No one enjoys being poked and prodded by a doctor or being asked multiple questions about how they feel. And after the shock and trauma of a car accident, some people just want to leave the scene and go home. If you were involved in a Maryland motorcycle accident that didn’t appear serious, you may be tempted to monitor your symptoms at home before seeking medical attention.

However, if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you’ll likely want to file an insurance claim or lawsuit so you can get compensation. If so, you’ll need to present proof that you suffered your injuries in the crash. If you wait days or weeks to see a doctor, it will be hard to link your injuries to the accident. The insurance company may suggest that you got your injuries in another way or accuse you of exaggerating your symptoms. Even if you were genuinely hurt in the accident, you may not be able to recover damages. You’ll need to contact our Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys.

Why You May Not Know You’ve Been Hurt

Not all injuries are immediately apparent, especially when adrenaline is coursing through your veins. However, if you go to the doctor and explain how the accident occurred, they may know exactly what to check for. They may be able to detect damage that you don’t yet feel.

Doctors may also recognize signs of a major problem when you describe symptoms that seem insignificant. At the very least, they’ll make a note in your file about the fact that you were in a car accident. If you decide to file a claim later, your medical records will be used to support your demand for compensation.

In addition to helping your insurance claim, prompt medical attention also ensures you get prompt treatment. The doctor may need to refer you to specialists depending on the nature of your injuries. While going to the emergency room or a private medical facility can be inconvenient, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s absolutely necessary. After you go to the doctor, you need to contact a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney for further advice.

Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists enjoy the thrill of the open road and the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. However, every time you hop on your bike, you’re at risk of injury. On average, more than 1,400 motorcycle accidents occur in Maryland each year, and many result in injuries. Nationally, over 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death.

Some bikers are lucky enough to escape with minor injuries. However, others see their lives change in the blink of an eye when they suffer brain damage, spinal cord injuries or permanent disability. Catastrophic injuries prevent victims from working and this impacts both them and their families. That’s why it’s so important to do everything you can to get the compensation you deserve. Let’s look at some of the most common injuries motorcyclists suffer when they get involved in crashes.

Road Rash

Many people don’t think that road rash is serious. However, it’s more than just a cut or bruise and it can affect a large area of the body if the victim isn’t wearing protective gear. Road rash occurs when the biker gets wiped out or thrown off the bike and it can lead to nerve damage and skin infection. To prevent this, motorcyclists should wear heavy clothing that covers their arms and legs, gloves, and footwear that covers the ankles.
Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord connects the base of the brain to other parts of the body. If it’s damaged and it can’t transmit signals adequately, the victim can experience spasms, pain, and even total paralysis.

Head Injuries

It’s crucial that anyone riding a motorcycle wear a helmet. However, even motorcyclists who wear protective headgear can suffer head injuries. This is especially likely if they’re ejected from their bike. Common head injuries include minor concussions and cracked skulls. Some victims never fully recover.

Foot and Leg Injuries

These injuries aren’t usually fatal, but they can be debilitating. In some cases, they’re permanent. Foot and leg injuries can occur when a vehicle strikes a bike. However, sometimes they result from the bike falling on the rider. Common foot and leg injuries include torn ligaments and broken bones.

Get Help from Pinder Plotkin LLC

Don’t wait any longer to seek legal advice if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. While you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland, you’ll need to get started on your case much sooner. Contact our Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.

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