More than 191,000 people in Colorado have registered motorcycles. People use motorcycles as a means of transportation as well as entertainment and sport. However, riding a motorcycle also comes with special risks of collisions and injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that an estimated 92,000 people were injured in accidents involving motorcycles in one year in the US.
Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic and can leave you facing many losses.
Motorcycle Accidents can Cause Devastating Injuries
Motorcyclists do not have bumpers, roll cages, crumple zones, seat belts, airbags, or the other safety features of a motor vehicle, in fact, the only protection they have from outside forces is the clothes they, wear and a safety helmet.
Colorado law does not require all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets. In fact, it is their right not to wear a helmet, and an insurance company cannot defend a case claiming the motorcyclist should have worn a helmet.
An impact with the ground and/or with another vehicle can cause catastrophic and life-changing injuries for motorcyclists in collisions. Some of the most common serious injuries caused by these accidents include:
- Head trauma and fractured skulls
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Facial and jaw fractures
- Internal haemorrhaging and organ – damage
- Back and neck injuries
- Shattered or crushed limbs and bones
- Friction burns (road rash)
Most of these injuries will require time spent in the hospital, surgeries, long-term rehabilitative therapy, medications, and additional care. Some injuries, such as TBI or SCI, can lead to permanent cognitive impairments, paralysis, loss of organ function, and other severe and life-changing disabilities.
If you have any questions, you should contact Malman Law Firm at 303-733-7900 or ilianameza@malmanlawfirm.com.