Effects of Broken Bones in Motorcycle Accidents

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Motorcycle accident victims can suffer from a variety of ailments and injuries. Motorcyclists do not have much protection when on their bikes, leaving them susceptible to serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries they can experience are broken bones. The effects of broken bones in motorcycle accidents depend on the location of the injury and the severity of the break.

Types of Fractures

A fracture results from an excessive external force applied to the bone. The more force applied, the more severe the break will be. The main types of fractures include:

  • Stable fractures: These fractures occur when the bones are slightly broken but still line up properly.
  • Oblique fractures: These fractures have an angled arrangement and are not very stable.
  • Open, compound fractures: This type of fracture occurs when the bone breaks through the skin. They may require surgery.
  • Comminuted fractures: A comminuted fracture involves the bone breaking into three or more pieces and will likely require surgery.
  • Transverse fractures: These fractures occur across the bone and are fairly stable.

What bones can break in a motorcycle accident?

Any of the body’s 206 bones can break during a motorcycle accident; however, some bones are more susceptible to injury in a motorcycle accident than others. These bones include:

  • Legs and arms
  • Hands and feet
  • Collarbone
  • Hip and pelvis
  • Skull
  • Ribs

How might a broken bone from a motorcycle accident affect a victim?

In addition to the pain itself, broken bones can have a major impact on the life of an accident victim. In many cases, victims’ finances may take a hit due to the following:

Medical Treatment

Motorcycle accident victims with broken bones may have to undergo numerous treatments and surgeries. Treatment will depend on the specific injury but in general, the first step in treating a broken bone or fracture is immobilization. Any movement could cause further injury.

Next, x-rays may be necessary to determine the type of fracture and the appropriate course of treatment. The goal will be to put the parts of the bone back to their original position. In order to do this, doctors may use one or more of the following treatments:

  • Cast immobilization: Holds the bones in the appropriate position as they heal
  • Functional cast or brace: Allows for limited movement of the joints
  • Traction: Aligns the bone with a “steady pulling action”
  • External fixation: Doctors place metal pins or screws around the break to help hold the bones in the correct position as they heal
  • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: Doctors reposition bone fragments and hold them together with screws, rods or metal plates.

 

Broken bones can take anywhere from a few weeks to many months to heal completely. This recovery can cost thousands; fortunately, it may be recoverable through an injury claim.

Physical Therapy

As you undergo medical treatment, you may also have to undergo physical therapy. The exercises your therapist assigns to you will help you regain strength in your muscles and movement in your joints.

Physical therapy can continue for long periods of time, even after cast removal. Seeing as physical therapist can cost anywhere from $10 to $250 (according to CostHelper.com), this can become very expensive for accident victims.

If you are able to prove the other driver was responsible for your accident, you may be able to recover the costs of physical therapy.

Lost Wages

In addition to having to pay for medical treatment and physical therapy, the accident victim may be unable to return to work during the healing process. This can make it impossible for victims to make ends meet or pay medical bills.

You may be eligible to recover both past and future lost wages.

Pain and Suffering

Motorcyclists with broken bones suffer a great deal of pain while recovering from their accident. It may be difficult to put a dollar amount on pain and suffering, but a Seattle motorcycle accident attorney can help you.

For help valuing damages, proving fault, and negotiating with insurers, call Max Meyers. Max will stand by you every step of the way and ensure you recover the compensation you need and deserve.

To find out more about how the attorneys at Max Meyers Law PLLC can help you, contact us at today.

Max Meyers
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Max is a Kirkland personal injury attorney handling cases in Seattle, King County & surrounding in WA State.