Some of the most common injuries from motorcycle accidents include fractures, traumatic brain injuries, road rash, and spinal damage.
Riders often suffer more serious harm than people in passenger vehicles because there is so little structure to protect them in a crash. A Salt Lake City motorcycle accident lawyer will often see claims involving long-term rehabilitation, lost mobility, or permanent disability, even from a single moment of impact.
Common Motorcycle Injuries That Lead to Legal Claims
Even with a helmet and armored gear, a motorcycle rider is still extremely vulnerable in a crash. These injuries often come with considerable medical bills, lengthy recovery time, and a lot of physical strain.
Bone Fractures and Lower Limb Injuries
When a rider is hit or thrown from their bike, the legs usually take the brunt of the impact. Broken femurs, hips, and knees are some of the most common outcomes, especially in side-impact or intersection crashes. Arms and wrists are also frequently injured as riders instinctively try to brace themselves during a fall.
Fractures can make it hard to walk, work, or even complete basic tasks. Some require surgery, months of physical therapy, or the use of assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs. These types of injuries tend to rack up high treatment costs, even with health insurance.
Soft Tissue Damage and Internal Injuries
Muscle strains, ligament tears, and organ damage are often overlooked at first, but they are some of the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents and can cause serious complications. In high-speed collisions, the body may twist in unnatural ways or suffer blunt-force trauma from the handlebars or ground.
Internal bleeding, bruised organs, or torn abdominal tissue can be difficult to detect without imaging tests. Soft tissue injuries also affect balance, strength, and coordination, which is especially frustrating for riders trying to regain their independence.
Head Injuries and Concussions
Not all head trauma involves a skull fracture. Even with a helmet, riders are still at risk for concussions and other brain-related injuries. These can happen from sudden stops, sideways falls, or when the head hits the pavement or another vehicle.
Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, or memory loss may not appear immediately. That is what makes these injuries so dangerous. Without treatment, a mild concussion can turn into a much bigger issue. In the most serious cases, traumatic brain injuries can lead to permanent cognitive or motor impairment.
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How Motorcycle Accidents Affect the Brain and Spine
Some of the most serious motorcycle accident injuries affect the brain and spinal cord. When these areas are damaged, it can change how you think, move, or interact with the world around you. These types of injuries often require lifelong care and may dramatically alter your day-to-day routines.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Cognitive Impairment
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen even if you were wearing a helmet. A sudden jolt or impact to the head can cause lasting damage to the brain, sometimes without obvious external signs.
Many people experience memory problems, mood swings, or difficulty focusing. Others may struggle with headaches, fatigue, or changes in personality that affect their work and relationships.
When a brain injury limits your ability to make legal or financial decisions, filing a personal injury claim becomes more complicated. Under Utah Code § 78B-2-108, individuals with mental incapacity have more time to take legal action, but those deadlines still require attention. The sooner medical documentation is gathered, the easier it is to prove the full impact of the injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis Risk
Damage to the spinal cord is also another common injury in motorcycle accidents and can lead to partial or full paralysis, depending on where the injury occurs. Cervical spine injuries often affect the arms, hands, and core, while thoracic or lumbar damage can lead to loss of leg movement or bladder control.
If you suffered a spinal injury, your Salt Lake City catastrophic injury lawyer will be familiar with how Utah Code § 31A-22-305.3 affects coverage, since motorcycles are excluded from many personal injury protection (PIP) benefits under state law.
Long-Term Neurological Effects and Post-Traumatic Complications
Some riders develop complications that are not immediately tied to a single injury site. Chronic nerve pain, post-concussive symptoms, and neurological deficits can show up weeks after the crash. These issues often affect sleep, emotional regulation, and muscle coordination, making everyday activities more difficult than before.
Cases involving long-term neurological harm typically require additional expert opinions and follow-up evaluations. In some situations, these extended symptoms become the driving factor behind a legal claim, especially when they interfere with your ability to work or live independently.
How Injury Type Affects Your Motorcycle Accident Compensation
Insurance companies evaluate your injuries when deciding how much to pay. The more severe and long-lasting the condition, the more they try to dispute it. This section explains why some claims are more difficult to resolve than others.
How Injury Complexity Impacts Settlement Value
Claims involving broken bones or soft tissue injuries may settle relatively quickly, especially if you are expected to recover within a few months. However, when you suffer permanent nerve damage or brain trauma, insurance companies are far more likely to push back on the amount you request.
These cases often include expert opinions, long-term care estimates, and if you share any fault for the accident, Utah Code § 78B-5-818 may reduce your compensation based on the details of your claim. Your Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can review how these factors may affect your compensation if your injuries qualify.
How Pre-Existing Conditions Complicate Your Claim
It is common for insurers to blame new pain or limitations on an old injury, even if the motorcycle crash clearly made it worse. If you have a history of back problems or joint issues, they may try to reduce your payout by saying those symptoms were already there.
Some Cases Take Longer to Resolve Than Others
Medical uncertainty can slow down even the most straightforward case. If you need additional surgeries, specialist evaluations, or follow-up imaging, insurers may argue that the injuries were not caused by the crash.
These disputes can delay payment for months while both sides gather documentation. Your Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer can coordinate medical records, timelines, and professional opinions to keep the claim on track.
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Get Help From a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Salt Lake City
At Siegfried & Jensen, we have decades of combined legal experience. Our team knows how confusing this process can feel, especially when you are dealing with pain, bills, and unanswered questions.
We are happy to explain what common injuries from motorcycle accidents are and how they may impact your next steps. You can contact us at any time to discuss your situation and explore what is possible.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
