Once the first few nice days of spring arrive, motorcycle riders start preparing to hit the roads on two wheels. Few things compare to that first ride after being cooped up during a long Minnesota winter.
While there’s freedom that comes from riding a motorcycle, there’s also more risk. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags or seatbelts, riders are directly exposed to the road and surrounding traffic. It’s no surprise that motorcycle accidents often result in far more severe injuries than typical car crashes. And those injuries carry a long-term financial impact.
Even at relatively low speeds, a motorcycle crash can throw a rider onto the pavement or into another vehicle. In Minnesota, riding is a seasonal activity, and after winter, the roads are often in poor condition. Wet roads, loose gravel and potholes increase the risk of serious harm. As a result, injuries are often life-altering.
Brain and spinal cord injuries
One of the most severe injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Wearing a helmet reduces the risk, but even then, the force of the impact can cause the brain to move within the skull.
Living with a severe TBI can include ongoing neurological care, along with cognitive therapy and rehabilitation. It can affect memory, personality and the ability to work. Between lost earning capacity and permanent disability, a TBI is one of the most financially and emotionally devastating injuries.
If a rider is thrown from the bike or lands awkwardly during a crash, they could end up with damage to the spinal cord. Partial or complete paralysis means lifetime medical care, assistive devices, home and vehicle modifications, assistance with daily needs and the loss of independence and income. Costs for a spinal cord injury can end up in the millions over time.
Road rash and fractures
“Road rash” occurs when the skin scrapes against the pavement. While it may sound minor, severe cases can lead to deep wounds, infections and permanent scarring. Long-term casts may include:
- Skin grafts
- Reconstructive surgery
- Chronic pain
- Nerve damage
Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs and pelvis are extremely common in motorcycle accidents. Some breaks require surgery and the placement of hardware, such as plates and screws. There may be multiple surgeries followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation. This leads to time away from work and lost income.
The true cost of a motorcycle accident goes far beyond the initial medical bills. The insurance system can be complex, especially since motorcycles are treated differently from standard passenger vehicles under the state’s no-fault laws. Therefore, it’s crucial for injured riders to get experienced legal guidance to understand their rights and pursue the compensation they need for long-term recovery.