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In serious motorcycle accidents, it is not uncommon for the injured motorcyclist to suffer broken (fractured) bones. There are various types of fractures which may occur. These include spinal, skull, forearm, shinbone, thighbone, and/or pelvis. 

Spinal Fractures 

Experts say that the most common type of spinal fracture is one that affects both the mid-back (thoracic) and lower back (lumbar).These types of injuries may occur in high-velocity motorcycle accidents. The severity of spinal fractures may vary from stable where the bones remain aligned to unstable where the bones are displaced. The treatment for stable and unstable fractures varies from wearing back braces, to exercises for rehabilitation to surgery.

Skull Fractures

Head injuries are dangerous. WebMD says that a significant head injury can result in a skull fracture. When the head is injured, it can lead to permanent disability, mental impairment and even death. Less severe injuries may require only pain medication, but more serious fractures can require surgery.

Forearm Fractures

When accidents are about to happen, many motorcyclists brace themselves for impact by using their arms. This can result in injuries. Surgery is sometimes required using metal plates and screws to hold bones together. Some surgeons attach screws and plates to an outside bar. This is called an external fixator. WebMd says that in adults, fractures of the arm account for nearly half of all broken bones. 

Following are some of the symptoms of broken arms provided by WebMd:

• A large amount of pain and increased pain when moving the arm
• Swelling
• Maybe an obvious deformity compared to the other arm
• Possible open wound either from the bone puncturing the skin or from the skin being cut during the injury
• Decreased sensation or inability to move the limb, which may indicate nerve damage

Shinbone and Thighbone Fractures

The AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) says that the shinbone and thighbones are strong bones, and it takes a lot of force to break them. However, when they are broken most of these fractures require surgery which can involve skeletal traction or long-leg splints.

Pelvis Fractures

According to the AAOS, pelvis fractures can have excessive bleeding and can be life-threatening. There also may be internal damage. Whether surgery is done or not, the injured motorcyclist may have to keep weight off the injured limb for as long as three months or more. When surgery is necessary, it may require screws or plates being inserted, traction or an external fixator.

Whenever a motorcyclist is injured in an accident through someone else’s negligence, he or she may be able to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit. The severity of the fracture(s), nerve damage, or the impact to the victim’s life is taken into consideration when determining filing for damages. 

“There are special laws and protections that apply to motorcycle accident cases in Florida. These help victims obtain compensation and recover damages for pain and suffering, lose of the enjoyment of life, long- and short-term medical care expenses and lost wages,” said Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. “Please contact our firm to assist you. We are available 24/7.”

Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.