life. 

The duration and intensity of rehabilitation depend on the severity of your spinal cord injury and your overall health. It's a long-term process that can take months or even years.

Rehabilitation programs for spinal cord injuries often include:

• Physical therapy: This focuses on strengthening muscles, improving mobility, and increasing range of motion. Physical therapy techniques include muscle training, stretching, and cardiovascular exercises.
• Occupational therapy: This aims to improve your ability to perform daily activities. This may involve training in using adaptive equipment or modifying the home environment to increase independence.
• Psychological support: Counseling and support groups can be crucial in helping you and your family cope with the emotional impact of a spinal cord injury.
• Vocational rehabilitation: This helps you return to work or find new employment that accommodates your disability.

Spinal cord injuries after a motorcycle accident can result in significant financial burdens due to medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. However, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the party responsible for the motorcycle accident. 

Dealing with insurance companies is often a necessary step. You should only report your motorcycle accident to your own insurance company and provide basic details. Avoid discussing who is to blame and never admit fault. Anything you say could potentially jeopardize your claim. 

Avoid speaking to the at-fault party’s insurance company. They may ask you trick questions to convince you to unknowingly admit fault. They may also try to coax you into accepting a lowball settlement that only covers a portion of your damages. 

It’s best to first consult with an attorney before proceeding with a motorcycle accident claim. An attorney can advise you on your rights and legal options. Plus, they can investigate your motorcycle accident and use the evidence to negotiate for fair compensation. 

If an attorney can’t reach a fair settlement with the insurance companies, they can take your case to trial and fight for a maximum court verdict or award. Fortunately, most motorcycle accident cases are settled out of court.

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident involving spinal injuries can be devastating and costly. The last thing you need to deal with while recovering is a pushy insurance company. When you hire a Law.com Premier Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, you have a strong legal advocate on your side fighting for you every step of the way. 

Your attorney will gather all the necessary evidence to help you build a solid case. They’ll also handle all negotiations with insurance companies, so you can get the compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Best of all, hiring a Law.com Premier Attorney is affordable. Since our verified attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t have to pay any upfront fees for their services. You only pay a certain percentage of your settlement or court award to your attorney if you’re fully compensated.

Take the next step in pursuing your motorcycle accident claim. Contact a lawyer in your area to get a free consultation.