Getting Medical Treatment after a Motorcycle Crash
A motorcycle crash is a chaotic event, and it can be difficult to know what to do afterward. In fact, the days and weeks following an accident can be filled with uncertainty and concerns, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. You always have the guidance of experienced Lawrenceville motorcycle accident lawyers when you need it.
One important topic we regularly address with our clients is the importance of receiving the proper medical treatment for their injuries. In the event you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident, keep the following in mind about your own medical care.
Common Motorcycle Injuries that Need Treatment
Motorcycle accidents are capable of causing extremely serious injuries, many of which require immediate medical attention. Importantly, after an accident, it is always a better idea to err on the side of caution and get checked out. Not only is it important for your physical well-being, but the insurance company is going to want to see that you sought medical attention before making a settlement offer. Some of the more common motorcycle injuries that require medical treatment include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries, also known as “TBIs,” often occur after a bump or blow to the head. They can occur even if you are wearing a helmet, so do not make the mistake of assuming that everything is fine because you were wearing protective gear. TBIs can cause a number of serious symptoms and complications, including headaches, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and trouble communicating. In severe cases, victims may never be able to work or live independently again.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are extremely painful injuries that have the potential to leave you with significant complications if not properly treated. In many instances, broken bones need to be reset and put into a cast for weeks or even months. Signs of broken bones include pain, swelling, a visible misshapen or out-of-place joint, and limited mobility.
Severe Lacerations
Severe lacerations are a common injury in motorcycle accidents, as high-speed contact with the road, other vehicles, or your own bike can easily tear skin and muscle. When lacerations go beyond cuts and scrapes and actually damage the lower layers of skin or tissue, it’s critical that victims seek medical treatment. The treatment for severe lacerations can include stitches, staples, glue, and even surgical procedures. In many cases, even with immediate medical attention, victims are left with permanent scarring that may affect their appearance and self-esteem.
Right after the Accident
Many people are in shock following a motorcycle crash, and it is no surprise they are confused about medical treatment. Someone at the scene should call 911, which should bring first responders to help. Always allow emergency medical technicians to examine you, and if they advise that you need an ambulance ride, heed their advice.
However, even if you do not require emergency transportation, you still might need to head to the emergency room for an evaluation. It is important to do this right away, as waiting can have effects on your health and a future motorcycle accident insurance claim. Getting tests and diagnosis of your injuries allows you to:
- Start treating your injuries as soon as possible, which often leads to a better prognosis and can prevent some complications
- Have records that connect your injuries to your motorcycle crash, which helps to support your insurance claim
Some people might feel sore, stiff, or disoriented and assume it is “normal” after such a traumatic event. They might go home and expect to wake up feeling better when, in reality, those were symptoms of a serious soft tissue injury, concussion, or another injury. It is always better to err on the safe side and have anything out of the ordinary checked out following a crash.
Keeping Up with Your Treatment Plan
While it may be cliche to hear that you should “follow your doctor’s orders,” it’s extremely important to do so after a motorcycle accident for a number of reasons. Of course, first and foremost, following your treatment plan is important to your health. Secondly, following your treatment plan is important to the health of any claim for compensation you pursue.
If you fail to attend physical therapy, fill your prescriptions, engage in physical activity despite your physician’s recommendations, or otherwise disregard your treatment plan, it makes it possible for the insurance company to argue that your injuries could not be as serious as you claim that they are. In addition, accident victims have a duty to take reasonable steps to mitigate damages. If you fail to mitigate damages you could have reasonably avoided, the other side can use it as a defense and it may result in a lower settlement offer or court award.
Future Medical Care
Some injuries require ongoing medical care for years following an accident, or perhaps for the rest of your life. If you are filing a motorcycle accident claim, it is important that you – with your attorney – consider the future treatment you will need. Often, this requires consulting with your doctors or other medical experts who can give their opinion on your future treatment and the estimated costs.
Recovering for Your Medical Expenses
Motorcycle injuries can result in a huge pile of medical bills, and these are often a major part of an injured accident victim’s losses. Your attorney can help determine the full extent of your past and future expenses for medical care and seek compensation to cover these and other losses, including last income and property damage. You should never hesitate to get the care you need out of fear of the cost. Put your physical health and safety first, and allow our legal team to handle your injury claim.
Learn How Lawrenceville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, you want Spaulding Injury Law on your side and fighting for your rights. We understand motorcyclists and how they suffer injuries at the fault of others, and we work to obtain maximum compensation for every injured client. Contact us online or call 678-541-8841 for your free case evaluation.
When you become our client at Spaulding Injury Law, you’ll be represented by a thoroughly experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney like Theodore A. Spaulding. For over 15 years, Mr. Spaulding has helped victims of negligence across the state of Georgia resolve personal injury cases, and he’s received a remarkable number of awards and honors from the legal community recognizing his commitment to clients and to the metro-Atlanta area.
Mr. Spaulding has been named one of the Top 100 trial lawyers in Georgia by the National Trial Lawyers for six successive years.
He is honored as a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum ® by the Top Trial Lawyers in America ®.
Charter Member of the Distinguished Justice Advocates.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association.
