Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries in Alaska Motorcycle Accidents
Even when wearing a helmet, all parts of your body are subject to serious injuries in an Alaska motorcycle accident because of the lack of a protective barrier between you and everything else. Unfortunately, injury-causing crashes are on the rise, according to data from the National Security Council (NSC). In 2021, there were 82,000 riders injured in motorcycle collisions, an increase of 5% from 2020. Trauma from these incidents can be extensive, especially due to the fact that there is a secondary impact when the motorcyclist is tossed and strikes the ground.
One of the most vulnerable areas of the body in a motorcycle crash is the spinal cord, including the neck. Because the spinal cord is responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body, injuries can be devastating. It is important to pursue all remedies available under Alaska law, and an Anchorage motorcycle accident lawyer will guide you. Some information on spinal cord injuries is also useful.
Types of Back and Neck Injuries
The spinal cord extends quite a distance down your back, comprised of vertebrae, connective tissues, nerves, and other tissues. In the violent impact of a motorcycle crash, a rider could suffer a wide range of spinal cord injuries (SCI), including:
- Whiplash, which occurs when the motorcyclist’s head jerks back and forth;
- Bulging and herniated discs, the gel-filled sacs in between vertebrae that act as cushioning;
- Spinal cord compression; and,
- Fractures to the vertebrae.
The medical consequences of an SCI vary according to the section of the spine affected, with the complications being more severe toward the neck and head. Another factor is the completeness of the SCI.
Complete v. Incomplete SCI
The spinal cord could sustain damage in a motorcycle accident, but it could be torn or severed in a particularly serious crash. An incomplete SCI is less serious, where there is some damage, but a victim retains some function below the affected area. When the spinal cord is severed in a complete SCI, a victim may suffer quadriplegia, paraplegia, or other forms of paralysis.
Seeking Compensation for Your Losses
Motorcycle crashes fall under the same Alaska personal injury laws that apply to car accidents. In most cases, you will begin the legal process by filing a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurance company. Many of these claims settle, but insurers are notorious for denying and making lowball counteroffers.
If the company will not settle, the next step is suing in court. During the litigation process, there will be court appearances, motions, discovery, and depositions. The final stage is a trial to get the compensation you deserve.
Trust an Alaska Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Legal Help
If you suffered spinal cord injuries or neck trauma in a crash, it is important to get assistance with your remedies. Our team at Power & Power Law is prepared to fight for you, so please contact our offices in Anchorage, Alaska. You can call 907-222-9990 or visit us online to set up a no-cost case evaluation with a motorcycle accident lawyer.