Motorcycle Accidents and Face Injuries

Motorcycle accidents, though less frequent, are unique from other auto accidents. While motorcycle crashes and car accidents can result in injuries, the severity of facial injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can be more severe. Statistics reveal about 180,000 people suffer serious injuries in motorcycle crashes each year in the U.S., and many of those victims may be entitled to compensation for damages.

At Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., we understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims in San Francisco face. Our team of motor accident attorneys can handle your case to ensure a successful compensation claim. Let us explore more about face injuries due to motorcycle accidents and how a motorcycle accident attorney can assist you.

What Are the Facial Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents?

In California, all riders are supposed to wear a DOT-certified helmet when riding. However, that doesn’t mean you are absolutely safe from injuries in case of a crash. Research shows that wearing helmets can reduce the risks of facial injuries by 65%.

Motorcycle accidents can result in various facial injuries, each with unique complications. A face houses 14 intricate bones, and the potential for harm is significant. The most common facial injuries from motorcycle crashes include:

• Broken bones: The bones in the face may suffer minor cracks to severe breaks during a motorcycle crash. These may affect the jaw, nose, cheekbones, and more, which may be disfiguring and often require surgical intervention to heal properly.
• Eye injuries: Motorcycle accidents often lead to eye injuries, which pose significant risks to vision. Debris, shrapnel, or the force of impact can cause damage to the eyes, potentially resulting in short or long-term impairment.
• Dental injuries: The face houses the teeth, making them susceptible to injury during a crash. Dental injuries due to motorcycle crashes may include chipped teeth to complete tooth loss.
• Jaw dislocation: The sheer impact of a motorcycle accident can result in dislocated jaws. Injured jaws may hinder one’s ability to eat or speak comfortably. Realigning the jaw often necessitates medical intervention.
• Cuts and lacerations: During an accident, sharp objects, broken glass, or the force of impact can cause cuts and lacerations to the face. These wounds may lead to permanent scarring and require plastic surgery or other serious treatments to mitigate their effects.

These injuries are not just physical; they can also have profound emotional and financial repercussions. However, your attorney will help identify fault for the accident to seek compensation for injuries and losses successfully.

Recoverable Damages From Motorcycle Accidents

Understanding the spectrum of recoverable damages is crucial to seeking proper compensation for facial injuries due to motorcycle accidents. These damages are categorized into economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the quantifiable, tangible losses that occur as a direct result of an accident. These damages are relatively easy to calculate as they involve actual financial expenditures. Economic damages include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation and therapy

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are less tangible and more challenging to quantify as they pertain to subjective experiences and losses. These damages focus on the pain, suffering, and overall impact of the injury on the victim’s life. Non-economic damages include the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of future earnings

Your attorney plays a crucial role in determining the recoverable damages for your claim. They will assess the specifics of your case, the extent of your injuries, and the circumstances of the accident to ensure that you receive fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

I Have Suffered a Facial Injury Due to a Motorcycle Crash; What Do I Do?

Facing a facial injury resulting from a motorcycle crash can be an overwhelming and distressing experience. However, taking the proper steps can help protect your health, well-being, and legal rights.

Continue With Medical Care

After a motorcycle crash that results in facial injuries, your immediate focus should be on your health and well-being. Delays in acquiring immediate care after a road accident can increase the seriousness of the injuries.

To ensure the best possible recovery, follow the advice and treatment plans of your healthcare provider. This helps to address immediate concerns, prevent long-term complications, and avoid treatment gaps that might undermine your legal claim.

Most importantly, proper medical care establishes a clear record of your injuries and the treatments you receive. This documentation provides evidence of the extent of your injuries, the associated costs, and their impact on your life.

Hire a Lawyer

Navigating the legal complexities of compensation claims can be complex and often overwhelming. To optimize your chances of recovery, hire a personal injury attorney to help pursue fair compensation.

• Legal advice: A personal injury lawyer has the legal knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal claim process. They understand the nuances of such cases and know how to build a strong claim.
• Investigation: Attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the motor accident to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts if needed. This investigation is key in establishing liability and proving your case.
• Negotiation: Insurance adjusters will most likely try to lowball payouts. However, an attorney will handle negotiations for you so that you receive adequate compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
• Litigation: If you can’t reach a fair settlement through negotiation, your lawyer can take your case to court. Legal representation during litigation is key to presenting a compelling case and advocating for your rights in court.

Contact a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Motorcycle accidents are inherently traumatic, and the facial impact can be severe. Even if you’ve diligently followed safety measures like wearing a helmet, you may still suffer significant facial injuries. Fortunately, you have legal recourse and may recover compensation for your damages.

Our firm has excelled in many cases in assisting numerous victims of motorcycle crashes in their recovery journey. Our personal injury attorneys will represent you throughout the legal process. They will negotiate your claim to ensure you receive the best possible settlement. Reach out to us today for a free and confidential initial case review.