The long-term pain of a motorcycle crash is undeniable. Riders who suffer a leg injury in a bike accident may face a lifetime of medical expenses. To reduce the risk of injury, it is critical to take preventative measures and to take these injuries seriously after they occur.
A broken-leg motorcycle accident can be devastating to the rider and their loved ones. If you were injured because of another’s careless actions, a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer provides valuable support. Working with an attorney can give you crucial insights into the claim process and your rights to compensation.
Why do Motorcycle Accidents Cause Serious Foot and Leg Injuries?
Foot injuries from motorcycle accidents are some of the most common injuries. A motorcycle foot injury often happens because riders make maneuvers in an attempt to prevent a crash, causing the lower extremities to collide with the road surface. Leg entrapment can also occur. Collisions can lead to severe burns, leg fractures, and even traumatic amputations.
Additionally, a brain injury from motorcycle accident is common and can have serious implications. When riding a motorcycle, it is crucial to take measures to prevent crashes and protect oneself from severe injury.
Common Foot Injuries After Motorcycle Accidents
Several types of lower extremity injuries can be caused by a motorcycle accident. Common types of motorcycle crash traumas include:
- Collateral ligament laceration
- Cruciate ligament laceration
- Crushed limbs
- Achilles tendon laceration
- Femoral artery injury
- Toe injuries
- Thigh injuries
- Amputation
- Road rash
- Ankle injury
- Ankle dislocation
- Knee injuries
Broken bones are another common type of injury, including:
- Tarsal fractures
- Metatarsal fractures
- Calcaneus fractures
- Patella fracture
- Talus fractures
- Femur fracture
- Tibia fracture
- Fibula fracture
Depending on the extent of the injury, riders may experience chronic pain and mobility limitations requiring medical interventions. Physical therapy, skin grafts, and reconstructive surgery can be costly and painful.
How to Prevent Common Foot Injuries
To prevent foot and leg injuries, it is critical to take proper precautions and wear appropriate protective gear. Protective clothing like motorcycle boots and long pants can be essential to stopping serious injury from occurring. Riders will want to wear materials made of leather and with impact absorbers.
In addition, following motorcycle tips to prevent accidents may stop these types of injuries from occurring. If a rider finds themselves involved in a crash, they will want to try to avoid crash modifying maneuvers, like leaning, that can cause a low side crash and lead to foot injury.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After Leg Injury
Taking quick action to protect your legal rights after a leg injury is vital. In Pennsylvania, motorcyclists have “full tort status.” This means that a rider can pursue full damages from the at-fault party. In order to recover full and fair compensation, the motorcyclist will need to prove liability.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash you will want to:
- Contact emergency services and report the crash.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
- Provide your attorney with any documentation you have including photos and videos of the scene, damages to your motorcycle and visible injuries; contact and insurance information from the other driver(s); and eyewitness contact information.
What Compensation Ii Available for a Leg Injury After a Motorcycle Accident?
The amount of compensation available for a motorcycle accident claim will depend on several factors including the type of damages and extent of those damages. In general, injured motorcyclists can recover economic and non-economic damages. In a limited number of cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Some examples of recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
A lawyer can help you determine the damages available in your case and create a strategy to maximize compensation.
Consult an Experienced Attorney Today
Motorcycle crashes can leave a path of devastation. For motorcyclists, a ride can turn catastrophic in an instant, with life-altering implications. When these accidents happen, it is critical to take steps to secure your future.
A personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. can help with your insurance claims. Our dedicated and seasoned team of attorneys are ready to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.