Our Atlanta motorcycle collision and injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry know that when most people see a crash involving a rider in Georgia, they assume the worst has happened. Unfortunately, that’s a fair assumption. Unlike occupants of cars or trucks, motorcycle riders are not shielded by a metal frame, airbags, or seat belts. This lack of protection makes them more vulnerable to severe injuries in a crash.
While Georgia requires all motorcycle riders, including passengers, to wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle safety helmet, catastrophic injuries and fatalities persist during crashes.
Nationwide last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed, accounting for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., and nearly 83,000 more injured. This is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) started data collection in 1975.
Closer to home, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, there were over 4,200 motorcycle crashes throughout the state last year, resulting in more than 2,700 injuries and 185 fatalities.
When these crashes occur, injury victims and families who have lost their loved ones need experienced legal representation to help overcome the bias associated with the heightened perception of risk that leads many people—including insurers—to assume that the motorcyclist must have been at fault automatically. We can help.
What are the Most Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Collisions in Georgia?
Georgia motorcycle collisions can result in various catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection afforded to riders. Even when riders are wearing a helmet, the forceful impact of getting hit by a two-ton or larger vehicle may lead to significant injuries that require long-term, specialized care.
Some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries associated with motorcycle collisions include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head injuries are among the most severe and common injuries in motorcycle crashes, even when riders are wearing helmets. TBIs can range from concussions to more severe forms, such as skull fractures or intracranial hemorrhages, leading to long-term disabilities or even death.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle collisions can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or loss of motor function below the site of the injury. These injuries can be permanent and life-altering, affecting mobility, sensation, and bodily functions.
- Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
The impact of a motorcycle collision can lead to fractures in bones throughout the body, including the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs. These injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation to recover fully.
- Amputations
Severe trauma to the limbs in a motorcycle crash may necessitate surgical amputation. Even with prosthetic advances, limb loss can have significant physical, emotional, and financial implications for the individual.
- Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma from a motorcycle crash can cause internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery to address.
- Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Motorcyclists thrown from their bikes during a crash can suffer from road rash, which occurs when the skin scrapes against the pavement. These injuries can range from minor abrasions to deep lacerations, often leading to scarring and the risk of infection.
- Psychological Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle collisions can cause significant psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
These catastrophic injuries can have profound and long-lasting effects on the lives of motorcycle crash victims, impacting their physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability.
When another motorist’s negligence causes these crashes, we want to help the riders pursue the best outcome for their claims so they can regain control of their lives.
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash caused by negligence in Georgia, contact our skilled personal injury attorneys and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry today at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This will ensure your rights are protected so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.