Motorcycle riders are exposed to a greater risk of severe injury due to the lack of external protection. Understanding the most common motorcycle accident injuries in Coeur d’Alene is essential for knowing your rights, your recovery options, and when to seek legal help.

At Craig Swapp & Associates, our Coeur d’Alene motorcycle accident lawyer confidently represents injured riders who are struggling with the aftermath of these collisions. 

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Coeur d’Alene

Motorcycle crashes can lead to a wide range of physical injuries. Some are immediately apparent, while others may take days or even weeks to show symptoms. 

In Coeur d’Alene, some of the common motorcycle accident injuries include:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Whether mild concussions or life-altering head trauma, TBIs are among the most serious injuries in motorcycle accidents. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of brain injury, but not all riders are legally required to wear one under helmet laws in Idaho.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

A sudden impact can damage the vertebrae or spinal cord, leading to partial or full paralysis. Even minor spinal injuries may result in chronic pain and long-term rehabilitation.

3. Fractures and Broken Bones

Motorcyclists frequently suffer fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and collarbone during crashes. These injuries often require surgery and physical therapy and can keep riders out of work for extended periods.

4. Road Rash and Skin Abrasions

Sliding across pavement without proper riding gear causes painful abrasions known as road rash. Severe cases may result in infection, nerve damage, or the need for skin grafts.

5. Internal Organ Damage

Blunt-force trauma to the torso can injure internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not show immediate symptoms.

6. Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma

Without a full-face helmet, riders risk severe facial injuries. These can include jaw fractures, broken teeth, and eye trauma.

7. Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments are common in motorcycle accidents. While less severe than fractures, they can still limit mobility and daily activities for months.

8. Psychological Injuries

In addition to physical trauma, riders may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression following a severe crash. These mental health issues are often overlooked but deserve recognition and treatment.

Injuries in motorcycle accidents often require immediate medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation. Knowing what injuries to expect and how they impact your legal case is key to protecting your rights.

Compensation for Motorcycle Injuries in Idaho

After a motorcycle crash in Coeur d’Alene, victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury, who was at fault, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.

Compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, prescriptions, follow-up care, and physical therapy.
  • Lost income: Time missed from work and loss of future earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Property damage: Repairs or replacement of the motorcycle and other personal property.
  • Disability: Long-term or permanent injuries that impact a person’s ability to work or function independently.
  • Loss of consortium: If the injuries affect the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so it’s crucial to work with injury lawyers in Coeur d’Alene who understand Idaho’s legal system and how to fight for the full value of your claim. 

Who Pays for Motorcycle Crash Injuries?

Idaho is an at-fault state, which means the person responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for paying for the damages. In motorcycle accidents, this usually involves the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.

However, securing compensation isn’t always straightforward. 

You may face:

  • Disputes over who was at fault
  • Insurance companies blaming the motorcyclist
  • Underinsured or uninsured drivers
  • Complex injuries requiring specialist medical testimony

When liability is contested or the insurance coverage is insufficient, motorcycle injury claims can become difficult to navigate. That’s when consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer becomes essential.

How to File Motorcycle Injury Claims in Coeur d’Alene

Filing a motorcycle injury claim in Coeur d’Alene involves several important steps. Here’s a general roadmap:

  • Seek immediate medical attention: Always visit the emergency room or urgent care after a motorcycle crash, even if you feel okay. Some injuries take time to appear.
  • Document the accident: Take photos of the crash scene, your motorcycle, injuries, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses and save your police report.
  • Notify your insurance provider: Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but avoid making detailed statements before consulting an attorney.
  • Speak with a motorcycle crash lawyer: Before filing any motorcycle injury claims, consult with an attorney who can guide you through the legal process, help you avoid mistakes, and represent your interests against insurance companies.
  • File the motorcycle accident claim: Your attorney will help file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, they can take your case to court.
  • Follow medical advice and keep records: Attend all medical appointments, follow through with treatment plans, and keep a symptom journal. Consistent documentation strengthens your claim and demonstrates the impact of your injuries.
  • Consider future damages: Serious injuries often involve ongoing medical care, future surgeries, or job retraining. Make sure your claim accounts for future costs, not just immediate bills.

Working with experienced injury lawyers in Coeur d’Alene, ID, ensures that you have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights every step of the way.

Speak with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Coeur d’Alene Today

Motorcycle accidents are physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. But you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Craig Swapp & Associates is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. With decades of experience, representing motorcyclists, we understand the common motorcycle accident injuries and what it takes to hold negligent drivers accountable.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t wait. Call us at 208-215-7938 to schedule a free consultation or send us a message about your case by answering our online form here.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp