Analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that lower-extremity injuries are the most common type of motorcycle accident injuries. This includes leg and foot injuries.
Leg and foot injuries are especially harmful because they may interfere with the victim’s independent mobility.
Types of Leg and Foot Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
- Bone fracture
- Burns
- Ligament tears
- Dislocation
- Crushed tissue, bruising
- Cuts, lacerations, deep wounds
- Amputation
- Nerve damage
- Artery and vein damage
- Disfigurement
- Mobility impairment
Foot injuries from motorcycle accidents can alter the body’s structure. They can also alter the ability of the body to function normally.
NHTSA reports that when a victim suffers injury to the lower extremities, they are also more likely to have upper body, abdominal, and head injuries, too.
How Motorcycle Accidents Cause Leg and Foot Injuries
- A foot getting caught under the bike
- Twisting at an unnatural angle
- Hitting the ground at high force
- Blunt trauma from being struck by a vehicle or stationary object
- Being dragged along the ground
- Something sharp slicing or piercing the body
- Loss of blood flow that results in a secondary amputation
The forces and angles involved in any motorcycle crash are greater than what the human body sustains naturally. A motorcycle accident foot injury may occur when the foot is struck by an object, crushed, or thrown in an unnatural way. Bones and soft tissue may be damaged or dislocated. The injury may be especially painful, and secondary complications may occur.
Immediate Medical Attention and Emergency Care
Because a motorcyclist isn’t protected by a heavy vehicle surrounding them, even an accident at low speeds may result in serious injury. Emergency care may be especially important. Emergency medical attention may prevent additional harm and blood loss.
By seeking emergency care, you document injuries. Plus, you have an evaluation from a professional trained to identify injuries that may be hard for the victim to detect or articulate immediately following a crash.
Legal Rights of Motorcycle Accident Victims in South Carolina
Victims who sustain motorcycle accident legal injuries have important rights.
- Leg and foot injuries are compensable following a motorcycle accident.
- Whether your injuries are broken bones, soft tissue damage, or loss of function, you may be able to claim fair compensation.
- Because lower extremity injuries often limit mobility, damage for impairment may be claimed.
- You may bring a claim in court. You have the right to an attorney of your choice.
In South Carolina, motorcyclists are treated the same as other vehicle accident victims. If someone else is liable for an accident, victims may receive compensation. Damages are not reduced or minimized just because the person was a motorcyclist. You have the right to recover fully for your damages, including leg and foot injuries.
How to Prove Liability in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Proving liability in motorcycle accident cases starts with looking at the actions of each party before the collision. You are looking for someone violating a traffic law or otherwise acting negligently.
For example, if you’re at an intersection, and someone pulls in front of you when you have the right of way, they’re at fault for the accident. If someone doesn’t check to make sure the lane is clear of motorcyclists before merging into a lane, they failed to act with reasonable caution.
Sometimes, the causes of an accident are not immediately clear. It may take some investigation to determine whether a driver was distracted or whether there was a vehicle defect. Witness testimony, police reports, accident measurements, vehicle inspection, vehicle damage, and references to laws can prove fault. Then, you identify your damages to form the basis for your compensation.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident
Immediately after a motorcycle accident, move to a place of safety, if possible. Do what you can to minimize the possibility of being struck by another vehicle. Sometimes, if injuries are severe, it’s better not to move the victim. Follow the advice of emergency responders.
Report the accident to law enforcement. Observations made by law enforcement can help your case. Medical attention is the primary consideration. It’s great if you’re able to take photographs and get contact information for those involved. However, if you have leg and foot injuries, you want to avoid making your injuries worse. Prioritize your medical attention, but gather any evidence that you can.
Save clothing that is involved in the accident.
Following advice of medical care providers. Don’t admit guilt or even say that you’re sorry. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
How to File a Claim for Leg and Foot Injuries
It may be possible to claim compensation for leg and foot injuries through insurance company negotiations. However, don’t just accept the first offer from the insurance company. They may want a fast settlement before you realize what your case is truly worth.
To bring a claim, identify what insurance company or companies may be involved. More than one insurance company, including your own insurer, may provide compensation. It can quickly get complicated, but an experienced attorney can help.
Determine damages, including non-economic damages. The amount that you may deserve for physical pain, anguish, disfigurement, and impairment may be significant. Talk to an attorney before accepting any settlement offered by the insurance company.
If necessary, you file your claim in court. Remember that evidence can be lost quickly as time passes. Don’t wait to start your case.
How an Attorney Can Help Your Claim
An attorney can:
- Prove who is at fault
- Work with medical professionals to verify injuries
- Contact insurance companies
- Determine the value of your case, including little-known types of damages
- File legal paperwork
- Prepare your case for trial
- Answer questions, resolve your case in the best way for you
When you’re hurt by leg and foot injuries in a motorcycle accident, an attorney can handle your case efficiently, knowing the compensation that you are due under the law.
Contact
Attorney Bobby Jones of Bobby Jones Law is an attorney for motorcycle accident victims. If you have received medical attention for a leg or foot injury following a motorcycle collision, please contact us.
