How Motorcycle Wrecks Can Result in Life-Altering Injuries

From Spinal Damage to Brain Injuries, the Impact on Riders Can Be Devastating

New Hampshire’s roads are seeing more motorcycles than ever. From 2003 to 2023, registered motorcycles in the state more than doubled, from just over 41,000 to more than 90,000. Unfortunately, serious injuries and fatalities have followed the same upward trend. According to federal data, motorcycle accident deaths in New Hampshire increased from 9 in 2003 to 39 in 2023.

These crashes often result in more than just immediate pain. Many riders face lifelong physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A., our New Hampshire motorcycle accident attorneys have helped injured riders and their families navigate the aftermath.

Here are the types of injuries that frequently lead to long-term hardship and how injury victims can protect their legal rights.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries With Long-Term Effects

Motorcycle wrecks often cause far more serious injuries than car accidents, especially when riders are thrown from their bikes or struck by larger vehicles. Some of the most devastating injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even when wearing a helmet, a motorcyclist can suffer a concussion or severe brain trauma. These injuries may lead to memory loss, cognitive issues, emotional changes, and long-term disability.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, permanently affecting mobility and independence. Many spinal injury victims require long-term care, home modifications, and specialized equipment to regain some quality of life.

Internal Injuries

Blunt-force trauma can cause internal bleeding or organ damage that may not be immediately visible after a crash. These injuries are life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated quickly.

Broken Bones and Pelvic Fractures

Motorcyclists frequently suffer multiple fractures, including broken legs, arms, ribs, or hips. These injuries often require extensive surgery, rehabilitation, and may lead to chronic pain or mobility limitations.

Severe Road Rash

Sliding across pavement at high speeds can cause deep abrasions that damage skin, tissue, and nerves. In serious cases, road rash leads to infection, permanent scarring, and the need for skin grafts.

Medical Complications That Don’t Go Away

For many motorcycle crash victims, the injury itself is only the beginning. Lingering medical complications can make daily life difficult and lead to years of ongoing care. These long-term effects may include:

• Chronic Pain: Constant pain can make simple tasks unbearable and reduce overall quality of life.
• Mental Health Struggles: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common among motorcyclists who survive violent crashes.
• Loss of Independence: Some victims must rely on caregivers or mobility aids to manage daily living.
• Job Loss or Career Change: Serious injuries may prevent a return to previous work or force a shift to a lower-paying job.

The Financial Fallout of a Serious Motorcycle Crash

When riders get seriously hurt, the financial strain can hit fast and last for years. Some of the most significant costs include:

• Ongoing Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, and future medical needs can total hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Recovery often takes months of rehabilitation, which isn’t always fully covered by insurance.
• Lost Wages and Future Earning Potential: A long recovery or permanent disability can severely impact income.
• Home and Vehicle Modifications: Riders who lose mobility may need stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, hand-controlled vehicles, or custom showers.

Without full compensation, many families face long-term financial insecurity. That’s why it’s so important to understand how fault and legal responsibility work in New Hampshire.

Who Pays for Motorcycle Accident Injuries in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire follows a traditional fault-based insurance system. That means the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for paying damages to the injured motorcyclist. This can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

However, New Hampshire also uses a modified comparative fault rule. That means if the motorcyclist is found to be more than 50% at fault for the crash, they are barred from receiving compensation. If the rider is 50% or less at fault, their damages are reduced in proportion to their share of blame.

For example, if a rider is awarded $100,000 in damages but is found 25% at fault, they would receive $75,000. The remaining portion would be unrecoverable.

Legal Help for New Hampshire Motorcycle Crash Victims

After a serious crash, the road to recovery isn’t just physical—it’s legal, too. You may face mounting bills, limited mobility, and pressure from insurance companies to accept a low settlement. That’s why working with an experienced New Hampshire motorcycle accident lawyer is so important.

At Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A., we’ve spent more than 150 years fighting for injury victims across the state. Our case results include significant outcomes, including $300,000 in one motorcycle accident case. Whether you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or the loss of a loved one, we know how to build a strong case and push back against insurance companies that try to downplay your claim.

You don’t have to face the legal system alone. Contact Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. today for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout New Hampshire from our offices in Dover and Portsmouth—and we’re ready to fight for the justice you deserve.

"I would like to take a moment to say that Matthew Cox and his firm handled my daughter's case for an accident she was in. The whole firm took extra special interest in her case and went above and beyond to ensure she got the most out of her settlement. They also showed a general concern for her well-being and sometimes just talked on a personal note as a caring friend. I would recommend this firm to anyone looking for a good attorney who actually cares!! 5-star service!!" — Reggie G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐