Motorcycle accident injuries can be very serious, and even put the rider at-risk for fatality if medical attention is not sought immediately. Motorcyclist injuries can cause long-term or even permanent impairments both physically and cognitively. If you or a loved one ever gets hit by a vehicle, remember to always put your safety first. Injuries sustained at the time of impact could worsen in the hours, days or even weeks following the incident.
How do I know whether I need emergency care after the accident?
A motorcyclist that just does not feel quite right after enduring such a blow, may want to call for an ambulance just in case. In the best case scenario, the rider only suffered minor scrapes and a little disorientation. But in the worst case scenario, the rider may have endured a traumatic brain injury, broken bone or blood loss from deep wounds. The severity of injuries can depend on how fast each person was going, at which direction the motorcyclist was hit, and how the rider landed if thrown off the bike. When in doubt, it may be best to just call for help.
Why is it that motorcyclist injuries tend to be far worse than the car driver?
Think about it this way, a motorcyclist has no outer protection except for the gear he or she is wearing. While a helmet and clothing made of a sturdy material can be useful, there is no barrier between the car exterior and the rider to lessen the force of impact. Injuries can be even worse if the rider were to fall off the bike and tumble over the car, or hit an object on the way down to the ground. The human body just was not created to withstand substantial amount of force.
What are signs that I should go to the emergency room?
If you decided to not get medical attention at the scene and went home instead, you may want to keep an eye out for any signs that you have sustained a critical or life-threatening injury. Symptoms that may mean you should probably go to the nearest emergency room or call for an ambulance include:
- Pain or pressure in your chest
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- A sudden headache that has not lessened in severity
- Clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
- Frequent episodes of nausea and/or vomiting
- Blood in vomit and/or stool
- A wound that has not stopped bleeding after 45 minutes
- Unusual abdominal pain
- Passing out, dizziness or weakness
- Personality changes or mood swings
What if I cannot pay my medical bills?
A motorcycle rider who was recently involved in an accident may face steep financial loss due to medical bills and motorcycle repairs. What many riders may not realize is they can take legal action against the driver at-fault for what happened by filing a civil lawsuit. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your situation and help you decide if this is the route you wish to take.