Motorcycle Accident Lawyer | Belleville

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Every motorcycle accident lawyer at Nelson & Nelson knows that riding a motorcycle in Missouri or Illinois can be dangerous. Bikers are up against the challenges of heavy traffic, mixed-use roadways, and less-than-ideal driving conditions.

When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you likely experience pain and suffering, damage to your motorcycle, lost wages, and more. Nelson & Nelson motorcycle injury attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients involved in motorcycle accidents. We protect your rights and make sure you receive fair compensation. 

When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you seek legal advice quickly. Insurance companies often attempt to settle with victims before they know what they are entitled to. Let us arm you with the facts you need. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle injuries can be serious, painful, and even debilitating. No matter the cause, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of taking pictures and going to the hospital immediately for proper evaluation and documentation. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the most common motorcycle accident injuries are:

Leg Injuries

Injuries to legs, knees, and feet—particularly fractured or shattered bones—are the most common types of injuries in motorcycle crashes. Though these injuries are not usually fatal, they can cause serious and sometimes permanent disabilities. Shattered or fractured bones, road rash, and soft tissue damage are terribly painful and can take a long time to heal.

Arm Injuries

When a driver is in a car or other enclosed vehicle, they are protected by a seat belt and the structure of their automobile. On a motorcycle, though, there is no outer shell acting as a barrier between themselves and the pavement. Many bikers instinctively extend their arms to protect themselves during a motorcycle crash. Unfortunately, when their arm hits the ground, it takes the brunt of the force. This is commonly referred to as “biker’s arm.” Nerve damage, serious road rash, and broken bones occur, and it can be terribly painful. Permanent injuries can also occur.

Head Injuries

Helmet use has greatly decreased the number of head injuries motorcyclists suffer on U.S. roadways, but they are still all too common. Head injuries range from minor to severe concussions, brain damage, or a fractured skull, which can be fatal. 

It is important to note that not all helmets are created equally. ANSI and Snell labels, located inside of motorcycle helmets, indicate that they meet certain safety standards that are independently evaluated by those private, non-profit organizations. 

Rib Fractures

Thoracic injuries, or injuries to the torso, happen when a biker’s body strikes the ground after laying the bike down or flying over the handlebars. Broken ribs are the most frequently reported thoracic injuries from motorcycle accidents, and they can be quite serious—particularly if a broken rib punctures organs or other soft tissues.

Neck Injuries

C-spine, or neck injuries are also common in a motorcycle crash. There is some debate on when a helmet should be removed following a bike accident because sometimes doing so can cause more damage if a victim has a broken neck or other areas of the spine. Broken neck bones can cause permanent paralysis and can even be fatal, yet a victim may not immediately know they have suffered such a break. Good Samaritans may also do damage if they aren’t aware of precautions to take to prevent further injury.

What to Do if You are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

If you are driving or a passenger on a motorcycle and you are involved in a motorcycle crash, it is important that you are proactive to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve, or protect your rights if the other party blames you for the collision, including:

• Do not admit fault. When you are in an accident of any kind, the facts are not always apparent. You may also be shaken by the events and may not fully comprehend what occurred. Never admit fault on the scene, to the police, or to an insurance company.
  
• Ensure your safety on the scene. Depending on the location of the accident, vehicles may need to be moved out of the roadway in order to maintain safety. Flashers and/or cones, if available, should be used to protect people involved and to keep other vehicles away from debris.
• Do not move an unconscious or injured victim. Do not remove the helmet of someone who is injured, and do not move them unless absolutely necessary. Spinal injuries can be worsened, or even fatal, if a victim is not moved using C-spine injury precautions.
• Call the police. This is an important step in documenting the accident. An officer will write a report, so be sure to ask for the report number for your reference.
• Take photos. Be sure to document accident damage to vehicles, personal injuries, and the location of vehicles in relation to each other if you can do so safely.
• Seek medical attention. It isn’t unusual for pain and injuries to become evident until after a crash occurs. On the scene, your body is often full of adrenaline, keeping you from feeling pain. Go to the emergency room to get checked out, or at a minimum, visit a doctor who can document aches, pains, bruising, contusions, broken bones, or any other injury following an accident. This will become important if you file an injury claim later.
• Document, document, document. Whether you maintain a hard copy or scan files or photos, keep records of every element of the accident, including photos, reports, bills, and medical records, until the claim is settled.
• Contact a motorcycle attorney. Insurance companies will likely try to settle with you—or even blame you—to keep from having to compensate you for pain, injuries, and damages incurred in a motorcycle accident. Our experienced motorcycle injury lawyers will make sure you know your rights, that your voice is heard, and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages in a motorcycle accident.