Motorcycle riding is a favorite pastime for many Americans. However, riding a motorcycle comes with its fair share of risks. Motorcycles do not come with the same safety features as cars. As a result, injuries from motorcycle accidents tend to be severe than those resulting from car accidents.
When a motorcycle accident results in a seemingly minor bruise or scrape, it can be tempting to overlook the whole experience and continue with your daily routine. However, failing to seek a medical checkup following a wreck can be a costly mistake. You may sustain hidden injuries that may take days – or weeks – to manifest.
Here are some of the hidden injuries that you should look out for if you are involved in a motorcycle injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Since motorcycles don’t have a protective frame around the rider, head injuries are common in wrecks.
Typically, traumatic brain injuries occur when the head is subjected to a significant impact or blow. Thus, a rider is likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury if their head is slammed on the pavement or another object during a collision. This often results in temporary or permanent brain injuries.
Common symptoms of a TBI that you should look out for include short or long-term memory loss, reduced mobility and increased impulsivity.
Internal injuries
Motorcycle accidents can also cause internal injuries. Common internal injuries that you are likely to sustain following a motorcycle accident include intracranial hemorrhages, tears in the veins and blunt-force trauma to internal organs.
Some of the symptoms of internal injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident may include loss of consciousness, discolored skin and swelling or pain in the abdominal area in the days following the wreck.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to diagnose any injuries that you might have sustained. This is especially important if your accident was caused by another person and you hope to hold them accountable for your losses.