Motorcycle riding can be an exhilarating experience, but you should be aware of the potential risks that it entails. Motorcycle accidents can result in various types of injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Knowing these common injuries can help you decide whether you need to pursue legal action if you ever become involved in a motorcycle accident.
Road Rash
Road rash is a common injury in motorcycle accidents, caused by the friction between the rider’s skin and the road surface. When a rider slides or skids after a crash, the unprotected skin can suffer from:
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Deep wounds
Road rash injuries can range from mild to severe, requiring immediate medical attention. Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as a sturdy jacket, pants, gloves, and boots, can significantly reduce the risk and severity of road rash.
Broken Bones
Motorcycle accidents often lead to broken bones due to the direct impact with another vehicle, objects, or the ground. The most frequently fractured bones in these accidents are the:
- Legs
- Arms
- Collarbone
- Ribs
- Wrist
Fractures can vary in severity, ranging from hairline fractures to compound fractures that require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Wearing certified helmets and proper protective gear can help mitigate the risk of broken bones and minimize their impact.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can also lead to spinal cord injuries, which can have long-lasting and life-altering effects. A severe impact or sudden jolt to the spine can result in:
- Spinal fractures
- Herniated discs
- Damage to the spinal cord
Spinal cord injuries can cause:
- Paralysis
- Loss of sensation
- Various physical impairments
Wearing protective gear, avoiding excessive speed, and maintaining a safe following distance can minimize the risk of spinal cord injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Sudden impacts or unnatural movements can cause these injuries, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Proper warm-up exercises before riding, maintaining good physical fitness, and using protective gear with built-in impact absorption can help prevent soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries include:
- Sprains
- Muscle strains
- Full or partial ligament tear
- Tendon tear
- Muscles contusions and lacerations
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries can be catastrophic in motorcycle accidents, even when wearing a helmet. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur due to a direct blow to the head or violent shaking during a collision. These injuries can range from concussions and contusions to more severe forms, such as intracranial bleeding or diffuse axonal injury.
Wearing a DOT-approved helmet is crucial in reducing the risk and severity of head and brain injuries, potentially saving lives in the event of an accident.
Every rider must know the possible injuries that can arise from motorcycle accidents. You may improve your driving safety by being proactive and being aware of such risks. To reduce the likelihood of an accident, always remember to wear the proper protective gear, obey traffic laws, and ride defensively.
However, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident that is not your fault (which actually happens more often than not), it is time to seek professional help. You should get yourself checked immediately as some injuries may not appear right after the accident.
It takes perseverance, accurate paperwork, and the advice of an expert personal injury attorney to pursue compensation for motorcycle accident injuries. You can improve your chances of getting fair compensation by working with a motorcycle accident lawyer. These lawyers can help you in calculating damages accurately. They will also handle negotiations on your behalf. Seeking compensation is more than just getting your money back. It’s also about getting justice for the harm done and ensuring a smoother road to your physical and mental recovery.
