As we have discussed before in this blog, being injured in a motorcycle accident is no small thing. Victims often have significant pain and suffering, and their medical expenses can skyrocket. Making matters worse, many times these individuals are left unable to work for a certain period of time, forcing them to lose out on much-needed wages. Though the initial shock of such a wreck can be severe, the ongoing damages caused by one of these crashes can be devastating.
Financially speaking, depending on the severity of injuries suffered, a victim could be in for a costly recovery. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, inpatient rehabilitation costs for motorcycle accident victims average more than $13,000. Those who suffer spine and head injuries can face even more extensive costs, which is saying something, since a significant portion of injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents are traumatic brain injuries.
But the harm doesn’t stop there. This study also found that those injured in motorcycle accidents can experience loss of function and changes to their social roles. Trying to recover from these damages can be challenging and, in some instances, impossible. Far too many motorcycle accident victims’ lives are left forever changed with very little hope of reclaiming the life they once lived.
Those who are suffering physical, emotional, and financial losses caused by a motorcycle accident may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit if the wreck was caused by the negligence of another. If liability is proven, then compensation may be awarded based on the extent of harm shown. For this reason, it is imperative that accident victims carefully detail their medical and rehabilitation costs, as well as lost wages.
Source: NHTSA, “Rehabilitation Costs and Long-Term Consequences of Motor Vehicle Injury,” accessed June 24, 2016
