Motorcycle accident results in amputation

A 27-year-old California man is trying to rebuild his life after an accident last month near a state park in Felton. The motorcyclist suffered a severely damaged leg in the crash.

The accident happened at about 6:40 p.m. when the driver of a Mazda pickup turned left on Highway 9 in front of the man’s Honda Rebel motorcycle. The impact threw the motorcyclist over the roadside guardrail, severely injuring his leg. He was taken by helicopter to Stanford Hospital where an amputation below the knee was performed. According to a California Highway Patrol representative, neither alcohol nor drugs was involved in the incident, and the driver of the pickup remained at the site.

The motorcyclist had insurance coverage and health insurance, but according to his family, there are many costs outside their budget. Family and friends are helping the biker pay such expenses while they are waiting for the pickup driver’s insurance to respond. The biker’s mother suggested that the pickup driver might be underinsured.

The man left the hospital on Sept. 26 and since then has found routine tasks challenging. He is unable to be fitted for prosthesis until the leg swelling disperses. He said his love of outdoor sports would be put on hold, and his upcoming wedding was delayed.

A motorcycle accident may result in severe injury. Rehabilitation after a serious injury may be extensive, and medical expenses may be significant. Furthermore, a victim may be disabled and require long-term care.

However, a knowledgeable Santa Ana motorcycle accident lawyer may help the injured individual obtain compensation for financial loss stemming from the accident. After reviewing accident reports, the attorney may file a personal injury suit against the allegedly negligent driver on the plaintiff’s behalf.

Source: San Jose Mercury News, “Felton man loses part of leg in motorcycle crash“, Stephen Baxter, October 02, 2014