Motorcycle accidents can lead to all types of injuries. One of the most common and significant injuries that come from motorcycle accidents is an injury to the neck. Motorcyclists are often thrown from their bikes, which leads to them landing hard on the pavement. Neck injuries are possible even when wearing a helmet. These are the most common types of neck injuries motorcyclists in Florida may experience (and how a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation).
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury from a forceful movement. Even if the motorcyclist isn’t thrown from the bike, they will likely experience neck strain, which can lead to whiplash. The symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and tenderness in the neck or shoulders. The symptoms of whiplash may be delayed, sometimes taking multiple days to show. Whiplash itself can last for months.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Motorcyclists can also experience soft tissue neck injuries. This includes damage to the muscles or ligaments. A soft tissue injury may lead to pain and stiffness. The severity of the soft tissue injury affects how long it lasts. Some people may recover after a few weeks of rest and ice, whereas others require medical treatment.
Dislocated or Broken Bones
Dislocated or broken bones are also possible from a motorcycle accident. The sudden impact of the motorcyclist’s body on another vehicle or the pavement can lead to the bones in the hands, arms, or legs popping or breaking. The treatment for dislocated or broken bones is often much longer and may require a cast for many months and rehabilitation after healing.
Fractures
Neck fractures are also possible in a motorcycle accident. This is one of the most common and serious injuries that motorcyclists may experience. Most motorcyclists will recognize when they have a neck fracture, as it can be very painful and dangerous to move. The treatment and recovery of a neck fracture are often long.
How to Prevent a Neck Injury When Riding a Motorcycle
The easiest and best way to prevent a neck injury when riding a motorcycle is to wear the proper safety gear. While wearing a helmet doesn’t completely remove your risk of a neck injury, it minimizes it. A common misconception is that wearing a helmet actually increases the chance of a neck injury when riding a motorcycle. However, numerous studies have disproved that.
How To Get the Compensation You Need Following a Neck Injury
Neck injuries are one of the most serious injury types that you can experience in a motorcycle accident. While motorcyclists expect their insurance company to cover their damages, the amount you receive may not be enough. Many neck injuries require ongoing medical care and rehabilitative care.
Many insurance companies may lowball you and limit their offer to cover only your immediate medical needs. While this is helpful now, it won’t be much help if you’re unable to work for a long period of time. The compensation that you receive from a motorcycle accident claim should include all medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering. Your compensation should account for both short and long-term costs. It should also factor in how your injury affects you psychologically.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a motorcycle accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of a motorcycle accident in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Broward County, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach, FL.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.