Internal injuries are the kinds of harm you can’t always see from the outside but can still be extremely dangerous. In a motorcycle accident, this type of damage can happen in an instant.
Schedule your free consultation with our St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers if you have suffered internal injuries after a collision. Contact Meyerkord & Kurth today.
Why Internal Injuries Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents
Unlike people in cars, motorcycle riders are fully exposed and don’t have steel around them for protection. When you crash or fall off your bike, your body takes the full force of both the hit and the landing, putting the inside of your body at serious risk. As speeds go up and impacts become more severe, the chance of serious trauma and complicated injuries rises, especially if you end up pinned or run over during the crash.
Common Types of Internal Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
Internal injuries from a motorcycle accident come in many forms. This often includes:
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding happens when blood vessels or internal organs get torn or damaged, leaking blood inside your body. This can take place almost anywhere, including your stomach or chest.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries include milder problems like concussions up to severe brain trauma, and this can happen even if you have a helmet on. These can lead to headaches and memory loss, among other symptoms.
Organ Damage
Your organs, especially the liver, spleen, and kidneys, can easily be torn or bruised in a motorcycle accident. These types of injuries might show up as severe stomach pain or swelling and can sometimes require immediate surgery to fix. Infection and further complications can follow if the damage is serious or treatment is delayed.
Lung Injuries
Crashes can collapse a lung (a condition called pneumothorax) or bruise the lung tissue itself, making it hard for you to breathe or get enough oxygen. Blunt hits to the chest during a crash, or broken ribs piercing lung tissue, are typical causes of this in bike accidents.
Abdominal Injuries
Damage to internal abdominal structures, like your intestines, can come from a sharp hit or heavier force landing across your middle section. Always take abdominal pain seriously after a crash, as they can become life-threatening if not treated.
Prompt diagnosis and medical treatment for internal injuries can mean the difference between a safe recovery and long-term disability – or even save your life after a severe motorcycle accident.
Why Internal Injuries Are So Dangerous
Internal injuries after a motorcycle accident are not always obvious right away, which is why they pose such a serious risk. What seems like a “minor” ache or pain can quickly become a life-threatening emergency.
- Symptoms, such as pain or bleeding, may appear hours or days later
- Injuries inside your body can worsen without treatment They often require medical scans (like CTs or MRIs) to confirm the damage
- Untreated injuries can cause lasting organ problems, disability, or even death
Because you may not realize how serious your injuries are at first, it’s important not to take chances after a crash. If you have sustained a serious injury after a motorcycle accident, contact our St. Louis catastrophic injury lawyer today.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Internal Injuries After a Crash?
If you even think you might have internal injuries after a motorcycle accident, there are steps you should take right away:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if your external wounds are mild
- Don’t overlook dizziness, abdominal pain, weakness, or confusion – these often signal something more serious is going on
- Follow all medical advice and go to every follow-up appointment for tests or treatments
- Save records from every doctor or hospital visit, since these protect your health and any claim you might file
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities until a doctor clears you
Acting quickly can improve your chances for recovery and protect you from lasting damage. If you have questions about a motorcycle accident that led to internal injuries and how you can seek compensation for your losses, we can help. Call Meyerkord & Kurth today to schedule a free consultation.