Erie Motorcyclist Injured in Hit and Run Accident

According to a report by GoErie, a motorcyclist was injured in a hit-and-run accident last week in the 2500 block of State Street. The driver of a Cadillac De Ville was turning left onto State Street when he struck the motorcyclist traveling north.  The motorcyclist was thrown from his Harley-Davidson Sportster upon impact. The Cadillac’s driver left the scene of the accident, but law enforcement officers were able to apprehend him by following clues at the accident scene. The rider was transported to the hospital by EmergyCare with unknown injuries.

It appears that the driver of the Cadillac has been booked and charged with several crimes including driving with a suspended license, driving with no insurance, and failure to notify police of an accident. At the time of the news story, he was being held in the Erie County Prison on a $25,000 bond.

Injuries That Cause Complications

The injuries a motorcyclist can suffer in a crash can change his or her life forever. Even for riders who take precautions, such as wearing a helmet, riding gloves, heavy shoes, and protective clothing, there is nothing that protects a rider as much as the frame of a car protects its passengers. Therefore, motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries when they are involved in a crash. However, those injuries may result in life-threatening or life-altering complications.

Some of the complications that can develop after a motorcycle crash include:

  • Paralysis — Paralysis can result from a spinal cord injury. The rider can suffer partial or total paralysis. In addition to the impairment of mobility, paralysis can also cause blood clots, respiratory problems, bowel & bladder control problems, bed sores, and circulatory problems.
  • Head Injuries —Even with the use of a helmet, a rider can suffer a serious head injury, including closed head injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI has been associated with early onset Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Debilitating cognitive, social, and emotional conditions can develop from head trauma as can infections and nerve damage.
  • Road Rash — Road rash is a very common injury in motorcycle accidents. While many cases of road rash heal on their own, some victims can suffer from infections. Some riders have permanent scarring and disfigurement from road rash.
  • Eye Injuries — Injuries to eyes can have serious complications including infections and temporary blindness. In some cases, the rider may suffer retinal detachment or permanent blindness. An increase in the risk of glaucoma and cataracts is also a potential complication.

Contact an Erie Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help with Your Accident Claim

The NHTSA reports that 4,976 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in the United States during 2015 (an increase of eight percent from 2014). Another 88,000 riders were injured in crashes that year.

If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, it is important for you to seek medical attention and follow up with your doctor. Any unexpected symptoms or symptoms that do not improve should be reported to your doctor immediately. These symptoms could be an indication of a serious complication.

Contact The Travis Law Firm toll-free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our Erie motorcycle accident attorneys. You may be entitled to recover compensation for future damages in addition to compensation for your past and current expenses and loses.

Source:

“Erie man arraigned in hit-and-run crash.” Tim Hahn. GoErie. September 29, 2017.