Top 5 Hidden Injuries That Appear Days After a Motorcycle Crash

Hidden Motorcycle Accident Injuries You Should Never Ignore

Motorcycle accidents often cause serious and immediate injuries. It’s not unusual to see broken bones, road rash, and visible wounds following an accident. But some motorcycle accident injuries are not immediately apparent. In many cases, symptoms may not show up for hours or even days. 

This delay can be harmful. Victims of some hidden injuries must receive prompt medical care, or their injuries may deteriorate over time. This is why all motorcycle accident victims must receive medical care following an accident, even if they do not feel any pain initially. 

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys are dedicated to assisting injured motorcycle riders in California in filing claims for compensation following a serious collision. Their lawyers are aware of the consequences of hidden injuries, not only on a victim’s health and finances but on their future recovery. 

Why Hidden Motorcycle Crash Injuries Occur?

Following a motorcycle accident, the body is subject to severe trauma. Pain and symptoms may be masked for a period of time by adrenaline and shock. Sometimes, victims think they’re fine, but then start to experience symptoms that continue to get worse days later.

But some injuries take time to develop. Signs of internal bleeding and swelling, as well as nerve damage, can take some time after the accident.

Failing to pay attention to signs and symptoms following a motorcycle accident can result in serious health problems. That’s why it is important to have a medical examination following any collision, even if the injuries may appear minor. 

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injury is one of the most hazardous motorcycle crash injuries. Riders who wear helmets can also be concussed or sustain brain injuries in an accident.

Symptoms of a TBI can develop over a few days. 

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Memory problems
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating

If left untreated, brain injuries can result in permanent cognitive impairments or life-threatening complications in severe cases.

If a motorcycle rider has any symptoms of a head injury after an accident, it is time to seek medical attention. 

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys’ motorcycle accident page discusses the various ways in which a victim of a motorcycle accident can seek medical compensation for serious injuries and for long-term medical treatment. 

2. Internal Bleeding

Another hidden injury is internal bleeding, which may not manifest itself immediately. Blunt force trauma can cause injuries to internal organs and blood vessels in a motorcycle accident.

Bleeding happens within the body, and the victim may not realize that the injury is serious until symptoms are severe. 

Symptoms that indicate bleeding in the body are: 

• Deep bruising
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure

If not treated, internal bleeding can be fatal. If any of these symptoms occur after a motorcycle accident, emergency medical care is crucial. 

3. Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Back injuries are extremely prevalent in motorcycle accidents. There are some injuries to the spine that will cause pain right away, and others will take time to develop as inflammation builds up.

It is not uncommon for victims to not know they have a spinal injury for days afterwards, as stiffness and nerve symptoms increase.

Signs of spinal injuries may include: 

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Tingling in the arms or legs
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Limited mobility

Severe injuries to the spinal cord can result in permanent disability or paralysis. If diagnosed early, it may be possible to minimize permanent damage.

After suffering injuries to the spine, many motorcycle accident victims will need continual care, whether physical therapy, surgery, or rehabilitation. 

4. Soft Tissue Injuries

A soft tissue injury involves damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. After motorcycle accidents, these injuries are frequently not noticed, as they do not show up on X-rays. 

Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury in motorcycle accidents. It is often attributed to accidents involving automobiles, but motorcycle accidents can be just as serious as car accidents when it comes to neck strain. 

Symptoms may include:

• Neck stiffness
• Shoulder pain
• Swelling
• Muscle spasms
• Reduced range of motion
• Headaches

If soft tissue injuries are not treated, they can become chronic. Some victims have pain for months or years following the accident. 

At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we know how injuries that occur later in the process can impact accident cases and will assist clients in seeking compensation for continued treatment. 

5. Emotional Trauma and PTSD

Not all motorcycle crash injuries are physical. Emotional trauma is also likely to manifest days or weeks following a major accident. 

A significant number of riders suffer anxiety, depression, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an accident.

Emotional signs might involve: 

• Nightmares
• Fear of riding again
• Anxiety while driving
• Mood swings
• Sleep problems
• Flashbacks
• Depression

Mental health injuries may impact relationships, work performance, and quality of life.

Emotional trauma is a genuine condition and can be part of a motorcycle accident lawsuit. 

Why Immediate Medical Care Is Necessary?

Some motorcycle accident victims don’t seek treatment after an accident because they don’t seem to be hurt. Unfortunately, this can jeopardize health and legal claims. 

It helps to visit a doctor immediately:

• Identifying potentially dangerous wounds and injuries at an early stage. 
• Prevent complications
• Create medical records
• Support insurance claims
• Protect legal rights

Insurance companies may claim that injuries were not severe or not caused by the accident if they weren’t seen right away.

A prompt medical evaluation will help determine the injury directly attributed to the motorcycle accident. 

How Motorcycle Accident Injuries Impact Compensation

Rarely can an accident make a huge difference like that of a motorcycle accident case. Treatment, surgery, therapy, or continued rehabilitation may be necessary for a victim for a long time. 

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical care
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

The greater and more permanent the injuries, the greater the potential amount of compensation may be.

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to assist in determining the total effect of delayed injuries. 

How an Attorney Can Assist After a Motorcycle Crash

Insurers will attempt to minimize claims for motorcycle accidents. They may claim that injuries are not as severe as they are or not even a result of the accident.

An expert motorcycle accident attorney can help by: 

• Investigating the accident
• Collecting medical evidence
• Working with medical experts
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Pursuing maximum compensation

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys ensures that motorcycle accident victims are aware of their rights and can obtain the compensation they deserve following a serious accident.