Operating a motorcycle brings joy to its owner. It is an exhilarating experience to roar down the road without being encased by a car. Of course, being a motorcyclist comes with increased risks. In 2011, 4,612 motorcycle fatalities were reported by NHTSA, most caused by a collision with another vehicle. Many more non-fatal crashes occur each year. If you are involved in such an accident, you need to prepare for some long-term effects.

Motorcycle Injuries

Unfortunately, many injuries associated with motorcycle accidents are serious and can have a life-long impact. One of the most severe injuries is traumatic brain injury, which is more common if you neglect to wear a helmet.  You can experience memory loss, behavior changes, and cognitive impairment. Motorcyclists are also at risk for spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis and the many difficulties that accompany it, including chronic pain, blood pressure issues, and bladder and bowel problems. 

Medical Expenses

The medical expenses from these serious injuries can be financially devastating to you and your family. Studies show that approximately half of those motorcyclists are covered by private insurance. The rest are either "self-pay" or covered by the state. You can end up on the hook for all or part of these medical expenses. Many accident victims receive cataclysmic hospital bills that can haunt them for decades. In some instances, you can be forced into bankruptcy. To prevent these financial difficulties, you need to seek the help of an attorney, like Scherline And Associates, experienced in motorcycle accident litigation. 

Lost Wages

Recovery from a motorcycle accident can keep you from working for an extended period of time. In the worst situations, you may never be able to return to your job. You may be able to recover some of these wages through the liable driver's insurance company if you can prove through medical documentation that you are unable to work. To receive the compensation you deserve, however, you will need the services of a qualified personal injury attorney. Accepting any sort of settlement without being adequately represented can be disastrous for your financial future. 

No matter how careful you are while riding your motorcycle, accidents can happen, often due to the negligence of other drivers. Many motorcycle accidents are severe and have long-term consequences on your physical and financial health. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer who can protect all of your interests, particularly in the months and years that follow a crash.