Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries and How to Document Them
A New Mexico attorney advocating for injured motorcyclists and their families
In New Mexico, motorcyclists enjoy the rush of the open road, the lean of the bike, and the freedom on two wheels. But riding also comes with risks. When things go wrong, they tend to go very wrong. If you’re injured in a crash, you’ll need more than just medical care. You’ll need proof.
Insurance companies don’t pay for pain; they pay for paperwork. Without the right documentation, you could be left holding the bill for someone else’s mistake. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident in New Mexico, it’s important to document your injuries and get the right evidence to build your case.
Why are motorcycle injuries usually more severe?
Unlike cars, motorcycles don’t have seat belts, airbags, or steel cages. When another vehicle crashes into you, your body takes the hit. Sometimes it’s a single impact; other times it’s a brutal sequence. First comes the collision, then the pavement, and then whatever’s in the way.
Even at lower speeds, a motorcycle crash can result in serious injuries. Additionally, many crashes happen when drivers “just didn’t see” the motorcyclist. It’s a dangerous mix of vulnerability and unpredictability. Riders are also more likely to be blamed, even when they’ve done nothing wrong. That’s why having strong, early documentation of your injuries matters so much. You’ll need to prove not just that you were hurt, but that it was someone else’s fault.
What injuries are most common in motorcycle accidents?
Here are some of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries and what you’ll need to prove them.
Road rash
Road rash might sound minor, but don’t let the name fool you. When your skin scrapes across asphalt or gravel, it can be deep, raw, and prone to infection. Severe road rash often looks more like a burn and may require skin grafts.
Most commonly, it shows up on arms, legs, back, thighs, or anywhere your jacket or pants might not fully protect. When it heals, it can leave scars that remind you of the crash for a lifetime.
Road rash is documented by:
- Taking clear, dated photos up close and at a distance
- Keeping a wound journal
- Saving all prescription and bandage receipts
Broken bones
It’s common to fracture wrists, arms, or legs when you’re thrown off a bike or try to brace your fall. Collarbone fractures are also frequent, especially in head-on or side-impact collisions.
Broken bones may seem obvious, but without clear medical records and follow-up care, even these injuries can be downplayed by insurance companies.
You can document broken bones by:
- Getting X-rays and saving digital copies
- Photographing casts, braces, or slings
- Requesting surgical notes if procedures are needed
- Logging your pain levels and mobility over time
Head and brain injuries
Even if you’re wearing a helmet, your brain can still suffer an injury. Concussions, contusions, and more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often happen when the head whips or slams into the ground or vehicle.
You might feel okay at first, but days later, memory problems, dizziness, or blurred vision creep in. These symptoms matter and need to be documented carefully.
TBIs can be documented by:
- Visiting a neurologist for assessment
- Getting MRI or CT scans
- Keeping a symptom diary (focus, mood, sleep, headaches)
- Asking loved ones to write down any changes they observe in your behavior
Spinal cord and back injuries
The spine is sensitive and doesn’t bounce back easily. You might have a herniated disc, compressed vertebrae, or even a partial spinal cord injury, and you may not feel the full effects right away.
Symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or shooting pain could indicate serious damage that needs immediate treatment.
Spinal cord and back injuries can be documented by:
- Getting spinal imaging (MRI is best)
- Recording physical therapy visits and progress
- Saving any assistive device prescriptions (braces, walkers)
- Tracking your ability to sit, sleep, or lift as you heal
Internal injuries
Not all damage is visible. A ruptured spleen, collapsed lung, or internal bleeding can be fatal if ignored. These injuries are more common in high-speed crashes or if you were crushed between vehicles or objects.
You may not know you’re injured until your body starts to shut down. Dizziness, chest pain, or confusion are all warning signs.
Here’s how to document internal injuries:
- Getting checked in the ER immediately, even if you feel fine
- Asking for full trauma team notes
- Requesting surgery records and hospital discharge papers
- Keeping copies of all bloodwork and follow-up testing
Soft tissue injuries
Muscle tears, sprains, and ligament damage might not show up on X-rays, but they can wreck your life just the same. They can affect how you walk, lift, work, or sleep. They’re often used by insurance companies as an excuse to deny a claim. But just because they’re invisible doesn’t mean they’re imaginary.
Document soft tissue injuries by:
- Attending all physical therapy sessions
- Logging your pain and mobility daily
- Taking video of restricted movement or limping
- Saving every co-pay and medical bill
Emotional trauma
Let’s not forget what’s happening inside your head. After a crash, many riders develop PTSD, anxiety, or depression. You might be afraid to get back on the bike. You might avoid driving altogether. You might relive the moment again and again.
This emotional weight is real. It affects your quality of life, and in many cases, your compensation.
Emotional trauma can be documented by:
- Seeing a licensed therapist or psychiatrist
- Getting formal diagnoses (e.g., PTSD, anxiety disorder)
- Writing about how the crash has changed your life
- Keeping a log of panic attacks, nightmares, or isolation
How do you document your injuries the right way?
First, you should get immediate medical care, even if you initially feel fine. What you say that day matters. If you tell them you’re “fine,” that phrase could show up in your records and come back to haunt you. Be honest and be detailed. Also, follow up with orthopedics, neurologists, and mental health specialists.
Additionally, you should take photos of your injuries, bike, helmet, and gear. Take pictures the day of the crash, the day after, and every few days as you heal. Write down what hurts, what you couldn’t do, and how you feel. Couldn’t pick up your child? Couldn’t sleep on your back? Lost your appetite? Write it all down.
Be sure to save all documentation, including prescriptions, medical supplies, gas to and from appointments, lost wages, and out-of-pocket therapy costs. Create a folder or spreadsheet, since every dollar adds up and every one should count toward your claim.
Get a New Mexico lawyer committed to fighting for maximum compensation
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in New Mexico, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Szantho Law Firm has years of experience standing up for injured riders and holding negligent drivers accountable. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver in Albuquerque or injured on a rural highway outside Santa Fe, we know the local roads, the law, and how to build a strong case for full compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. During your free consultation, we’ll take the time to understand what happened, explain your legal rights, answer your questions, and give you a clear roadmap for what to expect next.
We proudly serve clients across New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and surrounding communities. If you've been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
“If anyone I know is involved in an accident I will surely recommend that they call the Szantho Law Firm, P.C.” – G.P., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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