How Common Are Spinal Cord Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries for riders and passengers due to a lack of protection from the impact of a crash. Unlike car passengers, motorcyclists face the full force of a collision, making them four times more likely to suffer serious injuries, including spinal cord damage.
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can have life-altering effects, from physical challenges to emotional and financial struggles. Understanding how often these injuries occur and their impact is crucial to seeking fair compensation if you or a loved one has been affected by a motorcycle collision.
Learn the realities of SCIs after a crash and how a skilled Appleton motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue the financial support needed for recovery.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most serious consequences of motorcycle accidents. A 2020 study found that spinal cord injury rates for motorcyclists are around seven times higher than for car occupants.
Other research shows that not wearing a helmet increases this risk and the severity of the injury. A 2019 Wisconsin study found cervical spine injuries in around 15% of unhelmeted riders compared to just over 7% of helmeted riders and fractures at 10% versus 4%.
SCIs are usually grouped into two main types:
| Type of SCI | Description | Care Needs |
| Complete Spinal Cord Injury | The spinal cord is fully severed, causing a total loss of movement and feeling below the injury. | Requires full-time care for paralysis, assistive devices like wheelchairs, and possibly ventilatory support. |
| Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury | The spinal cord is partially damaged, so some movement or feeling may still be possible below the injury. | May need physical therapy, mobility aids, and assistance with daily activities depending on the level of retained function. |
One study found that motorcycle riders are more prone to severe mid-back (thoracic) spinal injuries than those in cars and that 81% of these SCIs resulted in neurological damage. These injuries often result from the intense impact of a collision, where the rider may be thrown from the motorcycle, crushed, or experience violent twisting of the spine.
The Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
An SCI after a motorcycle accident can leave you with physical limitations that change your daily life, but it can also affect many other aspects of your well-being. These injuries may also lead to:
- Medical Challenges: SCIs typically require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Paralysis, nerve damage, and chronic pain are common outcomes.
- Financial Burden: Medical treatment for spinal cord injuries can be costly, resulting in annual expenses ranging from $350,000 to almost $5 million for initial hospital stays to ongoing physical therapy and assistive devices.
- Career Challenges: Many SCI victims struggle to return to their previous careers due to physical limitations or lengthy recovery periods. This often leads to lost wages, financial instability, and the added burden of pursuing career changes or retraining.
- Impact on Relationships: Spinal cord injuries can strain personal relationships as loved ones take on caregiving roles, which may lead to stress and changes in dynamics within families and friendships.
- Emotional Struggles: Coping with a spinal cord injury can be emotionally challenging. Victims often experience depression, anxiety, and loss of independence, which can affect their overall quality of life.
Legal Options for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident, working with a skilled Appleton car accident attorney can help you secure the compensation needed for recovery.
Here’s how they can assist:
- Determine Liability: Investigate the evidence to identify who caused the accident, such as a careless driver, a defective motorcycle part, or unsafe road conditions.
- Calculate Damages: Review immediate and long-term impacts, including medical bills, lost wages, therapy costs, and emotional suffering, to ensure all losses are accounted for.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Handle discussions with insurers, who often try to lower payouts to help you pursue a fair and reasonable settlement.
- File a Personal Injury Lawsuit: If a settlement isn’t possible, take your case to court, advocating for the compensation you need to move forward.
Protect Your Future With Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers
At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, our team understands the devastating challenges victims and their families face after a spinal cord injury. Our Appleton motorcycle accident lawyers can negotiate for the settlement you need to rebuild your life.
We can investigate the details of your accident, gather evidence, and represent your rights. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us advocate for the financial security you deserve.