You Have a Seat Belt Contusion due to an Auto Accident. Do You Have A Claim?

Riding a motorcycle is fun, but it can also be risky because of the actions of others on the road. Unlike other vehicles, you don't have much protection if you crash. Additionally, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous on roads with a lot of potholes or if you're riding in unsafe weather conditions. Below are some tips for staying safe while riding.

Staying Safe on a Motorcycle in Wisconsin

Take a Safety Course: Riding a motorcycle requires good judgment and skill, and a safety course will help you achieve that. A motorcycle safety course will teach you the rules of the road and what to do in unpredictable riding situations.

Wear Appropriate Gear: The right gear will protect you from debris, road rash, and the elements. Your gear should feature a helmet, leather jacket, eye protection, leather pants, over the ankle boots, and non-slip gloves. Appropriate protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities.

Keep Your Bike Maintained: Replace the air filter, change the oil regularly, and maintain your bike's tire pressure. Inspecting your motorcycle before you hit the road is also a good idea. Check your turn signals, headlights, taillights, fuel, brakes, handlebars, and mirrors.

Stay Alert: Being aware of your surroundings and riding defensively can prevent motorcycle accidents that could be caused by dangerous driving.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Riding too closely behind another vehicle is unsafe. It is advisable to stay a few seconds away from the car or motorcycle in front of you. This allows you enough space to stop during an emergency. Additionally, you should always have an escape route in mind if you cannot stop in time.

Be Visible: One of the most significant mistakes riders make is assuming they are visible to other motorists. Most motorcycle accidents are a result of drivers not seeing the motorcycle. You can stay visible by avoiding other motorists' blind spots, driving with a headlight, and wearing reflective clothing. Using your hand and turn signals can also help ensure you are visible.

Common Motorcycle Road Hazards

Distracted or Drunk Drivers: Although it may not be easy to identify if someone is drunk driving, it is wise to be attentive to your surroundings and take appropriate measures.

Rain or Snow: The hazardous weather can create slippery and unsafe road conditions. Avoid riding while it is raining or snowing.

Tar or Debris: Since tar has a different texture from asphalt, it can compromise traction. Additionally, parts of tire treads and other debris on the road can be hazardous to motorcycles.

Contact a Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Wisconsin, working with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney is in your best interest.

At Natasha Misra Law, we are equipped to offer the guidance you need to know whether you are entitled to compensation. We will provide the representation you need to pursue compensation if you qualify. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Seat belts are designed to keep us safe, but what happens if an accident leads to injuries caused by the very restraint that was supposed to protect us? If you were injured by your seat belt in an accident, you may have a claim. Here is a quick overview of what to expect if you have seat belt injuries following a car accident.

Can you be injured by a seat belt in a car accident?

Seat belts are intended to keep you safe in the event of an accident. By restraining you securely in your seat, seat belts can prevent ejection and fatality. However, although proper seat belt use may save your life, it can also lead to serious bodily harm. To do its job, the seat belt must be tight and, in an accident, the force of the seat belt can result in injuries ranging from mild bruising to a severe and potentially life-threatening aortic injury.

What types of injuries do seat belts cause?

Seat belts are designed to lock upon impact. Unlike when you are bending down to retrieve something under your seat or to toss something into the back, the seat belt will not move with you in an accident. Upon impact, this force can cause significant bruising, broken bones, abdominal contusions, shoulder injuries, soft tissue injuries, and even open wounds.

Bruised or fractured ribs are common seat belt injuries, but high impact accidents can also result in dislocated bones. These injuries and other chest or sternum bruising can make it difficult to breathe and may even affect your heart and other internal organs.

Additionally, the impact of the seat belt at the shoulder and abdomen can cause soft tissue injuries which may not be immediately apparent. Torn muscle fibers or tendons in the shoulder typically cause pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising soon after the impact; however, injuries to the abdomen may not cause pain right away. Because soft tissue injuries like herniated or bulging discs can result in chronic pain and discomfort requiring long-term medical treatment and therapy, it is imperative to seek a medical evaluation after an accident even if you are not experiencing immediate pain or an obvious injury.

If you experienced bruising, contusions, or other injuries in an accident, you should take photos of your injuries. Photographs of bruising, for example, are important documentation when seeking compensation after an accident.

How are seat belt injuries treated?

Less severe injuries like bruising and soreness can be treated with rest, ice compression, and OTC pain medicine. However, more severe injuries such as soft tissue or skeletal issues often require medical intervention which may include casting, splints, or other corrective measures. Physical therapy or chiropractic care may be adequate, long-term treatment options for soft tissue injuries, but it is not uncommon for surgical intervention to be required for more serious injuries.

Can you recover compensation for seat belt injuries?

Generally speaking, yes. You may be entitled to recover damages for your pain, suffering, and to reimburse you for associated medical expenses. A court will consider the severity of your injuries, impact on your life, and associated medical expenses in determining your damages award. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand the value of your case.

Natasha Misra

My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.