What Are the Most Common Injuries Resulting from a Motorcycle Accident?

Hundreds of thousands of motorcycle accidents occur each year in the United States, resulting in catastrophic physical injuries and property and financial damages. Motorcycle accidents have some of the highest mortality rates of any vehicular accident, and their inherently dangerous nature plays a big role in this regard. Owing to the lack of any protection around the rider’s body, there is a much greater chance of acquiring a fatal injury in a motorcycle crash as compared to other vehicular crashes. The following information will discuss some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries that occur in the United States.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) results from the impact of a rider’s head against a solid surface, which can result in a skull fracture and intracranial bleeding. The human brain is highly sensitive to bleeding, and the smallest amount of hemorrhage in the brain can result in loss of function. Depending on the location of the bleeding inside the head, the loss of function can vary from mild transient deficits to permanent paralysis or sudden death. TBIs are, therefore, one of the most feared complications of a motorcycle accident. That’s why it’s important to keep your helmet on when driving or riding a motorcycle and keep yourself safe.

Bone Fractures

Falling off a motorcycle due to an accidental impact can result in a rider’s body being thrown against the ground or another heavy object that might result in bone fractures. Bone fractures in motorcycle accidents can vary depending on the crash. These can range from fractures of small bones like ribs to large bones like the femur or tibia. Fractures of long bones can result in fat embolism, respiratory failure, and sudden death. If a victim survives, they might be left temporarily or permanently incapacitated. 

Bruises, Abrasions, and Lacerations

Bruises and abrasions are less severe and more survivable injuries compared to TBIs and bone fractures. Bruises and lacerations might result from the skin grating against the rough asphalt as the rider is thrown off their motorcycle. Although most individuals recover with timely first aid, these injuries carry a risk of tetanus due to the breach in the skin barrier and contact with a dirty surface like a busy road. It’s best to get yourself checked out even if the injury is minor. You don’t want these injuries to get infected and start to be more of a hassle.

Spinal Cord Damage

Since motorcycles lack any protective casing around the rider, riders are more prone to absorbing the shock of their vehicle’s momentum in an unfortunate crash. Falling on the hard ground or getting hit by a heavy vehicle might result in the momentum being transferred to the vertebral column. It can result in vertebral fractures and damage to the spinal cord, which is one of the most essential parts of the human nervous system. Any damage to the spinal cord carries a significant risk of sensory and motor loss. This includes the very real possibility of being permanently handicapped. Affected individuals might require extensive neurosurgery for functional restoration, which might be incomplete, and residual neurological deficits could persist for life.

Conclusion

If you or your loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s fault, you can file a lawsuit against the negligent driver to obtain compensation for your damages. Make sure to compile all the evidence to create a strong case. An experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents might be your best chance to recover adequate compensation through a lawsuit. They will make sure you get the justice you deserve and help you through a stressful time.