Imagine you are riding your motorcycle past Lavon Lake in picturesque Collin County when suddenly you are struck by an erratic vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. You wake up in the emergency room and are informed you were involved in an accident where a distracted driver swerved through the center lane and struck you on your motorcycle. In addition, you are notified that you suffered a severe spinal cord injury, are paralyzed from the neck down, and will likely never walk again. In an instant, life as you knew it is irrevocably shattered, never to be the same again.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, about 17,000 new spinal cord injuries occur yearly. Spinal cord injuries are amongst the most severe nonfatal injuries that can be experienced. Like other types of catastrophic injuries, rehabilitation from a spinal cord injury can be a lifelong process. If you have been paralyzed due to the negligence of another, consider contacting an experienced attorney familiar with pursuing compensation for clients who have suffered spinal cord injuries. 

The Value of Spinal Cord Injury Cases

What makes spinal cord injuries unique is that the resulting settlements for such cases can often be quite large due to the severity of the damage and the expenses involved. For most families, the cost of sustained medical care needed for a spinal cord injury is too much to afford, which is why aggressive representation after suffering such an injury is essential since you will want to receive the most compensation available to you. 

Most people understand that riding motorcycles involve inherent risks, but they also believe that they are capable of safely operating their motorcycles. The problem for many motorcyclists is the negligence or gross negligence of other automobile drivers on the road. Unsafe driving from others can cause motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injuries and death to the motorcycle rider. Unfortunately, despite riding defensively, motorcyclists are often powerless to avoid certain collisions.

It is important for motorcyclists to understand their legal rights after a motorcycle crash. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation to address your medical bills, lost wages, pain, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. 

Common Kinds of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents took the lives of over 5,000 people in Texas last year, representing a 15 percent increase compared to the prior year. It goes without saying that losing a loved one in such a sudden, brutal way is absolutely devastating to those left behind.

If your spouse, parent, child, sibling, or another loved one died in a pedestrian accident, you may be able to take legal action in the form of a wrongful death claim. Legal action cannot undo the tragedy, but it may help you and your family pursue justice and recover some much-needed financial stability. In this article, we'll discuss what a wrongful death claim is, how to file one in Texas, and what to expect in the process.

Motor vehicle collisions of all types can be dangerous. Passenger vehicles weigh several thousand pounds, and they can inflict serious injuries on others, even if a collision takes place at a relatively low speed. Fortunately for drivers and passengers, vehicles include multiple safety systems that can reduce the risk of injuries, such as seat belts, airbags, and a strong structure that protects a vehicle’s occupants. However, motorcyclists do not have these protections, and because of this, they are much more likely to be seriously injured in motorcycle accidents.

Serious and Fatal Injuries Affecting Motorcyclists

Motorcycle crashes may result in multiple forms of bodily harm, including:

• Injuries to the lower extremities - The most commonly injured body parts for motorcyclists are the legs and feet. When a motorcycle falls over in a collision, one of a person’s legs may be caught underneath, and this can result in broken bones, as well as dislocations in the knees, ankles, or hips; strained or torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments; or serious sprains.
• Injuries to the head and neck - While most motorcyclists wear helmets, they may not be fully protected against the possibility of traumatic brain injuries when they strike their head on another vehicle or the pavement. The force of an impact may also cause whiplash or other neck injuries due to a person’s head being suddenly forced forward, backward, or to either side.
• Upper body injuries - Broken ribs are common in motorcycle wrecks, and in some cases, they may result in additional damage to organs such as the lungs. Other internal organs may also suffer damage in a collision.
• Spinal cord injuries - An impact may cause multiple types of damage to the spine. Vertebrae may be fractured, or a person may suffer a herniated or bulging disc. These injuries can put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to issues such as chronic pain or partial paralysis. If the spinal cord is completely severed, a person will suffer full paralysis in the areas of the body below the injury.
• Injuries to the upper extremities - Bones in the arms, wrists, and hands may be fractured in a collision. In serious cases, such as when a collision occurs at high speeds or when a person is thrown from a motorcycle, bones may be crushed or shattered. Surgery and pins, screws, or other implants may be needed to repair bones, and an injury may never fully heal. This can permanently affect a person’s ability to use their arms and hands properly, making it more difficult to perform work-related tasks or other daily activities.
• Cuts and bruises - Multiple parts of a person’s body may experience lacerations, which are sometimes called “road rash.” These injuries may result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially if they affect the head, neck, or upper body.

Contact Our Allen Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle wreck can cause many different injuries that may lead to permanent disabilities or even wrongful death. Motorcyclists who are injured because of the negligence of other drivers will need to determine their options for pursuing compensation. Burress Injury Law PLLC can provide representation in these cases, ensuring that victims will be able to recover from their injuries and move forward with their lives. Contact our Allen motorcycle crash attorney at 214-726-0016 to set up a free consultation today.