Seeking Compensation for Broken Bones After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists have little protection when a collision occurs, leaving them vulnerable to serious injuries. Broken bones are among the injuries riders may suffer, along with spinal cord injuries, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries.

A broken bone can require surgery, rehabilitation, and significant time away from work. Below, we discuss when injured motorcyclists may be entitled to compensation and what damages they may be able to recover.

Types of broken bones after a motorcycle accident

There are many different types of broken bones. Common types include:

Closed

Closed fractures, also called simple fractures, are extremely common after a motorcycle accident. These fractures do not puncture the skin or create open wounds. Though a closed fracture does not sound as serious as other types, these injuries can cause significant damage to victims.

Compound

A compound fracture involves an open wound that reaches the broken bone. This type of bone fracture can lead to infection or other complications since it creates a wound. Compound fractures typically take longer to heal than a closed fracture.

Incomplete

An incomplete fracture does not break completely through the bone. These fractures may still pose serious risks, depending on the injury.

Compression

A compression fracture happens when all or part of a bone collapses under pressure.

Complicated

A complicated fracture impacts surrounding muscles, blood vessels, or nerves. Complicated fractures are just that: complicated. They can lead to other types of injuries and may take longer to heal.

Possible long-term complications from broken bones

Outside of the healing time and impact on daily life from a broken bone, some people experience long-term complications. These could include:

Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis can happen in some people after a motorcycle accident. This type of arthritis can be related to a broken bone or another joint injury and can appear earlier than other types of arthritis. Symptoms of post-traumatic arthritis include:

• Painful joints
• Stiffness
• Joint instability
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Decreased mobility

Some people do not have any of these symptoms, while others may experience all of them. Seek medical care after an accident and attend follow-up appointments to manage symptoms early.

Infections

Some broken bones break the skin or require surgery to fix, which could lead to infections. Infections after a broken bone without an open wound are uncommon. Some people may be more at risk due to underlying health conditions.

Nerve damage

Sometimes broken bones may impact the surrounding nerves. Nerve damage may be short- or long-term. Symptoms of nerve damage may include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Burning

Nerve damage has treatment options, such as therapies or surgeries. Seeking medical care is critical after a motorcycle accident.

Mobility or function issues

Sometimes, people may experience a loss of mobility or function in broken bones. This can be difficult to manage because it may affect several areas of life, including walking, grip strength, or difficulty performing other day-to-day activities.

Vessel damage

On rare occasions, blood vessels may become damaged after a broken bone. Vascular damage can occur when something crushes or punctures a blood vessel.

Compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can happen after a traumatic injury to the body. When too much pressure builds within a muscle compartment, blood flow and oxygen can be restricted. People who experience acute compartment syndrome typically have severe pain, and it is a medical emergency.

Acute compartment syndrome typically requires urgent surgery, while treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some people may need months to recover from compartment syndrome.

Broken bones from motorcycle accident FAQs

Motorcycle accidents come with a lot of questions. We have answered some of the most common ones below:

What compensation can I get for broken bones?

It is important to note that compensation is not guaranteed for any claim. It would also be impossible to provide a reliable estimate without knowing the details of a case. However, in general, lawyers seek the following damages:

• Current and future medical expenses, such as therapies, surgeries, appointments, and prescriptions.
• Lost wages related to missed work due to the injury and healing time.
• Loss of future earning capacity for people whose careers have been negatively impacted by a motorcycle accident.
• Property damage related to the property lost in an accident.
• Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional turmoil from a motorcycle accident.

Anyone wondering about the possible compensation for their claim is encouraged to speak to an experienced attorney to learn more.

Do I need a motorcycle accident lawyer for my claim?

You may or may not. It is impossible to answer this question without knowing the specifics of your accident. If you want to learn more about your personalized legal options, please contact us today to request a free case review.

What is the statute of limitations in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the typical statute of limitations for personal injury cases is one year after the cause of action accrues. This one-year timeline includes most motorcycle accident personal injury claims. Certain situations may extend deadlines. We recommend that anyone curious about their specific statute of limitations speak to a lawyer to learn more.

How can a motorcycle accident lawyer help?

Motorcycle accident lawyers help clients in many ways. They negotiate with insurance companies, advocate for their clients’ rights, and strengthen claims. Knowledgeable lawyers are invaluable to their clients, often offering peace of mind and legal support during difficult times.

Contact Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free case review

Seeking compensation for broken bones after a motorcycle accident may seem daunting. There are legal deadlines, medical records, and other requirements that can become overwhelming while trying to heal.

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm: Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, we offer free case reviews to hear about your unique situation. This allows us to provide personalized legal options. Contact us today to request your appointment and learn more.