During a motorcycle collision, most riders are forced onto their sides, causing severe trauma to their lower extremities. While some cases may only end in a broken ankle or torn hamstring, many suffer from catastrophic injuries to their hips. This can involve damage to the pelvic muscles, as well as fractures in the hip’s three bones: the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis. Recovering from such injuries can be extremely difficult for a motorcyclist, and an accident will often leave them with mobility issues for years to come.
Types of Pelvic Injuries
Pelvic injuries are often divided into three categories: broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and internal organ damage.
Hip Bone Fractures
Broken bones can involve the three bones that make up the hip in addition to damage to the femurs, the upper bones of your legs. These bones are often fractured or dislocated in an accident, causing intense pain and internal damage. Surgery may be required to realign the bones and allow you to heal. You can also suffer what is referred to as a “hip pointer,” which is a bruise on your hip bone.
Soft Tissue Damage
The body’s soft tissue includes your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can involve sprains and strains as well as more painful conditions like bursitis. This condition involves sacs called bursa that swell along a ligament or tendon, often causing a burning sensation or ache in the hip. Because soft tissue controls how we move and walk, you may find it extremely difficult to walk around, sit comfortably, or even sleep after an accident. Some accident victims can also suffer damage to the pelvic floor, the muscles around their bladder.
Internal Organ Damage
In addition to broken bones and soft tissue damage, the pelvis also contains certain internal organs, including our genitals, bladder, kidneys, and intestines. Damage to these organs can have various effects on the body, including difficulty controlling your bladder, bleeding in your urine, infertility, sexual performance issues, and chronic pain. Injuries to any organs should be treated immediately, as you may develop long-term health conditions or suffer organ failure.
Each type of injury can make it difficult for a motorcyclist to live a comfortable life. In addition to requiring hospitalization during surgeries or while bones are reset, you may also experience long-term mobility issues, affecting how you walk and how comfortably you can sit. These injuries are also extremely painful and may need medication to manage if the pain is chronic. Organ damage is often the most damaging in terms of lifestyle, as you may lose your ability to control your bladder and can even suffer damage to your sexual organs.
Advocating for Injured Motorcyclists in NYC
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is imperative that you visit a doctor as soon as possible, whether that is your primary care doctor or an emergency room attendant. They will be able to properly review your injuries, treat any immediate trauma, and develop a long-term treatment plan that may help you fully recover. While you may be afraid of dealing with the high costs of medical treatment, your health should always be your top priority.
After you have received immediate care, you should then contact a New York motorcycle accident attorney at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. Our team can review the accident report and your medical records to determine if the other driver was at fault. If the other driver caused your injuries, we can file an auto accident claim on your behalf to recover compensation, especially if you suffered a hip injury. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay us unless we win your claim, and we offer each potential client a free consultation, so there is no cost to speaking with us. To speak with an experienced team of lawyers, call our offices at (212) 986-7353.