Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Riders face a significantly higher risk of serious or life-altering injuries compared to occupants of enclosed motor vehicles, simply because motorcycles offer little external protection during a collision. Every year, Denver sees a high number of motorcycle crashes involving distracted drivers, congested roadways, and sudden weather changes—all of which heighten the danger for motorcyclists.
At Fisher & Associates, we’ve represented riders across Colorado who’ve been seriously hurt in motorcycle accidents. Paul Fisher, our founding attorney, is not only a seasoned Denver motorcycle accident lawyer—he’s also an MSF-certified motorcycle riding instructor and the founder of Safe Ride Motorcycle Lawyers, the motorcycle division of our firm. Built by riders, for riders, our motorcycle practice is deeply committed to protecting motorcyclists’ rights and securing motorcycle accident victims the compensation they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
Understanding the types of injuries commonly sustained in motorcycle crashes can help riders and their families better recognize the full impact of a collision—and know when it’s time to call an attorney who truly understands these cases. Below, we explore the most frequent and severe injuries caused by motorcycle accidents and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your future.
Broken Bones Are Among the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Among the most frequent injuries in motorcycle crashes are broken bones. The impact of a collision, whether with a car, truck, or stationary object, can lead to fractures in the rider’s arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Wrist fractures are especially common because many riders instinctively extend their arms to break a fall.
Broken bones can be painful, require surgery, and lead to weeks—or even months—of recovery. In some cases, victims may suffer permanent mobility issues or be left with chronic pain.
Brain Injuries: The Silent Threat After a Crash
Brain injuries are a particularly dangerous consequence of motorcycle accidents. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma resulting in long-term cognitive deficits. Even when wearing a helmet, victims of motorcycle accidents are at risk of sustaining traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to the violent forces involved in a crash.
Symptoms of a TBI may not appear immediately. But that doesn’t mean you haven’t suffered this type of injury. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle crash, it’s critical to seek a thorough medical examination as soon as possible—even if no symptoms are immediately obvious.
Internal Injuries and Internal Bleeding Can Be Life-Threatening
Internal injuries are often invisible to the naked eye but can be just as severe as external wounds. The blunt force trauma from being thrown off a bike or crushed between vehicles can cause organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs.
Internal injuries can be especially dangerous because they may not present symptoms right away. Anyone injured in a motorcycle accident should be thoroughly evaluated by medical professionals, for both external and internal injuries, as soon as possible.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Injuries to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis. Motorcycle riders are at significant risk due to the lack of protection from impact forces. Damage to the spinal cord may require emergency surgery, intensive rehabilitation, and lifelong medical care.
These injuries can drastically alter a person’s life, affecting their mobility, independence, and ability to work. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury in a motorcycle accident, consulting experienced accident attorneys can be a crucial step in pursuing an injury claim and getting the compensation you deserve.
Road Rash: More Than Just Scrapes
Road rash is more than just a scrape. It can range from mild abrasions to deep wounds that expose muscle and bone. In severe cases, road rash can lead to infections, nerve damage, and disfigurement.
While proper riding gear can reduce the severity of road rash in the case of an accident, it cannot eliminate the risk entirely. Riders who suffer serious skin injuries often require wound care, skin grafts, and plastic surgery.
Limb Amputations and Crush Injuries
A particularly devastating result of some motorcycle crashes is limb amputation. Crush injuries can occur when a rider’s limb is pinned under a vehicle or between hard surfaces as a result of a crash. These injuries can cause permanent disability, reduced quality of life, and significant emotional trauma.
Victims of amputations or severe crush injuries may need prosthetics, physical therapy, and long-term support to adjust to their new reality.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
The trauma of being injured in a motorcycle accident doesn’t stop at the physical level. Many riders suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression following a crash. Accidents are devastating and these mental health struggles are real and common after an accident.
If you are suffering from emotional trauma after an accident, you are not alone. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A skilled Denver motorcycle accident lawyer can help ensure that you get the support that you need and that your mental and emotional damages are included in your personal injury claim.
Why Hiring a Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Matters
After a crash, injured riders often face mounting medical bills, lost income, and pressure from insurance companies to settle quickly. A knowledgeable attorney can step in to protect your rights, handle the paperwork, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Paul Fisher, founder of Safe Ride Motorcycle Lawyers and an MSF-certified riding instructor, leads our firm’s motorcycle injury team. As a rider himself, Paul understands the unique challenges riders face and is committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.
FAQs About Injuries in Denver Motorcycle Accidents
What should I do if I was injured in a motorcycle accident in Denver?
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel hurt. Then document the scene, collect witness information, and contact a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can help you file an injury claim and protect your rights.
Can I still file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes, but it may affect your compensation. Colorado law doesn’t require riders 18 and over to wear helmets, but insurance companies may argue that not wearing one contributed to your injuries. A qualified lawyer can fight for fair treatment regardless of helmet use.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
In most motorcycle accident cases, the statute of limitations in Colorado is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions depending on the type of case and the parties involved. It’s important to speak with accident attorneys as soon as possible to avoid missing key deadlines and losing your right to compensation for your injuries.
What types of compensation can I recover?
You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and emotional distress. In some cases, future medical costs and loss of earning capacity can also be included in your injury claim.
How much does it cost to hire Denver motorcycle accident attorneys?
Most personal injury lawyers, including those at Fisher & Associates, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Denver, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact Fisher & Associates for a free consultation and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
