Internal Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents: What Colorado Riders Need to Know
Motorcycle crashes are high-impact events. Riders have minimal protection, which leaves them highly vulnerable to devastating injuries. A major concern is internal trauma that causes severe damage to vital organs like the liver and spleen.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in Colorado due to a motorcycle accident, finding the right legal representation can make big difference. Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has helped accident victims recover the full compensation they deserve.
Why Internal Injuries Are So Dangerous
Unlike a car that includes seatbelts, airbags, and a protective frame, motorcycles offer no barrier between a rider and the road, and no defense against another vehicles. In a collision, riders may be thrown from their bikes or crushed between vehicles, leading to blunt trauma crash injuries that damage internal organs.
The force of impact alone can rupture blood vessels or compress organs without causing external bleeding or obvious injury. These injuries can grow much worse over time – that’s why it’s important to seek immediate medical assistance.
Internal Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash
Liver and Spleen Injuries
The liver and spleen are two of the most commonly injured organs in motorcycle collisions. These organs are dense with blood vessels and prone to rupture under extreme pressure. If not treated quickly, bleeding into the abdominal cavity can become life-threatening.
- Spleen rupture can cause massive internal bleeding and is a leading cause of death in abdominal trauma cases.
- Liver trauma can range from mild contusions to deep lacerations requiring surgery.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding may take hours to present symptoms. Imaging and diagnostic tests such as CT scans and ultrasound are essential for detecting internal hemorrhaging. Symptoms include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness or fainting
- Abdominal swelling
- Cold or clammy skin
- Confusion or disorientation
Kidney and Bladder Injuries
Impact to the lower back or flank area can damage the kidneys or bladder, especially when a rider strikes the ground or an object such as a vehicle or guardrail. These injuries may lead to infection or permanent loss of function.
Delayed Injury Symptoms
One of the most dangerous aspects of internal trauma is delayed injury symptoms. A rider might walk away from a crash believing they’re okay, only to collapse later from unseen injuries. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Persistent abdominal or back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in urine or stool
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or shoulder pain
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Seeking medical evaluation right away is the best way to ensure you’re getting the treatment you need. If you decide to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to cover the cost of your injuries, your medical records can be used to support your case.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we work with top medical professionals to document the full scope of your injuries and their long-term impact. This means gathering:
- Emergency room records
- Radiology and imaging scans
- Surgical notes
- Specialist evaluations
- Prognosis and future care needs
Establishing Liability Under Colorado Law
In Colorado, injured motorcycle riders may recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit when another party’s negligence caused the crash. Examples of negligence include:
- Drivers who break traffic laws
- Manufacturer of defective vehicle parts
- Trucking companies that ignore driver Hours of Service (HOS) violations
- Construction debris in the roadway
Your Colorado motorcycle accident attorney must prove that the crash is a cause of your injuries. At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., will the collect evidence to build a solid case. This may include:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Witness interviews
- Dash cam and surveillance camera video
- Accident scene reconstructions
- Semi-truck event data recorders (EDRs)
Types of Damages You Can Pursue
When internal injuries result from a motorcycle crash, victims may be entitled to significant compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible financial losses that stem directly from the accident. This includes medical expenses, both current and projected, costs for rehabilitation, lost wages due to time off work, and loss of future earning capacity.
In many motorcycle accident cases, victims suffer serious physical injuries that require prolonged treatment, multiple surgeries, or even lifelong care, all of which add up quickly. In Colorado, there is no cap on economic damages, meaning you may recover the full value of your medical bills and future care needs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the harder-to-measure consequences of an accident. This may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the toll injuries may take on personal relationships. For example, if a rider suffers a permanent disability or disfigurement, that lasting impact goes far beyond what’s reflected in a medical bill. These damages are meant to counter the profound personal and psychological effects that an injury can have.
We Have an Impressive Track record
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we are always prepared to go to trial and fight for our clients. In fact, our firm has won record-breaking verdicts in Colorado and across the nation.
Our Colorado personal injury lawyers have earned top rankings from Martindale-Hubbell, including being AV Rated, an honor bestowed on lawyers with the highest ethical standards and legal ability. We have also been recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research.
If you or someone you love has suffered internal injuries from a motorcycle crash in Colorado, don’t wait to get help. These injuries can be life-threatening and legally complicated. You deserve to have experienced legal representation that takes your injury seriously and prepares you for the long road ahead.
Speak With a Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Denver
If you have been seriously injured in a Colorado motorcycle accident, you deserve a legal team that puts your recovery first. Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has decades of experience and a winning record when it comes to pursuing compensation for clients facing life-altering injuries.
Call us today at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to discuss how we may be able to help.
There is no charge for initial consultations, and we’re ready to evaluate your case with the attention it deserves.