Should I Get Medical Attention For Injuries Sustained In A Motorcycle Accident?

If you are involved in any type of Illinois motorcycle accident, it is usually a good idea to get medical attention as soon as you can so a physician can assess the extent of any injuries you might have sustained.

Some types of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash such as head trauma, back and neck injury, and even whiplash may not show their full symptoms for days, weeks, or even longer. Superficial or soft-tissue injuries which may cause extreme pain might be masking broken bones that have yet to be diagnosed. A comprehensive medical exam can uncover underlying injuries you need to be aware of so you can begin treatment as soon as possible.

To recover compensation for medical costs associated with a motorcycle accident from an at-fault driver, you will need to show evidence of your injuries to an insurance claims adjuster and perhaps eventually to a trial jury. This usually involves presenting your medical records and bills as part of the settlement negotiation process.

To ensure you get the full financial benefits you are entitled to, it is best to avoid settling with an at-fault party’s insurance company too soon after the accident, before you know the full nature of your injuries and their anticipated long-term costs.

Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries

The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have handled hundreds of claims on behalf of clients hurt in motorcycle crashes. In some cases, our clients were unaware they were seriously injured until they visited an emergency room and underwent extensive tests and examinations.

Many motorcycle accident victims experience serious injuries which do not always manifest themselves right away. However, time is of the essence in seeking treatment because severe and sometimes irreversible damage may be done in the meantime.

These are just a few of the crash injury types that can manifest delayed symptoms:

• Traumatic brain injury – Often an injured person will initially feel “dazed” or lightheaded and think they just had the wind knocked out of them. But any crack or damage to the skull can result in a concussion, brain hemorrhage or other life-threatening head injury that requires immediate medical attention. Even bikers wearing helmets can sometimes experience these injuries.


• Severe road rash – Even a short slide across asphalt, pavement, or concrete after a motorcycle crash can lead to road rash, where exposed skin is removed from the arms, legs, back, head, or hands. Motorcyclists wearing thin clothing can suffer road rash and other injuries including bruises, scrapes, and cuts that expose them to infection, permanent nerve damage, and skin irritations that require ongoing treatment.


• Spinal cord injury – Seemingly minimal impact to your neck or back can often cause permanent damage to the spinal column that can lead to complete or partial paralysis.

Preserving Your Right to Compensation

If your motorcycle accident was caused by another motorist’s negligence, you might be entitled to recover financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic damages. But bear in mind that the steps you take in the immediate aftermath of an injury-causing crash often determine what you are ultimately able to recover.

Once you settle the injury-related part of an accident case, you cannot have the case reopened. You have only one opportunity to resolve your case with an insurance company or present your case to a jury. The window of opportunity for financial recovery is brief, and it is in your best interest to build the strongest case possible reflecting the full extent of your present and future damages.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents victims of motorcycle and other types of motor vehicle accidents. Our personal injury law firm has successfully resolved cases for clients who were injured by the negligent actions of others.

Our attorneys are available to answer any questions about your legal rights and how to pursue the monetary compensation you deserve. We invite you to contact our office for a free review of your case.