Short Term and Long Term Costs of a Motorcycle Accident
When you suffer as a result of a motorcycle accident, you will find that there are immediate and long term expenses that may come up. Sometimes the injuries sustained due to another driver's negligence on the road can be catastrophic and very costly.
Some motorcycle accident victims may also require lifetime care and assistance. If this sounds familiar and has happened to you or a loved one, you should consult immediately with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
When you are riding a motorcycle, you don't have as much
protection as you would if you were in a vehicle. This means that during a
motorcycle accident, the rider risks being thrown from the bike. Even when
wearing protective gear, you can still suffer massive injuries due to the fall
and other vehicles around.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Florida law states that riders 21 and over do not have to
wear a helmet. However, these riders also must carry a minimum of $100,000 in
medical insurance coverage. It also puts you at risk of suffering from a
traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even those who do choose to wear a helmet can
also experience a TBI.
A TBI can disrupt your normal brain function, including
cognitive functions, motor functions, sensations, and can cause behavioral and emotional
changes.
Spinal Cord Injuries
When your spinal cord becomes damaged, the costs associated
with this kind of injury can include power chairs to help with mobility and
home modifications. Vehicles may even need to be configured so as to make them more
accessible. These modifications alone can cost upwards of $80,000.
Other Injuries
Other injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident
include road rash, broken bones, and internal injuries. If you already have
preexisting medical conditions, then the motorcycle accident can cause these
conditions to worsen. This is tricky as well because some insurance companies
will try to get out of paying claims blaming the injuries on preexisting
conditions.
Loss of Income
This is much more than just the loss of money following
your accident. It can also cause you to feel as if you no longer have a sense
of purpose, and it can cause a divide between your work contacts and other
relationships. The loss of income can weigh heavily on a person, especially
when they are also facing high medical bills as a result as well.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
As you can see, the costs definitely add up physically and
mentally after a motorcycle accident. To avoid being taken advantage of by the
insurance companies and to ensure that you receive fair and prompt compensation
for your injuries to help offset these costs, you will want to discuss your
case with an experienced
motorcycle attorney.
They can help you settle the case quickly and will have
your best interests in mind. They are also well aware of the many tactics
insurance companies use to get accident victims to sign documents and
ultimately settle for much less.
When you have the right personal injury attorney on your
side, they can help keep the line of communication open, ensure you get fair
compensation, and make sure that all the steps are followed during the claims
process.