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Radius and Ulna Fractures in Kentucky Motorcycle Accidents

For as exciting and thrilling as a motorcycle ride can be, there is just as much if not more risk of serious injuries in an accident. This is true throughout Kentucky, which sees a number of these incidents every year. Not only are motorcycle accidents common in Kentucky, but riders are also vulnerable to all different types of injuries, including bone fractures.

One of the most frequent types of bone fractures in these accidents occurs to the radius and ulna, the two bones that make up the forearm. When you or a loved one suffers fractures of these bones, it’s extremely important to understand the treatment options that are available and how you can approach recovering from the damage that your motorcycle accident caused.

Dedicated Support From Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

For many motorcycle riders, being in an accident is part of the bargain that comes with using these vehicles. That said, no motorcycle rider in Kentucky asks to suffer serious bone breaks or other injuries, yet it is still commonplace.

At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers know how devastating these injuries can be. That’s why our team can provide you with dedicated legal support that aids in your recovery. We’ll explain your legal rights and options, and what you need to do to recover compensation for your injuries. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation.

What Are the Radius and Ulna?

As the two major components that make up the bone structure of your forearm, the radius and ulna serve major functions as it relates to arm movement and related activities.

Specifically, these two bones connect the elbow and wrist joint, with the radius being the shorter of the two bones, located on the thumb side of the forearm. Its major function is the movements that allow hands to rotate either palm up or palm down.

The ulna is the longer of the two bones, located on the pinky side of the forearm. Its major functions are the movements of flexion and extension, which allow the elbow joint to bend and straighten.

Taken together, the radius and ulna work in coordination to provide:

  • Stability
  • Mobility
  • Various movements of the wrist and hand

Types of Fractures

As with any bone, there are several different types of fracture that can occur to the radius and ulna:

  • Colles’ fracture – A Colles’ fracture is a type of wrist fracture that happens when a person falls and lands on their outstretched hand. Specifically, it involves a break in the distal radius bone near the wrist.
  • Smith’s fracture – A Smith’s fracture is another type of wrist fracture that involves a break in the distal radius bone, but in this case, it occurs when the wrist is forcefully bent, such as when someone falls on a bent wrist.
  • Radial head fracture – This is a fracture of the radial head, which is located near the elbow. It can occur due to a fall on an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the elbow.
  • Ulnar styloid fracture – An ulnar styloid fracture occurs when there is a break in the bony protrusion at the end of the ulna bone near the wrist, known as the ulnar styloid process. This type of fracture can be caused by a fall on an outstretched hand or by a direct blow to the wrist.
  • Monteggia fracture – A Monteggia fracture is a type of forearm fracture that involves a break in the proximal ulna bone near the elbow, accompanied by a dislocation of the radial head. This type of fracture can be caused by a fall on an outstretched arm or by a direct blow to the forearm.
  • Galeazzi fracture – This is a fracture of the distal radius bone, accompanied by a dislocation of the distal ulna bone. It can occur due to a fall on an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the forearm.

Not surprisingly, when these bones are fractured, it creates immediate consequences. On top of pain and swelling, a fracture will severely limit the mobility of your hand and wrist, making it difficult to do everyday tasks. Then, there is the prospect of nerve and blood vessel damage, which can happen if the fracture occurs in certain ways. This can lead to further complications, ultimately leaving you with delayed healing. As with any injury, it’s extremely important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a fracture in the radius or ulna. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and promote healing.

How Do Radius and Ulna Fractures Happen in Kentucky Motorcycle Accidents?

Because the radius and ulna make up virtually the entire lower part of both arms, they are extremely vulnerable to fractures and other injuries in Kentucky motorcycle accidents. This is especially true because the nature of most motorcycle accidents involves the rider being thrown off the bike or at least impacting another hard surface like the road or another car with their arms. While you can somewhat reduce the risk of these injuries by wearing safety gear, sometimes they cannot be avoided. Worse yet, there are various types of motorcycle accidents that can cause radius and ulna fractures, such as:

  • Single-vehicle accidents – Single-vehicle accidents can occur when a rider loses control of their motorcycle and crashes into a stationary object, such as a tree or a guardrail. In these accidents, the rider may be thrown off their bike and may use their arms to break their fall, leading to fractures in the radius or ulna bones.
  • Collision with another vehicle – Motorcycle accidents can also occur when a rider collides with another vehicle on the road. In these accidents, the impact of the collision can cause fractures in the radius or ulna bones, particularly if the rider’s arm is pinned between the motorcycle and the other vehicle.
  • Intersection accidents – Intersections are a common site for motorcycle accidents. In some cases, other drivers may fail to yield to motorcyclists or may make a left turn in front of them, causing a collision. These accidents can result in fractures in the radius or ulna bones, particularly if the rider’s arm hits the ground or another object during the crash.
  • Rear-end accidents – Rear-end collisions can occur when a vehicle strikes a motorcycle from behind. In these accidents, the rider may be thrown off their bike and may use their arms to break their fall, leading to fractures in the radius or ulna bones.

The circumstances that surround your accident are very important as you move forward with attempting to recover compensation. If another driver was at-fault for causing your accident, Kentucky allows you to file a claim against them. Doing so, however, usually means going against an insurance company.

Filing a Claim For Damages After a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident

Just being in a Kentucky motorcycle accident is difficult enough, but when you suffer a fracture of your ulnar or radius, you’re facing further complications. On top of any medical treatment and (probable) surgery, you’ll likely have to miss some time at work as you heal and may not be able to enjoy your life as you once did. All of these can be considered damages in a claim, which Kentucky allows you to pursue under the law.

While it’s not a legal requirement, working with our team of experienced and dedicated Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers can make this challenging process much easier. Generally speaking filing a claim for damages involves the following steps:

  • Insurance Claim – If you have insurance policy information of the person who was at fault for your accident, you should file a claim with them as soon as you can. Provide them with all the necessary information and documentation related to the accident.
  • Negotiate a Settlement – Once the claim is filed and an investigation is concluded, the insurance company generally offers you a settlement. Our team can help review it and can negotiate a higher settlement if you believe the offer is too low.
  • Lawsuit – If you are unable to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover damages. Our team will advise you on the best course of action based on the specifics of your case, but you could recover the following damages if successful:
    • Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
    • Lost wages from missed work
    • Costs related to pain and suffering
    • Costs related to loss of enjoyment of life

It’s important to note that the process of filing a claim and recovering damages after a motorcycle accident can be complex and time-consuming. However, working with our team of experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers can help you navigate the process and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Experience You Can Trust From Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

At Kaufman and Stigger, PLLC, we have decades of combined experience in dealing with the fallout from Kentucky motorcycle accidents. This includes years of handling claims against insurance companies and making sure our clients are fully compensated for their injuries. Our team of experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers can provide you with vital legal support and guidance as you recover from your accident. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.