In this article, we cover the four most common motorcycle accident injuries.
1. Head, Brain, and Spinal Cord Injuries
The most common motorcycle accident injury riders suffer in a crash is damage to their head, especially the brain. Helmets can keep you somewhat safer from the worst injuries, but you may still end up with facial lacerations, skull fractures, a concussion, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These can lead to cognitive, physical, and behavioral impairments.
You may have an injury to your eyes, ears, or mouth. Dental damage may require multiple surgeries to replace teeth or reposition your jaw. Damage to the spinal cord can leave you paralyzed or in chronic pain for months or years after the motorcycle accident. You may also experience torn ligaments, herniated discs, and nerve damage.
2. Broken Bones
Bones can be fractured, crushed, or broken from blunt force trauma or being run over by another vehicle. You could also lose a foot or hand if it is damaged enough to require amputation. Broken ribs may puncture internal organs or blood vessels, leading to life-threatening injuries that require immediate hospitalization.
3. Puncture Wounds
Even with sturdy motorcycle leathers, riders can suffer punctures to their limbs or torso from an impact with a vehicle or other object. The forces involved in a crash are devastating to the human body, and shards of metal or glass can carry dirt that leads to infection. Riders are also at risk of bleeding out if they experience deep punctures that cut arteries or veins.
4. Road Rash and Rider’s Arm
Dropping a bike or being thrown from it during an accident can result in two common conditions: road rash and the rider’s arm. Road rash refers to the scraping against the pavement that usually results in something similar to carpet burn, although it can be much more severe. The skin may simply be red and bleed slightly, or it can be removed completely across a large part of the body. When riders don’t wear proper safety gear, road rash is a much greater risk.
Rider’s arm occurs when the full weight of the rider lands on their upper arm. You may suffer paralysis or nerve damage in that area, in addition to the risk of a broken bone. Rider’s arm can result in temporary or permanent loss of sensation and function, limiting your ability to ride again. It can also affect your ability to work and return to your regular life.
How To Avoid Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Stick to Safety Measures and Wear Safety Gear
To minimize the risk of motorcycle accident injuries, stick to safety measures. Always wear a helmet with a face shield. Use protective eyewear to safeguard your head and eyes. Leathers or other protective clothing can mitigate the risk of skin injuries, while sturdy shoes protect your feet.
Maintain Your Bike
Moreover, maintaining your bike in good condition minimizes the chance of accidents due to mechanical failures.
Drive Defensively
Cultivate defensive riding habits – always signal before changing lanes or turning, maintain a safe distance from vehicles, and keep a keen eye on the road condition and traffic. Participating in safety courses can boost your skills, making you a more confident and safer rider. Lastly, do not drink and ride, as impaired riding significantly elevates injury risks.
Get Legal Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries Today
Motorcycle injuries can be devastating and even life-altering. In these highly stressful situations, victims and their families may not know what to do to. If you or someone you know has injured or died in a motorcycle accident, contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at SMT Legal. Set up a free consultation today to discuss your needs.