Internal Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
You probably already know that motorcycles offer little protection in a crash. But what you might not realize until it happens to you is just how dangerous the invisible damage can be. Internal injuries from a motorcycle accident can be serious, even life-threatening, and often go undetected at first.
Unlike a broken bone or visible road rash, internal bleeding or organ damage might not show up until hours or days after the crash. That’s why recognizing the signs and seeking prompt treatment is so important. It’s also why having a motorcycle accident lawyer who understands these injuries can make all the difference in your legal claim.
In this post, we’ll break down the symptoms, risks, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term effects of internal injuries from motorcycle accidents. We’ll also walk you through what it takes to seek compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your crash.
Why internal injuries are so dangerous in motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle riders are exposed to direct impact from vehicles, guardrails, pavement, or even their own bike. Without the buffer of a car frame or airbags, your body absorbs most of the force of a collision.
This can lead to:
- Blunt force trauma to the abdomen or chest
- Penetrating injuries from debris or broken bones
- Organ compression or rupture due to sudden deceleration
- Internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent
What makes these injuries especially risky is that they often remain hidden at first. You might feel fine or a little sore after the crash, only to develop severe symptoms later. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for.
Recognizing internal injuries after a motorcycle crash
So, how do you know if you’ve sustained internal damage? Here are some common symptoms of internal injuries after a motorcycle accident:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Visible blood in the urine or black, tarry stool (a sign of internal bleeding)
- Deep purple bruises on the torso
- Rapid heart rate or low blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or weakness
If you notice delayed internal injuries after a motorcycle crash, don’t wait. Go to the emergency room. A few hours can make the difference between recovery and a medical emergency.
Types of internal injuries in motorcycle accidents
Depending on the nature of the crash, motorcycle riders can suffer a wide range of internal injuries. Here are some of the most common:
1. Internal bleeding
This can happen in the abdomen, brain, chest, arms, or legs. Bleeding may be slow and hard to detect, which makes it especially dangerous.
2. Abdominal injuries
Motorcycle riders are vulnerable to abdominal trauma, including liver or spleen lacerations, bowel perforation, and kidney damage. The most likely culprits are hitting the handlebars or being thrown from the bike.
3. Chest injuries
Blunt force to the chest can result in collapsed lungs (pneumothorax), broken ribs, or heart contusions. These injuries often interfere with breathing and require immediate attention.
4. Organ damage
The liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys are especially prone to injury in motorcycle crashes. Ruptures or tears can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.
5. Brain hemorrhage
Even if you’re wearing a helmet, the brain can still suffer trauma from sudden motion. Bleeding in the brain (subdural hematoma) can cause swelling, seizures, or coma.
Understanding the severity of internal injuries from motorcycle accidents is central to both treatment and legal recovery.
Diagnosis of internal injuries after a motorcycle crash
Once you’re at the hospital, doctors will perform a series of tests to identify hidden injuries. These may include:
- CT scans or MRIs
- Ultrasounds of the abdomen (especially the FAST exam)
- X-rays to rule out bone fractures
- Blood tests to check for internal bleeding
- Observation for evolving symptoms
Sometimes, exploratory surgery is necessary if imaging is inconclusive, but symptoms are severe. This is why it’s so important to report all symptoms, no matter how minor they seem.
Treatment for internal injuries after a motorcycle accident
Treatment depends on the location and severity of your injury. Options include:
- Emergency surgery for organ damage or hemorrhage
- Chest tubes for collapsed lungs
- IV fluids and blood transfusions to stabilize blood pressure
- Pain management and antibiotics to prevent infection
- Hospital monitoring for changes in condition
Severe cases may require time in the ICU or long-term rehabilitation. That’s why recovery from internal injuries in motorcycle crashes can take weeks or even months.
Long-term effects of internal injuries
Even if you survive the initial trauma, internal injuries can leave a lasting mark. Some of the most common long-term effects of internal injuries in motorcycle accidents include:
- Chronic pain or organ dysfunction
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Reduced lung capacity
- Cognitive issues from brain hemorrhages
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
These consequences affect more than your health. They can affect your ability to work, drive, or even just go about your life.
Legal claims for internal injuries in motorcycle accidents
If your crash was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Internal injuries often mean significant medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and insurance companies know that. However, they don’t always play fair.
They might argue that your injuries were:
- Pre-existing
- Not caused by the crash
- Not as serious as you claim
That’s why it’s so important to have a motorcycle accident lawyer with experience in internal injuries.
How a motorcycle accident lawyer can help
An experienced attorney can:
- Gather medical records and expert opinions to prove your internal injuries
- Demonstrate how the crash caused your symptoms
- Fight back against insurance adjusters who downplay your pain
- Pursue compensation for all your losses, including future care needs
- Advocate for your long-term recovery, not just your short-term bills
At Ferrara & Gable, we’ve helped clients recover after some of the most devastating motorcycle crashes in Cherry Hill and across New Jersey. We understand that internal injuries are often invisible, complex, and misunderstood, and we know how to build a case that makes them visible in court.
Get the help you need to heal
Motorcycle accidents are scary enough. When they leave you with internal injuries, especially ones that take time to appear, the stakes go up.
The more you know about the symptoms of internal injuries after a motorcycle accident, the better you can advocate for your health and your rights. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Don’t wait for a claim to “work itself out.” And don’t accept a lowball offer from an insurance company that doesn’t understand your pain.
If you or a loved one suffered internal injuries after a motorcycle crash, contact Ferrara & Gable today to speak with a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer.