Motorcycle accidents are more severe than car accidents because of the lack of protection. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 82,687 motorcyclists were injured in accidents in 2022. Apart from this, there were 6,218 fatalities.
Even though motorcycle accidents often lead to physical injuries, most victims tend to overlook the full extent of the damages they face. Apart from visible wounds like road rash, some injuries and damage may take time to be seen and can have a long-lasting effect on the victim.
From physiological trauma to future medical expenses, these overlooked damages can severely affect your well-being. That is why it is important for victims to consult a motorcycle accident attorney after an incident to help them analyze the full scope of the injuries. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of damages victims ignore after a motorcycle accident and the effects of each.
Physical Injuries Beyond the Obvious
While many motorcycle victims focus on visible injuries like broken bones and cuts, some other damages aren’t that obvious. For example:
- Soft tissue injuries: these include strains, contusions, and sprains that may not show up in the initial evaluation but cause long-term discomfort and affect your mobility.
- Internal injuries: internal bleeding or organ damage can be there even without signs. Victims may feel fine but these can be life-threatening and cause complications if not diagnosed in time.
- Physiological injuries: apart from the physical harm, there are psychological effects like depression, anxiety, and PTSD that can affect a person’s ability to go back to their daily activities.
Some of these damages require extensive rehabilitation and pain management for victims to cope.
Long-Term Consequences of Road Rash and Scarring
A common injury motorcyclists get is road rash. This happens when your body is rubbed against the pavement. This mostly happens when a rider isn’t wearing the right protective gear.
Road rash may seem minor at first but the long-term effects can be significant. In some cases, it can result in deep skin damage leading to permanent scarring or nerve damage. These scars affect a victim’s appearance or, in some cases, the ability to do certain tasks because of restricted movement or discomfort.
Apart from the physical pain, the visible scars can lead to emotional distress, which can lead to long-term psychological effects that require counseling.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
After an accident, victims may be unable to work because of injuries, hospitalization, or long-term recovery periods. Even if they are able to return to work, the victim’s earning capacity may be reduced if the injuries lead to long-term pain and physical limitations.
For some motorcyclists, this can lead to permanent disabilities or make it impossible to perform previous job duties, which leads to lower earning capacity.
Property Damage Beyond the Motorcycle
After an accident, one primary focus is the damage to the motorcycle itself. However, there are some important property damages that victims overlook, like damage to personal property. This includes things like helmets, riding gear, clothing, and electronics that may be on the victim at the time of the accident.
Insurance companies may not cover these damages unless they are specifically noted. Since these items are not cheap to replace, they will cost the victim, leading to financial loss. Including the cost of replacing damaged personal property is important, especially if the gear was an investment.
Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents can have severe consequences that go beyond the initial injuries. These overlooked damages can have a long-lasting impact on the victim that will affect the quality of their lives. Victims should consult an experienced lawyer to ensure everything, including personal property, is factored into the compensation.
