When Columbus Motorcycle Crashes Lead to Organ Damage

Individuals involved in motorcycle crashes in Columbus, OH often suffer severe injuries. While most of these injuries are able to be physically seen, such as a broken leg, fractured arm, or a deep laceration to the chest, there is the risk of motorcycle victims suffering from internal organ damage, which cannot be physically seen and may take time to notice.

Why is internal organ damage so dangerous?

Internal organ damage is very common with motorcyclists as they can be easily thrown from their bikes and slam into the pavement. Motorcycle riders also lack the protection that automobile drivers have to protect them from internal organ damage and injuries, such as seat belts and airbags. In addition, when motorcyclists are involved in accidents with other vehicles, they can be physically struck by the vehicles, leading to catastrophic internal injuries within their bodies.

Internal organ damage is very dangerous because individuals may not know or realize that they are suffering from these injuries for several hours or even days after the motorcycle accident. Therefore, their medical treatment becomes delayed, leading to more fatalities that could have been prevented if the individual received medical attention immediately after the crash. That is why it is crucial that you seek assistance from a licensed medical provider right away to rule out any potential organ damage or injuries that may have occurred during your motorcycle accident.

Seven types of internal organ damage and injuries that motorcycle riders experience in Columbus crashes

Since motorcyclists are not surrounded by a hard shell to protect them during a crash, their body usually experiences a significant amount of force and impact. As a result, their organs may become seriously and permanently injured and damaged for the rest of their lives. The following are seven different types of internal organ damage and injuries that motorcycle riders sustain in Columbus crashes:

1. Pneumothorax: Pneumothorax, also referred to as a collapsed lung, happens when air moves into the area between a person’s chest wall and lung. When the air presses against the lungs, it collapses. This typically occurs when a motorcycle rider suffers a penetrating chest injury, meaning that something sharp penetrated their lung and caused it to collapse. Individuals may be diagnosed with a partial or complete lung collapse. Regardless of which type of pneumothorax you have, this is a serious injury that requires medical assistance to get rid of the extra air and assist you with breathing normally again.
2. Ruptured spleen: When a motorcyclist suffers a direct blow to their abdominal area, the result is often a ruptured spleen. Ruptured spleens are considered medical emergencies and must be treated immediately following the accident. Without this vital organ, your body can no longer “fight infection and filter old blood cells from your bloodstream.” The doctor will likely order that you spend a few days overnight in the hospital or undergo emergency surgery right away depending how serious the rupture is.
3. Liver damage: The liver is one of the most common organs to suffer injury when an individual experiences blunt trauma to the abdominal area. In motorcycle accidents, the motorcyclist may suffer tears, punctures, or lacerations to their liver. They may also suffer severe bruising to the liver, which can be extremely painful and take a long time to heal from.
4. Intracranial hemorrhage: An intracranial hemorrhage, or brain bleed, is common among motorcycle riders who hit their heads during crashes. Although wearing a helmet may reduce your chances of experiencing an intracranial hemorrhage, some people still suffer these injuries even with the protection of a helmet. This condition is very serious and requires emergency medical care. A few symptoms of a brain bleed are severe headaches, vomiting, feeling nauseous, inability to move your limbs, feeling weak, and more. However, even if you do not have these symptoms and believe that you struck your head during a motorcycle accident, it is critical that you have your head checked for life-threatening injuries and bleeding.
5. Kidney injuries: Motorcyclists involved in various collisions frequently suffer kidney injuries. For example, they may be struck by another vehicle, crash into a pole or tree, or even be thrown from their bike and crash into the concrete road. As a result, they may have bruised kidneys, a torn kidney, or even kidney failure. Kidney failure is very serious as individuals need at least one working kidney to get rid of any harmful toxins in the body. In order to survive, the individual may need a kidney transplant or dialysis.
6. Pancreatic trauma: Injuries to the pancreas can happen when a motorcycle rider experiences trauma directly to their abdominal area. Pancreatic trauma is very rare and hard to properly diagnose. However, if you let your doctor know about the symptoms you are experiencing or where you experienced impact, they should run the appropriate tests to locate your injury. When you suffer pain or discomfort in the stomach or abdomen, this information is critical for your doctor to know and be aware of.
7. Aortic dissection: An aortic dissection, also called a torn aorta, happens when the aorta becomes cut or punctured. The puncture or cut causes a tear to form. As a result, blood makes its way through the tear, leading to a complete split of the main artery. Motorcycle riders who have a torn aorta should seek medical attention as quickly as possible because this condition is almost always fatal if not treated promptly. While the aorta is not exactly an organ, it is connected to your heart and provides blood directly from your heart to other areas of your body.

After you seek medical attention for your internal organ injuries that you received during your motorcycle crash, it is highly recommended that you hire a Columbus motorcycle accident lawyer. At Soroka & Associates, we listen to your story, help you collect compelling evidence, file an accident claim on your behalf, and fight for your right to the compensation you deserve. Contact our firm or call us to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation today.