Motorcycle accidents frequently result in broken bones because riders have very little physical protection when a collision occurs. Unlike the occupants of a car, a motorcyclist’s body absorbs the full force of the impact, making fractures one of the most common outcomes of these crashes. Depending on the location and severity of the break, a bone fracture can require extensive medical treatment and affect your quality of life long after the initial injury has healed.
If you suffered broken bones in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence in Tennessee, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Continue reading to learn more about how these injuries happen and what your legal options are.
Types of Broken Bones Common in Motorcycle Crashes
The type and severity of a fracture depend on the nature of the collision and which part of the body takes the brunt of the impact. Some of the most common broken bone injuries that motorcyclists suffer include:
- Fractured wrists and forearms from bracing against the fall
- Broken collarbones from shoulder impacts
- Leg and ankle fractures from being pinned under the motorcycle
- Hip fractures from high-speed collisions
- Rib fractures from direct impact to the chest
- Facial and jaw fractures from striking the ground
- Compound fractures where the bone breaks through the skin
Compound and comminuted fractures, where the bone shatters into multiple pieces, are especially serious and may require surgical intervention on top of months of physical therapy. In the worst cases, a severe fracture can lead to the need for amputation.
How Broken Bones Affect Your Daily Life
A broken bone may sound like a straightforward injury, but the reality is often much more difficult than people expect. Depending on where the fracture is and how severe it is, you may be unable to handle basic daily tasks for an extended period of time. Some fractures require multiple surgeries and extensive medical treatment to correct, and the rehabilitation process can stretch on for months.
Chronic pain is another common issue. Once the bone has healed, many motorcycle accident victims still continue to experience discomfort in the affected area. In some cases, complications like nerve damage can make the recovery even more challenging.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Pursue for Broken Bones?
If another driver caused your motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for compensation that covers the full impact of your injuries. This can include both economic and non-economic damages like:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
In rare cases that involve egregious conduct from the at-fault party, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Tennessee for a Free Case Review
Broken bones from a motorcycle crash can affect every part of your life, from your ability to earn a living to your overall well-being. If someone else’s actions caused your injuries, you should not have to bear those costs on your own.
Contact Woodard Injury Law for a free consultation at (615) 314-4626. We will do everything we can to maximize the value of your claim and ensure you are fully compensated if you hire us to represent you.