Older Motorcyclists More Likely to Sustain Thoracic Injuries, Study Finds

Although most studies have found that limb and head injuries are the most common among riders, not all age groups are affected the same by a motorcycle crash. In fact, one of the first comprehensive studies comparing different age groups of riders found that older individuals are far more likely to sustain thoracic injuries than younger ones. Learn what this could mean for yourself or someone you love during a crash, and discover how an attorney can help increase your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Thoracic injuries, or those sustained to the chest or abdomen, can be especially devastating for victims and their families. They may lead to punctured or ruptured organs, internal bleeding, rib fractures, pelvic fractures, and other potentially fatal injuries. Sadly, it appears that older riders may be more likely to sustain these types of injuries. Given that this age group may also be more susceptible to postoperative issues, such as infection or an inability to fully recover, that could mean that older riders may also have an increased risk of disability or death.

Despite the common misconception, insurance companies are not on the side of victims. Instead, they are for-profit businesses, and they will do anything they can to avoid or reduce a payout. They may investigate the crash and attempt to find fault with the injured party. They may delay the claim, hoping that the victim will become desperate enough to take a lower settlement. At the very least, they may try to negotiate the lowest absolute settlement possible, and may even decline to cover certain elements of a claim.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help. Able to represent your best interests and work as a negotiator in your favor, attorneys are familiar with the law and the settlement tactics used by insurance companies. They are also more familiar with the compensation amounts that victims may be entitled to than victims themselves are. In short, hiring an attorney can increase your chances of a full and fair settlement after a motorcycle crash.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP for assistance. Our seasoned San Jose motorcycle accident lawyers will fight aggressively for you, and we can ease the healing process by handling all the legal aspects of your case. Get started by scheduling a free initial consultation today. Call our offices at (408) 289-1417.

• Injury Patterns and Severity Among Hospitalized Motorcyclists: A Comparison of Younger and Older Riders