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Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
For motorcyclists, the summer season means getting out on the open road and enjoying a carefree day. Unfortunately, this fun activity also comes with some serious risks. While you may practice defensive riding, wear a helmet, and ensure you have all the proper safety gear for your ride—there is always the chance of being involved in an accident. For most riders, these consequences can be dire since they don’t have the protection of a metal encasing, airbags, or seatbelts. Here are the six most common injuries that are caused by motorcycle accidents.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), head injuries are far too common and are a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Riders can reduce their risk of a TBI by wearing a helmet that meets federal safety standards. A TBI can result in the following health problems:
- Seizures
- Hearing loss
- Behavioral changes (mood swings, anxiousness, depression)
- Cognitive issues (memory issues, problem-solving)
- Speech problems
- Swallowing disorders
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
Many motorcyclists involved in accidents suffer from injuries to the spine. The severity of the injury depends on where the damage is located. Some problems may include but are not limited to:
- Paralysis
- Respiratory issues
- Loss of bladder control
- Chronic pain
- Muscle spasms
- Circulatory problems
- Sexual dysfunction
3. Lower Extremity Injuries
Since there is no encasing to protect motorcycle riders, the risks of serious lower extremity injuries are high. A motorcycle crash can lead to severe injuries of the following lower extremities:
- Foot
- Ankle
- Knee
- Thigh
- Hip
- Pelvis
4. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are a severe threat to motorcycle riders, and because they aren’t easily detected by plain sight, suffering an internal injury after a motorcycle accident could lead to serious complications. Two types of trauma can cause internal bleeding in a motorcycle accident:
- Blunt Trauma - compression of organs such as the spleen, liver, or kidneys can result in internal bleeding.
- Deceleration Trauma - shifting of organs inside the body as the accident causes the body to slow down and speed up suddenly. For example, a brain could be shaken inside the skull, causing pressure and bleeding.
5. Broken Bones/Fractures
It’s not uncommon for victims of a motorcycle accident to have broken bones or fractures. Areas of broken bones and fractures may include but are not limited to the following:
- Skull
- Forearm
- Shinbone
- Femur (thighbone)
- Pelvis
6. Road Rash
Road rash may not be as dangerous to riders as the injuries listed above. However, road rash is painful and could result in permanent scarring. Many victims have to endure the uncomfortable cleaning of road rash wounds that involve the removal of debris and other road fragments that can be embedded deep inside the wound.
Learn Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, we are here to help you hold a driver accountable for causing your accident. From medical expenses and future costs to lost wages and pain and suffering, you deserve to recover full compensation. Contact Meyerkord & Kurth today at (800) 391-4318 to learn your rights.