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Spinal Cord and Back Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences for riders, and some of the most serious and life-changing results are spinal cord and back injuries. The open nature of a motorcycle leaves riders exposed to traumatic impacts, making them particularly vulnerable to injuries that can affect mobility, independence, and every aspect of daily life. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand the profound challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with spinal injuries after a motorcycle crash. Our mission is to provide the guidance, advocacy, and support needed to pursue recovery and justice.
The Prevalence of Spinal Cord and Back Injuries in Illinois Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle accidents remain a significant public safety concern across Illinois, especially in urban areas like Chicago where traffic congestion and road hazards are frequent. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were over 2,500 motorcyclists injured in crashes across the state in 2021, with Cook County—home to Chicago—accounting for a substantial percentage of those injuries. While not every motorcycle accident results in a spinal cord or back injury, these types of trauma are among the most severe and costly to treat.
Nationally, the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) notes that nearly 40% of all spinal cord injuries are caused by motor vehicle crashes, including motorcycles. In Illinois, trauma centers report that back and spinal injuries are disproportionately represented among serious motorcycle crash outcomes, often requiring extended hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
How Motorcycle Accidents Cause Spinal Injuries
A motorcycle’s lack of protective barriers means that, in a collision, a rider’s body often absorbs the full force of the impact. During an accident, the rider may be thrown from the bike, crushed, or pinned beneath another vehicle. The violent jolts, rapid deceleration, or direct blows to the back and neck can fracture vertebrae, damage discs, and injure the delicate spinal cord tissue.
Common mechanisms for spinal injuries in motorcycle crashes include:
- Ejection from the motorcycle onto hard surfaces like pavement or guardrails
- Direct impact with other vehicles
- Being run over or struck while on the ground
- Twisting or hyperextension of the spine during a fall
Even at relatively low speeds, awkward landings or sudden stops can result in serious spinal trauma.
Common Types of Spinal and Back Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash
1. Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI):
These are among the most serious injuries a person can sustain. The spinal cord is the pathway that transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to this bundle of nerves can result in partial or complete loss of movement and sensation below the injury site. SCIs are classified as “complete” or “incomplete” based on the severity of the loss.
2. Vertebral Fractures:
Fractured vertebrae—the bones that make up the spine—are common in high-impact crashes. Some fractures are stable, while others are unstable and may cause fragments to press on or damage the spinal cord.
3. Herniated or Ruptured Discs:
The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions. Trauma from a motorcycle crash can cause these discs to bulge or rupture, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.
4. Sprains and Strains:
Even less severe crashes can lead to soft tissue injuries involving ligaments and muscles of the back, causing persistent pain and limited mobility.
5. Whiplash and Cervical Spine Injuries:
The rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck in an accident can injure the cervical spine, leading to headaches, neck pain, and sometimes nerve damage.
Signs and Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
Prompt medical attention is absolutely critical after a motorcycle accident, as spinal injuries are not always immediately obvious. Warning signs include:
- Severe pain or pressure in the neck, back, or head
- Loss of movement or sensation in arms, legs, or torso
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty breathing
- Unnatural positioning of the head or spine
If any of these symptoms occur after a motorcycle accident, call 911 immediately and avoid moving the injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
The Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
The consequences of spinal cord or serious back injuries are often permanent and life-altering. Depending on the location and extent of the injury, individuals may experience:
- Paralysis: Partial (paraplegia) or complete (quadriplegia/tetraplegia) loss of movement and sensation.
- Chronic pain: Persistent pain that may be difficult to manage, affecting every aspect of daily life.
- Loss of independence: Many spinal injury survivors require assistance with basic tasks, mobility aids, or home modifications.
- Emotional and psychological effects: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are common among those adjusting to life after a spinal injury.
- Career and financial challenges: Many cannot return to their previous jobs, leading to lost income and career changes.
The Chicago-based Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, one of the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals, treats hundreds of spinal injury patients each year, highlighting the prevalence and complexity of these cases in our region.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
The treatment plan for spinal cord and back injuries depends on the type and severity of the trauma. Emergency intervention aims to stabilize the spine, reduce swelling or bleeding, and prevent further injury. This may involve:
- Immobilization with braces or collars
- Surgery to realign or stabilize the spine, remove bone fragments, or decompress the spinal cord
- Medication to control pain, inflammation, and secondary complications
Long-term rehabilitation is often necessary and may include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength, balance, and mobility
- Occupational therapy to enhance independence in daily activities
- Counseling and psychological support
- Vocational rehabilitation to assist with job retraining or career transitions
The costs of these treatments can be astronomical. According to NSCISC data, the average first-year cost for a person with high tetraplegia exceeds $1 million, with hundreds of thousands in additional expenses each year after.
The Financial and Emotional Toll
Living with a spinal cord or severe back injury is not only physically challenging—it is also financially and emotionally overwhelming. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, assistive devices, home modifications, and lost income can quickly drain family resources. Many accident survivors and their families also struggle with feelings of grief, anger, and uncertainty about the future.
In Illinois, accident victims have the right to pursue compensation from the party responsible for the crash. This includes not only immediate medical expenses, but also future medical needs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Legal Rights and the Importance of Experienced Representation
Illinois law recognizes the seriousness of spinal injuries and the need for comprehensive compensation. Because insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts or blame motorcyclists for their own injuries, it’s important to have skilled legal representation. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our attorneys have experience investigating motorcycle accidents, working with medical experts to document long-term needs, and aggressively pursuing full compensation for our clients.
We understand both the immediate and future needs of those with spinal injuries, and we are committed to fighting for justice and financial security on your behalf.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash, take these important steps:
- Seek medical care immediately—even if symptoms seem minor.
- Follow all treatment and rehabilitation plans.
- Keep records of all medical appointments, bills, and communications.
- Document how your injuries affect your work and daily life.
- Do not give statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Supporting Your Recovery
At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we know that spinal cord and back injuries change lives forever. Our team will stand by your side from day one, helping you navigate medical care, insurance claims, and the legal system. Your focus should be on healing and rebuilding—let us handle the rest.
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal or back injury in a motorcycle accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to ensure your rights are protected and your future is secured.
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