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When a careless driver makes a sudden left-hand turn or changes lanes without making sure the lane is unoccupied, the results can be devastated for an unsuspecting motorcycle rider. In these cases, riders may suffer catastrophic injuries that have life-altering consequences, from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal injuries to complex fractures and permanent disability.
The Santa Barabra motorcycle accident lawyers at NordstrandBlack PC help injured riders fight for the full value of their claims and pursue justice after serious motorcycle accidents.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury in a Motorcycle Accident?
A catastrophic injury causes long-term or permanent disability, requiring extensive medical treatment and impacting a victim’s ability to work or live independently. Catastrophic injuries caused by motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Even when the rider is wearing a helmet, the force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause brain swelling, bleeding, and permanent cognitive damage.
- Spinal Injury – Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or total paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Severe orthopedic injuries – Complex fractures, crushed bones, and amputations may require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
- Severe burns – These injuries cause lasting physical and emotional trauma, often resulting in long-term hospitalization and multiple surgeries.
- Road rash or degloving –These injuries can lead to intense pain, severe scarring, infection, and long-term loss of mobility.
What Causes Catastrophic Motorcycle Accidents?
Driver negligence is a major cause of motorcycle crashes in Santa Barbara. This happens when drivers fail to look out for motorcyclists or they refuse to take reasonable precautions that could prevent accidents. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Turning left without yielding to oncoming motorcycles
- Following too closely behind a motorcycle
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting controls)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Opening passenger side car doors without checking for approaching motorcycles
- Ignoring traffic signals or running red lights
- Failing to signal when turning or merging
- Misjudging a motorcycle’s distance or speed
What Are Your Legal Options After a Catastrophic Motorcycle Injury?
If someone else’s negligence caused your motorcycle crash, you have the right to pursue compensation to cover your losses.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit
This is the most common legal route for injured motorcyclists. When NordstrandBlack PC files a claim or lawsuit for catastrophic motorcycle injuries, it includes these type of damages:
- Medical expenses – both current and projected future costs
- Long-term care costs – such as in-home care, physical therapy, and assistive devices
- Lost income – including diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering – for the physical and emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life – particularly if you can no longer ride, work, or engage in hobbies or life-enhancing pursuits.
Pursuing a Product Liability Claim
If the crash was caused by a defective motorcycle part, such as failed brakes or a tire blowout, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer and/or distributor. These claims focus on whether a product was defectively designed, manufactured, or failed to carry adequate warnings.
Our legal team can investigate your crash to determine if a defective part played a role and help hold the manufacturer accountable for your injuries.
Filing a Claim Against a Government Entity
Poorly maintained roads, poorly maintained or designed landscaping, lack of signage, or dangerous construction zones may contribute to motorcycle crashes. In such instances, a claim may be filed against the city, county, or state responsible for maintaining safe roads. These claims are time-sensitive and governed by strict rules, so it is essential to act quickly.
Every case is different and there are exceptions. That’s why we strongly encourage you to speak with a qualified attorney about your claim as soon as possible.
Understanding the Full Scope of Motorcycle Crash Damages
Unlike minor injuries that may heal with time, catastrophic injuries change the course of your life. A major part of any injury claim involves fully calculating the long-term costs.
Medical Expenses and Lifetime Support
After a spinal injury or TBI, you may require multiple surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, assisted living care, and ongoing neurological or pain management. You may also need modifications to your home or vehicle for accessibility.
Loss of Income and Earning Capacity
A catastrophic motorcycle injury often prevents a rider from returning to their previous job. It could even make it impossible for you to work at all. This financial disruption affects not just the injured person, but their entire family. When preparing a claim, it is important to account for:
- Lost wages since the crash
- Lost future earnings based on career trajectory
- Loss of retirement or pension contributions
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Physical pain, emotional trauma, depression, PTSD, and loss of independence all factor into your non-economic damages. A serious motorcycle crash can affect how you move through the world, your relationships, your identity, and your quality of life. We pursue those damages and make sure they are recognized.
What to Do After a Catastrophic Motorcycle Crash
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury in a motorcycle accident, here are some steps you should take as soon as possible:
- Get medical treatment and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Document everything – medical visits, expenses, time off work, and how the injury impacts daily life.
- Do not speak to insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a motorcycle injury attorney who understands high-stakes injury claims.
Speak With a Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Santa Barbara
At NordstrandBlack PC, we understand the devastating toll a catastrophic motorcycle accident takes on your life. We are here to guide you through the legal process and pursue justice.
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal injury, TBI, or any catastrophic injury in a motorcycle crash, we offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation, and there’s no fee unless we win.
Call (805) 962-2022 to learn more today.