Biker’s arm is a painful, potentially debilitating injury from a motorcycle accident. Whether you’ve suffered biker’s arm or another injury in a wreck caused by someone else, you deserve equitable compensation. The attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm will work to ensure you get the money you deserve.
Please call 1-888-CALL-JON or contact us online for a free case review.
Biker’s Arm (or Rider’s Arm) is a Common Motorcycle Accident Injury
Biker’s arm, also known as “rider’s arm,” is much more common than you may think. It occurs when a rider sustains damage to the nerves in their arm after being involved in a crash. The name comes from the fact that motorcyclists often reflexively extend their arms to brace themselves during a fall or impact, leading to the injury.
How Does Biker’s Arm Occur?
Biker’s arm is closely linked to the dynamics of motorcycle accidents. When a rider is involved in a collision, they experience sudden and forceful movements. During these accidents, it’s common for riders to be thrown off their motorcycles and instinctively extend their arms to shield themselves from impact with the ground or other objects. This automatic response is often a protective mechanism but can result in severe injuries.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents that Cause Biker’s Arm
Various types of motorcycle accidents can cause biker’s arm. Some common scenarios include collisions with other vehicles, single-vehicle accidents, or crashes resulting from road hazards. Regardless of the specific type of accident, the key factor is the forceful impact or abrupt stop that leads to the rider’s arm being forcefully extended, thereby damaging the nerves.
Biker’s Arm Causes Damage to Multiple Nerves
Forcefully extending the arms during an accident can cause severe stress on the nerves in the arm, particularly the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates in the neck and extends down to the arm. It transmits sensory and motor signals between the upper body and the arm.
When a motorcyclist extends their arm during a crash, the sudden and forceful movement can cause the nerves in the brachial plexus to stretch, compress, or even tear. This trauma to the nerves disrupts their normal function, leading to a range of symptoms in the affected arm, hand, and fingers.
The severity of biker’s arm can vary depending on the extent of nerve damage. In some cases, riders may experience “only” temporary numbness or weakness. In more severe instances, there may be a complete loss of sensation and motor function. The specific symptoms will depend on the location and severity of the nerve injury.
How to Prevent Biker’s Arm
Since extending the arm after a motorcycle crash is instinctive, the best way to prevent this injury is to avoid getting into an accident in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you do precisely that.
- Protective gear: Wearing appropriate protective gear is crucial. A well-fitted helmet, armored jacket, gloves, and elbow pads can provide essential protection during a crash. They can absorb impact and reduce the risk of injuries, including biker’s arm.
- Defensive riding: This includes anticipating and avoiding potential hazards, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and being aware of one’s surroundings. Defensive riding can help prevent situations that may lead to sudden falls or impacts.
- Continue to develop your skills: Enhancing riding skills through proper training and practice can improve control and reduce the risk of accidents. Motorcyclists should consider enrolling in rider safety courses and continuously strive to develop their riding abilities.
- Adhering to traffic laws: Following speed limits, using turn signals, and respecting traffic signals and signs help maintain order and reduce the chances of collisions.
- Road awareness: Staying vigilant and aware of road conditions is crucial. Motorcyclists should be cautious of hazards such as potholes, debris, oil spills, and uneven surfaces. Adjusting speed and maneuvering accordingly can prevent accidents that may result in biker’s arm or other severe injuries.
- Regular maintenance: Keeping the motorcycle in good working condition is vital for safe riding. Inspecting tires, brakes, lights, and other components can help identify potential issues and prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
Treatment Options for Biker’s Arm
The approach to treating biker’s arm may vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild cases of nerve damage may improve with conservative measures, such as physical therapy, pain management, and immobilization techniques. However, more severe cases may require surgical intervention to repair the damaged nerves and restore functionality.
Receiving Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
When someone suffers an injury in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another party, they may be entitled to seek compensation for their damages. Here are some key aspects to consider regarding the process:
Establishing Liability
The first step in seeking compensation is establishing liability. This involves determining who was at fault for the accident. It may require gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions to demonstrate the other party’s negligence or wrongdoing.
Documenting Damages
Document all the damages resulting from the accident. This includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Keeping detailed records of medical bills, receipts, and other relevant documentation will help quantify the extent of the damages suffered.
Hiring a Lawyer
In cases where the insurance settlement offered is insufficient or when dealing with complex legal matters, it is advisable to seek legal representation from a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. An attorney can provide expert guidance, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action if necessary.
Filing a Lawsuit or Negotiating a Settlement
If negotiations or insurance claims aren’t enough to settle the case, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. This involves initiating legal proceedings against the responsible party. However, it’s worth noting that most personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods.
Contact The Eberst Law Firm ASAP After a Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have sustained biker’s arm or any other type of injury, please get in touch with The Eberst Law Firm as soon as possible. Taking prompt action will allow our legal team to gather evidence, document the extent of the injuries, and initiate the claims process in a timely manner. Our attorneys have extensive experience in motorcycle accident cases. We can provide the guidance and representation needed to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation by using our online form or calling 1-888-CALL-JON.
