Because of the nature of motorcycling and mode of operation, the legs are at a high risk of severe injury in an accident. In fact, according to a 2008 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lower extremity injuries “were the most common injury sustained by motorcyclists treated at level I and level II trauma centers” during the study period.
Below is a brief overview of the types of leg injuries from motorcycle accidents in Kirkland and the consequences of these injuries. If hurt in an accident another motorist caused, you may file a claim for damages.
Common Leg Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Some common leg injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are:
- broken leg (femur, fibula, tibia);
- hip injuries (dislocation, fractures);
- knee injuries (fractures, sprains, dislocation);
- ankle injuries (fractures, dislocation);
- foot injuries (foot and toe fractures);
- amputations (if the leg muscles, nerves and bones are damaged so severely that it is not possible to repair them, doctors may decide to surgically remove the leg); and
- crushing injuries (during some motorcycle accidents, the motorcyclist's leg is pinned under the vehicle and is dragged several yards, causing severe damage to the muscles, nerves and bones).
In 2008, the NHTSA released a report on the incidence and severity of lower extremity injuries in motorcycle accidents. According to the report, the number of motorcycle accidents actually increased between 1997 and 2006. There was an increase of 61 percent in the number of motorcyclists involved in accidents.
The report also found that the median medical cost for a single isolated lower extremity injury was $20,745. Costs were higher for multiple lower extremity injuries and lower extremity injuries in combination with injuries to other areas of the body.
Consequences of Motorcycle Leg Injuries
Lower leg injuries can cause secondary consequences that reach into various aspects of the motorcyclist’s life.
Some possible consequences of a lower leg injury from a motorcycle accident are:
- difficulty walking and getting around;
- difficulty going back to work;
- reduced earnings because of inability to perform the same job as the worker was performing before the injury (a worker required to stand for long periods of time can no longer return to his former job, for example, if he has suffered a crushed leg and has undergone an amputation);
- reduced mobility and movement;
- stress and anger; and
- depression.
Seek Help from an Attorney at Max Meyers Law
A motorcycle accident claim for damages related to a leg injury must take into account not just medical expenses and lost earnings, but also the future lost earning potential and noneconomic damages related to the effects of the injury. Consult a motorcycle accident lawyer at Max Meyers Law if you suffered injuries in a Kirkland motorcycle accident. Call us at 425-399-7000 or fill out the online contact form to set up a consultation with an attorney.
