How a Single Motorcycle Crash Can Ruin Your Career
Accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how much we want to avoid them. In 2018, about 538,170 incidences of car crashes in Michigan were recorded, and 2,728 of which were motorcycle accidents. A staggering 78% of these motorcycle accidents resulted in injuries or death. These are the people who use motorcycles to and from work, including those who deliver goods and services to their customers.
From these statistics, it is clear that motorcycle accidents are not the most common type of vehicular accidents, but they are definitely the most fatal. This is because of the inherent vulnerability of a motorcycle rider on the road, compared to drivers and passengers in enclosed vehicles.
In the heat of the accident, most victims would focus on dealing with their personal injuries and property damage. What most victims fail to realize at this point, however, are the permanent consequences of this accident. This, of course, includes temporary and permanent disabilities, which affect their performance not just in daily activities, but also in work.
Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Many personal injuries can happen to a motorcycle accident victim. Here are the most common medical conditions secondary to motorcycle accidents:
- bone dislocation and fractures in the spine, upper limbs, and lower limbs
- traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
- concussions, contusions, abrasions, and puncture wounds
- burns and skin contractures, especially on the lower extremities
- nerve impingement injuries affecting the upper and lower limbs
- bleeding and hemorrhage of internal organs
These injuries vary in terms of severity, the period for recovery, and lifetime impact. Of these medical conditions, the most life-threatening in the acute phase of recovery are those that affect the brain, spine, and internal organs. But as soon as the victim’s condition stabilizes, they will soon have to deal with their situation. Even the simplest activities like grasping a spoon and going to the bathroom can be a major injury. How much more difficult would it be to perform specific and complex tasks at work?
To put into perspective, let’s have an injured pizza delivery guy as an example. How can he steer his motorcycle again if he had a broken wrist? How can he pedal on his bike and walk to a customer’s door if he had a tight skin contracture on his knees? Is it safe for him to deliver again if he needs a brace on his spine to remain upright? And perhaps, the overarching question: will he be able to work again?
Services that a Motorcycle Accident Victim Needs to Return to Work
The answer to the question above will depend on many factors. Brain and spinal cord injuries are often irreversible and would not normally recover. Fortunately, it is now possible for one to still return to work, thanks to therapy.
Bone fractures will be extremely painful at first, though it will usually heal over time. Tight skin contractures at burnt joints can be corrected via stretching and splints. Regardless of the condition, one thing is for sure: that the victim will always have the potential to return to work.
Returning to everyday function is the highlight of the rehabilitation phase of recovery. In this phase, various therapies can be administered in preparation for the injured victim to return to daily work.
For instance, physical therapy programs are meant to strengthen the patient’s affected muscles, stretch the patient’s contracted joints to the functional range, and return the patient’s motor control. Occupational therapy programs are helpful to regain skills, such as hand manipulation skills and motor coordination, which are specific to the patient’s work. They also make sure that the patient can do their occupations safely, independently, and efficiently. If necessary, they can also help the patient look for alternative work.
Psychiatry and psychology programs, on the other hand, can help the patients recover from the psychological trauma of the accident. With the help of this rehab team, the patient’s return to work, or an alternative line of work, is assured.
Michigan No-Fault Law and Motorcycle Accidents
The therapies mentioned above, plus the medical checkups, medications, and procurement of assistive devices, are all expensive. The Michigan No-Fault Law does not consider motorcycles as “motor vehicles.” Thankfully, there are other ways to compensate for this in Michigan. Motorcycle owners are required to purchase traditional liability insurance for bodily injury, death, and property damage.
There are, however, some policies that prevent an injured person from getting compensation. In times like this, legal assistance from Michigan motorcycle accident attorneys can help you find the best solution to take.
Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Michigan
The Clark Law Office is a team of renowned lawyers with expertise in personal injuries and property damages. With more than 30 years in service, many clients have put their trust in our name. If you want to return to work but do not have the financial resources for it, let us help you win your compensation in court. Contact us at +1(517)347-6900 or email at info@theclarklawoffice.com to get in touch with us now.
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