Motorcyclists have a higher risk of injury compared to other motorists. Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles do not provide decent protection. A biker is more exposed to the open road. Sadly, that leads to many types of motorcycle injuries.
Many bikers love the feeling of freedom a motorcycle brings. However, that freedom also leaves them more vulnerable during an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bikers are about 28 times more likely to die in an accident than car occupants.
All motorists should be aware of the risks and the importance of road safety. Below, we’ll cover the most common motorcycle injuries we see.
What Types of Injuries Do Motorcyclists Face?
Motorcycle injuries tend to be severe — and even deadly. Bikers tend to suffer more acute injuries because they have less protection. Here are the most frequent types of motorcycle injuries.
Road Rash
Road rash happens when skin drags along a road surface. It’s a type of friction burn. Road rash is common after a biker falls off of their bike during an accident.
Road rash can happen to the arms, legs, face, or other parts of the body. It can cause severe scrapes, infections, and permanent scarring. Some motorcyclists need skin grafts or surgery for road rash.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) disrupt the brain’s normal functions. Blows, bumps, or back-and-forth jolts to the head can cause TBIs. Concussions are a type of TBI.
Even with a helmet, bikers can suffer TBIs during an accident. TBIs are a serious public health issue in the country. They cause many deaths and permanent disabilities each year.
TBIs can range from minor to severe for motorcyclists. Minor TBI symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Speech problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Trouble sleeping
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Depression, anxiety, or mood swings
- Memory or concentration problems
Moderate to severe TBI symptoms can include the above problems, and:
- Seizures or convulsions
- Inability to wake up after sleeping
- Pupil dilation
- Numbness or weakness in the fingers and toes
- Lost coordination
- Slurred speech
- Unusual behavior, such as combativeness
- Coma or other consciousness disorders
Any motorcyclists with signs of a head injury should get medical attention immediately. TBIs can worsen quickly if not treated.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are also common for bikers. They do not have the protection of a metal vehicle around them.
When a crash happens, a biker might fall off of their motorcycle. If the biker lands hard or at a wrong angle, they can suffer broken bones. Broken bones can include:
- Ribs
- Arms or legs
- Wrists or ankles
- Fingers or toes
- Collarbone or neck
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be permanent and life-changing. The spinal cord is a long, thin cord that goes from your brainstem to the base of your spine. It sends nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis and disabilities. Spinal cord injuries are common when a biker lands on their back or neck. Trauma to these areas can also cause spinal cord injuries.
Muscle Damage
The human body has over 650 skeletal muscles. A motorcycle accident can damage any of them. Recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury.
Motorcycle crashes can cause acute muscle injuries that happen because of trauma. These injuries can take a long time to heal. They might require physical therapy or other treatments.
Biker’s Arm
“Biker’s arm” can happen when a motorcyclist puts out their arm to break a fall. They might suffer bruises, muscle injuries, tendon tears, or broken bones. Biker’s arm injuries are very common after a motorcycle accident.
Internal Injuries
When an accident is severe enough, it can cause damage to the internal organs. When a crash punctures or damages an organ, it can cause internal bleeding.
A biker can have internal bleeding in the chest, head, organs, tissues, and more. Internal injuries can be incredibly life-threatening and dangerous. Bikers should get medical attention right away since you can’t see internal injuries from outside the body.
Emotional Trauma
Physical wounds are not the only types of motorcycle injuries. An accident can cause emotional “injuries” like:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Embarrassment or fear
We should not underestimate the emotional effects of an accident. Pain and suffering can stay with an accident survivor for many years.
What If Someone Else Caused My Motorcycle Accident?
If another person caused your crash, you shouldn’t have to pay for your injury costs. You might be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Doctor bills
- Prescription medications
- Surgeries or other treatments
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Motorcycle repairs
- Pain and suffering
You will need to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you do this.
Your lawyer will help you build a strong claim. They’ll also protect you from getting the blame for the accident. Contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options today.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we aim to make the legal process as stress-free as possible. We are always on the side of motorcycle accident victims. Plus, we will not charge you anything unless we win your case.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.