Motorcyclists enjoy the curves and scenery in and around Asheville, but an encounter with a careless driver can end a great ride. A collision might leave a rider with a long injury recovery over weeks or months. It’s a challenge physically, mentally, and financially for victims.
The challenges may begin at Mission Hospital, where doctors can diagnose broken bones, neck and back injuries, and debilitating and frightening head injuries.
Riders should know they don’t have to face the consequences of serious accidents alone. They should also be aware of the type of compensation they must demand for major injuries so they aren’t left to pay for leftover bills.
Common Injuries for Asheville Motorcyclists
A ride on I-240 or up on the Parkway can turn into a scary ordeal with just a simple mistake by a driver. A careless driver may cross over the yellow line in a tight curve to hit a rider head-on. A driver on the interstate could merge without checking mirrors and send a motorcyclist out of control.
Riders can suffer a strike from a 4,000lb SVU, then an impact with the ground, and even be left in the path of other vehicles.
The injuries can be traumatic and catastrophic. A traumatic injury is defined as a physical injury that is caused suddenly from an outside force, like a traffic accident. They might involve blunt force trauma or penetrating trauma.
These wounds often involve broken bones, burns, or penetrating wounds (e.g., from a gunshot). The wounds are often life-threatening and require care at a trauma center where specialized surgeons and advanced equipment are available at a moment’s notice. Fortunately, Asheville’s Mission Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center, the highest designation for a trauma department.
“Catastrophic injuries” is a term assigned to wounds that will have a major effect on a rider’s life. These might include a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), an injured limb that requires amputation, or a spinal cord injury.
Motorcyclists on local roads can come away from a collision with many different types of injury challenges. Surgeries and physical therapy may keep them off their bikes for weeks or months, and also affect their emotional wellbeing.
These are just a few of the most common injuries victims must overcome:
- Degloving Injuries – Riders thrown across a road surface can have their skin and soft tissue torn away. Plastic, including skin grafting, is often necessary. Injuries might include a less serious road rash.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – A blow delivered to the head that affects brain function. These injuries can occur even when riders are wearing helmets.
- Bone Fractures – Arms, legs, ankles, feet, and even vertebrae can suffer hairline fractures or major breaks. Bones in the shoulder joint and hip joint might also be broken. The Mayo Clinic reports that plates, screws, and wire might have to be surgically installed to make sure damaged bones heal correctly.
- Chest Injuries – Riders might suffer broken ribs that can puncture lungs. They may endure damage to the tissue that holds major organs in place. A spleen, liver, or kidney may be damaged, especially if a victim is run over.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Injuries to the vertebrae that protect the spinal cord. Paralysis is possible if the cord is damaged.
- Neck Injuries – Whiplash and vertebrae injuries may cause pain and restrict a rider from trying to turn to the left or right to monitor traffic.
- Back Injuries – Herniated discs in the vertebrae may cause years of pain, making getting back on a motorcycle difficult. Muscles and ligaments might suffer damage, resulting in frequent flare-ups.
- Facial Lacerations and Tooth Damage – Victims can land face-first to break their jaw or their nose. They can receive permanent scars. They may lose teeth.
All injury victims heal at their own pace, and each recovery journey is different. It’s why all motorcycle collision victims must be sure to secure everything they need now and may need in the future in a settlement.
A skilled attorney works with medical experts to determine if you could require support in the months and years ahead. Then your lawyer demands that amount from car insurance companies and doesn’t settle for less.
What Type of Injuries Mean I Should Have a Lawyer for My Asheville Motorcycle Accident Case?
The seriousness of your injuries often determines how much you’ll benefit by having an Asheville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer. If your injuries are only minor, or only your motorcycle is damaged, you may not need the help of a lawyer.
However, if your injuries are more serious, like a broken bone, a deep wound, or anything mentioned above, it’s a good idea to have legal protection. When the bills at Mission Hospital start to rise, it makes insurers nervous. They, in turn, instruct their insurance adjusters to do everything possible to avoid liability. Adjusters may question how seriously you are hurt and could even try to blame you for the accident.
Your Melrose Law attorney fully investigates your case and fights back with the evidence. Once insurers must accept blame, your lawyer demands the maximum in support. This is often much more than motorcyclists could win by filing a claim themselves.
What Is Covered in a Motorcycle Accident Claim Involving a Serious Injury?
Your attorney would file your claim for you, including a full list of every hardship you’d endured in recovery. Your attorney would make sure all sneaky deadlines were met and all complicated paperwork was submitted. This is all while you were allowed to focus on getting better.
We’d insist on coverage for these damages and more:
- All future and current Medical Expenses
- Lifelong support for riders who suffer permanent disabilities
- Support to repair scarring and disfigurement damage
- The reimbursement of lost wages while victims miss work
- Support for the pain victims go through and may continue to experience
- Support for Emotional Damages, including PTSD symptoms from a scary accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life support for victims who can’t return to their bikes and have to give up their favorite hobbies
Contact an Asheville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer After a Collision
If you suffer a serious injury in an accident, you may require the help of a skilled attorney to secure the support you need to recover.
Your Melrose Law attorney will fully investigate your motorcycle accident and those responsible. The powerful evidence gathered can make a big difference in the outcome of your case and the level of support you and your family receive.
Melrose Law offers a free case consultation to all mountain motorcycle accident victims. There’s no obligation for your case review, and your consultation remains completely confidential.
However, if you require our help to get fair treatment, you won’t need any upfront money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we’ve won our case for you. Then our fee is paid out of the settlement check you earn.
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