Every spring, Georgia authorities issue a reminder to motorists as part of May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Most recently, the Department of Driver Services noted motorcycle fatalities have increased in each of the past four years. From 2017 to 2018 alone, the number of motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes jumped from 137 to 143.
While these annual alerts are helpful, they overlook a huge piece of the puzzle: all the motorcyclists who end up injured.
A staggering number of motorcyclist injuries
For every motorcyclist killed in a crash, many more are hurt. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics demonstrate this. For example, 5,337 motorcyclists died in crashes in the U.S. in 2016. But an estimated 104,000 suffered injuries. The following year was similar, with 5,172 fatalities and an estimated 89,000 injuries.
What safety reminders so often do not mention is the potential long-term impact of these injuries. Motorcyclists, if they are fortunate, suffer only bumps, bruises and scratches in a crash. Those who are less lucky may end up with:
- Broken bones, including compound fractures
- Open wounds
- Internal bleeding and injuries
- Dislocations
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Emotional suffering
These injuries can potentially impact someone for the rest of their life, affecting their day-to-day capabilities and requiring long-term medical costs and considerations.
Compensation for injuries
Serious injuries from a traffic accident can lead to expensive medical bills, time off work resulting in lost wages, and overall pain or suffering. If you were hurt as a result of another motorist’s behavior – maybe an inattentive driver, or one who didn’t see you turning – a personal injury lawsuit may be a way to pursue financial compensation.
While the idea of a legal case may seem daunting, a compassionate personal injury attorney can help guide you through the entire process.
You are not just a crash statistic. Your life deserves rightful respect.
