Motorcycle accidents cause significant damage to a variety of areas of a rider’s body. The angle, speed, and force involved can create damage to muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones. One of the conditions that some victims face is called biker’s arm, or rider’s arm. It can be a serious injury that creates long-term implications for riders.
In situations where you are suffering from rider’s arm due to another person’s negligence, it is critical to arm yourself with a skilled and knowledgeable Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney who can help you pursue compensation.
What Is Biker’s Arm?
Biker’s arm is a term that refers to a range of injuries associated with the nerves in the upper portion of the arm. It often occurs when a biker lands on their arm or shoulder after an accident, or if the rider’s bike lands on their arm after an accident.
Many people will naturally try to protect themselves in the event of such an accident by bracing for the fall. They put their arms outward in front of them to stop their fall, but this causes serious damage to the ligaments, tissues, and nerves in the upper shoulder due to the force and weight.
Typically, those with rider’s arm will suffer damages to:
- Brachial plexus nerves
- Median nerve
- Radial nerve
- Ulnar nerve
These nerves are critical to controlling the feeling and movement of the arm, hands, and fingers. Any damage to them makes it either painful to make those movements or impossible to do.
How Is Biker’s Arm Treated?
Depending on the severity of the biker’s arm, doctors may recommend one of several treatment plans. In the least impactful accidents, physical therapy can help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of painful complications. Massage and chiropractic care can also be beneficial.
Many patients also need surgery to correct nerve damage and to deal with complications of joint and muscle movement. In these situations, improvement may be possible, but it is not always possible.
Over time, some riders experience ongoing pain. Others may experience limited movement and paralysis. This can impact not only the rider’s ability to use their motorcycle but also their ability to work or engage in activities they enjoy.
Proving Someone Else Is Responsible
If you are in a motorcycle accident, demonstrating that the other party is responsible could be critical to recovering any damages in these accidents. This often means demonstrating that the other driver owed you a duty of care and violated that duty, such as by breaking the law or failing to stop when you had the right of way.
The first step is to prove they caused the accident through their breach of duty of care. You then must demonstrate that your injuries, including the rider’s arm, are directly the result of that accident. If you went to the hospital after the accident, the medical records there will help you. Otherwise, you will need to demonstrate that your injury came from the accident.
Our Legal Team Can Help You Navigate Your Rights
In situations where you have injuries like rider’s arm because of the negligence of another driver, call Sargon Law Group. Let our dedicated team of attorneys go to work building a strong case for you. We offer free consultations to discuss your accident and resulting injuries.