With its winding roads and scenic routes, Kentucky is a popular destination for many motorcycle riders. According to data in its 2021 annual report, the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) shows that there are nearly 84,000 registered motorcycles in the state. Moreover, because of its location, Kentucky is a major hub for motorcyclists traveling to other areas of the country. All of this adds up to potential accidents.
One of the most common injuries sustained in Kentucky motorcycle accidents is a wrist fracture. The wrist is particularly vulnerable in a motorcycle accident because the rider often uses their hands to break their fall or to try and prevent the impact, which can cause the wrist to bend or twist in an unnatural way, leading to a fracture. When you or a loved one suffers one of these incredibly painful injuries, understanding your options for recovery can make all the difference in how you approach moving forward.
Legal Support and Guidance For Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Victims
Any time you or a loved one are injured in a Kentucky motorcycle accident, it can leave you facing mounting medical bills and other damage. In these situations, getting legal help can be vital to your recovery.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our team of experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers can give you the legal support and guidance you need to restore some normalcy to your life. Contact us today to schedule a free, initial consultation to take the first step in the process.
Why Is the Wrist So Vulnerable in Motorcycle Accidents?
Due to its placement on the body, the wrist joint is a vital part of your ability to move and control things with your arms and hands. Unfortunately, though, this placement also makes it extremely vulnerable to a motorcycle accident.
Most often, a motorcycle accident results in you being thrown from the bike or colliding with an object or surface at high speed. The natural reaction is to put your hands out to break the fall or brace for the impact. to put their hands out to brace themselves. This can result in your wrist bending or twisting unnaturally, which can cause a fracture. In addition, the forces involved in a motorcycle accident can be significant, and your wrist can be easily injured due to the sudden impact or the weight of the motorcycle.
All of these elements are present in virtually every motorcycle accident, meaning that if you find yourself in one, you’ll likely face one of these injuries. That said, there are some ways that you can reduce the risk of wrist fractures and injuries. These can include:
- Wearing proper safety gear, like gloves and wristguards
- Maintaining good riding posture and balance
- Obeying the rules of the road
- Taking a motorcycle safety course
Even by taking these actions, a wrist fracture can still happen in a motorcycle accident. Moreover, there are a variety of different types of fractures that can happen, each of which presents its own unique challenges.
Types of Wrist Fractures in Kentucky Motorcycle Accidents
Because the wrist is so vulnerable to a fracture in a motorcycle accident, it can be helpful to take a look at some of the different types of fractures that can occur. The wrist joint itself is comprised of a number of bones, each of which can fracture or break in a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common wrist fractures that can occur in these accidents include:
- Distal radius fracture – A distal radius fracture is one of the most common types of wrist fracture. It occurs when the radius bone in the forearm breaks near the wrist. This type of fracture can cause significant pain, swelling, and bruising around the wrist.
- Scaphoid fracture – This is a fracture of the small bone located near the base of the thumb. It can be particularly concerning because it may not show up on an X-ray right away and can lead to complications if not treated promptly.
- Ulnar styloid fracture – This is a fracture of the ulna bone, which is one of the two bones in the forearm. The fracture occurs at the end of the bone near the wrist and can cause pain and swelling.
- Triquetral fracture – The triquetral bone is the small bone located on the outside of the wrist, next to the hamate bone. This bone can be fractured if the wrist is forcefully twisted or if it receives a direct blow in an accident.
- Hamate fracture – A hamate fracture is a less common type of wrist fracture that can occur in a motorcycle accident. The hamate bone is a small bone located on the outside of the wrist, near the base of the hand. This bone can be fractured if the hand hits the ground forcefully during a fall or if it is crushed between the handlebars and the ground in an accident.
How To Move Forward After a Wrist Fracture From a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident
Recovering from a wrist fracture after a Kentucky motorcycle accident can be quite challenging. Not only do you have to worry about your physical recovery, but you’ll also have to navigate emotional and legal recoveries as well. While these are indeed worthy challenges, you have a number of different options that can aid in this recovery. Here are some steps you can take to move forward after such an injury:
- Seek medical care – While it’s not always possible to determine the extent of your wrist fracture injury in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Kentucky, you’ll need to seek medical attention for the pain and to stabilize the fracture. From there, a specialist can examine the fracture to determine the extent of your injury and develop a treatment plan. In most cases, this requires surgery to repair the bone and physical therapy to regain strength in the wrist.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Once you have a treatment plan in place, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely. This may include immobilizing your wrist with a cast or splint, taking pain medication, or attending physical therapy sessions.
- Be patient – Recovery from a wrist fracture can take several weeks or even months, so it’s important to be patient and allow your body time to heal.
Legal Options
A huge part of the recovery process from a wrist fracture is getting compensation for your injuries and damages. In Kentucky, the law allows you to file a claim against the party who was at fault for causing the accident that led to your wrist fracture. At this point, you’ll want to consider talking with our team of experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers. We can help explain your legal rights and figure out who was at fault. From there, we can represent you in your claim for damages.
Generally, this can be accomplished by filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Once a claim is filed, our team will negotiate with the other side to try to reach a settlement that is fair and in your best interests. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Ultimately, both of these avenues allow you to recover certain damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
By taking these steps, you can protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your damages after a Kentucky motorcycle accident. Our team of qualified accident lawyers can help guide you through the process and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Let Our Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Work For You
Facing a fractured wrist or other injuries after a Kentucky motorcycle accident is difficult enough on its own, but when you are trying to receive the compensation you’re entitled to under the law against an insurance company, it can be even tougher. That’s where our team of experienced Kentucky motorcycle accident lawyers can help. We can handle all the responsibilities related to your claim, making sure you get the support you need and allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let our team go to work for you.
