Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
The allure of motorcycle riding captivates countless enthusiasts. However, this exhilarating mode of transportation comes with inherent risks, leaving riders vulnerable to a wide array of potential injuries. Understanding the common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents is essential for riders, safety advocates, and medical professionals alike. By shedding light on these often-devastating consequences, we aim to raise awareness, promote safety precautions, and explore potential avenues for injury prevention.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to call our experienced legal team today for a free consultation. We are here to fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists are at an increased risk of suffering severe and life-altering injuries due to the lack of protection they have on their bikes. The following are common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents.
Head and brain injuries
A head injury is one of the most common types of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. The high speeds at which motorcycles travel, combined with their relatively unprotected exterior, make your head and neck particularly vulnerable to the impact of a crash. Injuries sustained to the head injuries can range from minor scrapes, cuts, and bruises to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and paralysis. Traumatic brain injury can result in long-term or permanent disabilities, while spinal cord injuries and paralysis may lead to a complete loss of motor function.
Upper extremity injuries
Injuries to the upper body are also routinely sustained in motorcycle accidents, with victims often suffering broken bones, lacerations, sprains, bruising, or internal organ damage. Some of the most common upper-body injuries include collarbone fractures, shoulder sprains, and rib fractures.
Lower extremity injuries
Injuries to the lower body are also very common in motorcycle accidents due to a rider’s lack of protection on the bike. Lower body injuries can include anything from minor scrapes and bruises to broken bones, dislocated joints, or severe spinal cord damage. Other common lower-body injuries include knee and leg fractures, ankle sprains, and hip dislocations.
Burn injuries
Burn injuries like road rash are common in motorcycle accidents. Road rash occurs when a rider is thrown from the bike and slides along the pavement, resulting in scrapes, cuts, or abrasions. The severity of burn injuries can range from minor skin irritation to second and third-degree burns that require surgical treatment. Burns such as thermal burns or chemical burns are less common but typically much more severe. Thermal and chemical burns require immediate medical attention, as they can cause serious blistering, scarring, and nerve damage.
Internal organ damage
In some cases of severe motorcycle accidents, internal organ damage can result. This type of injury is often difficult to diagnose immediately following the accident due to the lack of visible external symptoms. Internal organ damage can be caused by blunt force trauma or lacerations caused by the bike and can require extensive medical treatment.
Soft tissue damage
Soft tissue damage is another common injury sustained in motorcycle crashes and can involve any of the connective tissues throughout the body, such as muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Soft tissue injuries may not be immediately detected after an accident since they don’t show up on X-rays or other imaging tests. However, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any type of pain or tenderness in the days following a motorcycle accident, as this may be indicative of soft tissue damage.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal injuries can be the most severe injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash and can result in partial or complete paralysis. Due to their level of severity, these types of injuries should be treated as soon as possible after an accident. Treatment typically involves physical therapy, medication, and surgery to reduce inflammation and restore motor function.
Psychological trauma caused by a motorcycle accident
In addition to physical injuries, many motorcycle accident victims experience psychological trauma as a result of their ordeal. This can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or flashbacks. It is important for victims to seek psychological counseling if they are struggling with these types of issues following an accident.
Prevention Tips To Avoid Injury in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious physical and psychological injuries, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself while riding. There are several precautions you can take to reduce the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident and minimize potential injuries if an accident does occur.
Wear protective gear
Wearing a helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots designed specifically for motorcyclists will help protect your head and body from injury in case of an accident. Helmets should be DOT-approved and fit snugly on your head without obstructing vision or hearing.
Check your bike before each ride
Make sure that all lights are functioning properly, as well as the brakes, tires, chain/belt drive system (if applicable), clutch operation (if manual transmission), mirrors/reflectors, and any other components necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle. Additionally, check your oil level regularly.
Obey traffic laws
Always obey speed limits and practice defensive driving techniques such as signaling when turning or changing lanes; never weave through traffic or attempt other risky maneuvers on the road that could potentially put you at risk of being involved in an accident with another vehicle.
Avoid driving in bad weather
Even with all the safety precautions in place, it is still best to avoid riding a motorcycle when there are hazardous conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or strong winds. If you must ride during these times, take extra caution and reduce your speed accordingly.
Stay sober
Driving while intoxicated puts you at an increased risk of being involved in an accident and can lead to serious injury or death. It is important to remain sober when operating a motorcycle, as even the slightest impairment can have devastating consequences.
Review your insurance policy
In addition, it is important to review your insurance policy in order to ensure that you are covered in the event of an accident. Make sure that you have adequate coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage so that you are not left with large medical bills and no way to pay them. We recommend having at least $300,000 in coverage, which will protect you if you are in an accident.
Following these tips will help reduce the likelihood of a motorcycle accident occurring and minimize potential injuries if one does occur. Remember that safety should always be the top priority when it comes to riding a motorcycle.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention right away. Even if you do not think you are injured enough, some injuries take time to develop severe symptoms. Once you have seen a doctor, your next step should be to call an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
At the law firm of Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, our motorcycle accident lawyers have extensive experience helping motorcycle riders get the compensation they deserve. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? We Are Here to Help.
The law firm of Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci has over 40 years of experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents in Virginia. You deserve to have our legal team on your side, working to ensure that you receive the compensation you need for your medical bills and other damages.
Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate legal representation and will fight to get you the justice you deserve. Don’t hesitate — contact us today for a free consultation.
