What Are the Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?
Motor vehicle collisions of all types can be dangerous. Passenger vehicles weigh several thousand pounds, and they can inflict serious injuries on others, even if a collision takes place at a relatively low speed. Fortunately for drivers and passengers, vehicles include multiple safety systems that can reduce the risk of injuries, such as seat belts, airbags, and a strong structure that protects a vehicle’s occupants. However, motorcyclists do not have these protections, and because of this, they are much more likely to be seriously injured in motorcycle accidents.
Serious and Fatal Injuries Affecting Motorcyclists
Motorcycle crashes may result in multiple forms of bodily harm, including:
- Injuries to the lower extremities - The most commonly injured body parts for motorcyclists are the legs and feet. When a motorcycle falls over in a collision, one of a person’s legs may be caught underneath, and this can result in broken bones, as well as dislocations in the knees, ankles, or hips; strained or torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments; or serious sprains.
- Injuries to the head and neck - While most motorcyclists wear helmets, they may not be fully protected against the possibility of traumatic brain injuries when they strike their head on another vehicle or the pavement. The force of an impact may also cause whiplash or other neck injuries due to a person’s head being suddenly forced forward, backward, or to either side.
- Upper body injuries - Broken ribs are common in motorcycle wrecks, and in some cases, they may result in additional damage to organs such as the lungs. Other internal organs may also suffer damage in a collision.
- Spinal cord injuries - An impact may cause multiple types of damage to the spine. Vertebrae may be fractured, or a person may suffer a herniated or bulging disc. These injuries can put pressure on the spinal cord, which can lead to issues such as chronic pain or partial paralysis. If the spinal cord is completely severed, a person will suffer full paralysis in the areas of the body below the injury.
- Injuries to the upper extremities - Bones in the arms, wrists, and hands may be fractured in a collision. In serious cases, such as when a collision occurs at high speeds or when a person is thrown from a motorcycle, bones may be crushed or shattered. Surgery and pins, screws, or other implants may be needed to repair bones, and an injury may never fully heal. This can permanently affect a person’s ability to use their arms and hands properly, making it more difficult to perform work-related tasks or other daily activities.
- Cuts and bruises - Multiple parts of a person’s body may experience lacerations, which are sometimes called “road rash.” These injuries may result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially if they affect the head, neck, or upper body.
Contact Our Allen Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A motorcycle wreck can cause many different injuries that may lead to permanent disabilities or even wrongful death. Motorcyclists who are injured because of the negligence of other drivers will need to determine their options for pursuing compensation. Burress Injury Law PLLC can provide representation in these cases, ensuring that victims will be able to recover from their injuries and move forward with their lives. Contact our Allen motorcycle crash attorney at 214-726-0016 to set up a free consultation today.
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