As a leading injury lawyer firm in Florida specializing in motorcycle accidents, we know all too well how a day of leisure on your motorcycle can turn into a nightmare. It happens in a fraction of a second, but the injuries can last a lifetime. Broken bones are a far too common injury of a motorcycle accident. If a bike goes down, it will often lead to complex fractures in the legs and feet that often require surgery and extensive physical therapy.
Motorcyclists lack the protective shield of a metal frame, airbags, and other safety mechanisms found in cars. When accidents occur, the rider’s body takes the brunt of the force. The result? Broken bones, ranging from simple fractures to complex ones that pierce through the skin or shatter into multiple pieces.
While any bone can be susceptible to breaks in a crash, given the design of motorcycles, certain bones bear a higher risk:
- Wrists and Arms: As instinct takes over during a fall, riders often outstretch their arms in an attempt to break the fall, leading to broken wrists or arm fractures.
- Legs and Feet: Given their proximity to the ground and the bike, legs and feet are commonly crushed or pinned in accidents, resulting in broken femurs, fibulas, and other bones
- Ribs and Collarbones: The lack of a protective barrier makes the chest area vulnerable, with ribs and collarbones easily fracturing upon impact.
- Pelvis and Hip: A hard fall can lead to fractures in the pelvis or hip, which are not only painful but also require prolonged recovery.
- Spinal Vertebrae: Although less common, spinal fractures can be the most devastating, sometimes leading to paralysis or other long-term complications.
The abrupt and forceful nature of motorcycle accidents can result in compound fractures, where the bone pierces the skin, introducing the risk of deep infections that can reach the bone itself, a condition known as osteomyelitis. Further, if the broken bone impedes blood flow, it can lead to compartment syndrome, a painful and dangerous condition that requires prompt surgical intervention. In some cases, bones don’t heal correctly, leading to malunion or nonunion, conditions where the bones heal misaligned or fail to heal altogether. Additionally, adjacent nerves or blood vessels can be damaged during the injury, resulting in numbness, tingling, or circulatory issues.
Recovering from a motorcycle accident with broken bones is not merely about healing the physical wound. Often a motorcycle accident is accompanied by daunting medical bills, potential surgeries, rehabilitation, and, in some cases, the grim possibility of long-term disability or deformity. Lost wages due to recovery time, coupled with the psychological toll of the accident, can further aggravate the situation.
At JustCallMoe Injury and Accident Attorney, we know how to handle these types of motorcycle accidents resulting in broken bones and help guide your recovery. Our experienced team understands the intricacies of motorcycle accidents in Florida, fighting to ensure that victims receive the full extent of their rightful compensation. Whether it’s dealing with insurance claims, medical bills, or taking the case to trial, you only need to worry about your recovery and we’ll handle the rest. Contact us today!