10 of the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom and exhilaration that few other forms of transportation can match. Unfortunately, that freedom comes with a higher risk of injury in the event of an accident. Because motorcyclists lack the protective enclosures that cars and trucks provide, they are more vulnerable to various types of injuries.
At Thomas J. Henry Law, we want to do everything in our power to help ensure you never need our legal services. With that in mind, our San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyers have compiled a list of 11 of the most common motorcycle accident injuries and included ways to protect yourself from these injuries.
1. Road Rash
Road rash is the most common motorcycle accident injury. In fact, this injury is so closely associated with motorcycles that it became the title of a popular 1990s motorcycle racing video game series. Despite the tongue-in-cheek videogame title, road rash is actually an extremely painful injury that can range from mild scrapes to deep abrasions, often requiring medical attention These injuries occur when a rider slides across the pavement during a crash, hence the name.
To reduce the risk of road rash, riders should always wear protective gear such as leather or textile riding suits when on their bikes. While it may be tempting to dress in lighter clothing in the South Texas heat, proper riding gear provides a protective barrier against the road’s abrasive surface.
2. Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are frequent outcomes of motorcycle accidents. Particularly, motorcyclists are prone to breaks in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Depending on the severity, these injuries may necessitate surgery and prolonged recovery periods. They may even result in long-term pain and reduced mobility.
Wearing proper protective gear and riding responsibly can help mitigate the risk of fractures by minimizing the impact on the body during a crash.
3. Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most severe motorcycle accident injuries and can lead to long-term disabilities or even fatalities. Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, coma, hemorrhaging, brain swelling, seizures, and paralysis are among those that can be most debilitating. Head injuries can also lead to memory loss, depression, loss of motor skills, and speech and vision problems.
Wearing a DOT-approved helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injuries in a motorcycle accident. Helmets absorb and dissipate impact energy, reducing the force transmitted to the rider’s head.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, which can cause paralysis and permanently affect a rider’s quality of life. Even in instances where paralysis does not occur, riders may be left with long-term pain and loss of mobility.
Wearing protective gear, including a spine protector, can help reduce the risk of spinal cord injuries. Riding cautiously and adhering to traffic rules can also decrease the chances of accidents that might lead to such injuries.
5. Biker’s Arm
Biker’s arm is a term used to describe injuries to the arm or shoulder caused by an instinctive reaction to brace for impact during a fall. When a rider extends their arm to break the fall, it can result in fractures, dislocations, and nerve damage.
To mitigate the risk of biker’s arm, riders can focus on tucking and rolling during a crash rather than instinctively trying to break the fall with their arms.
6. Leg Injuries
Leg injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to fractures and severe soft tissue damage. Leg injuries can have a long-term impact on the rider’s life, and severe leg injuries may require amputation.
Wearing appropriate riding pants and boots with reinforced protection can help reduce the risk of leg injuries. Additionally, riders should keep their feet on the foot pegs during a crash to prevent foot and ankle injuries.
7. Chest and Rib Injuries
Chest and rib injuries can occur when a rider impacts the motorcycle’s handlebars or fuel tank during a crash. These injuries can be painful and may result in difficulty breathing. Worse still, injuries to the chest or ribs may impact vital organs beneath, like the lungs and heart.
Proper riding gear, including chest protectors and armored jackets, can provide additional protection against these types of injuries.
8. Abdominal Injuries
Abdominal injuries can result from direct impact with the motorcycle or objects in the environment during a collision. These injuries can vary in severity, from minor bruises to internal organ damage. Impacts on the abdomen can injure the kidneys, stomach, or liver, causing life-altering consequences.
Wearing full-body riding suits and chest protectors can offer some degree of protection for the abdomen, but defensive riding and staying alert on the road are equally important.
9. Knee Injuries
Knee injuries often occur in motorcycle accidents when a rider’s knees impact the ground or other objects.
In addition to wearing protective riding pants and knee guards, riders should try to maintain a bent knee position when able, which can help reduce the risk of hyperextension and other knee injuries during a crash.
10. Psychological Trauma
Psychological trauma is a less visible but equally important aspect of motorcycle accident injuries.
Survivors may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Seeking professional help and support from friends and family is essential for coping with the emotional aftermath of an accident.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact an Experienced San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Did you get into an accident while you were riding on your motorcycle? If you were seriously injured and you know that you did not have any fault in causing the accident, you should try to seek compensation. Thomas J. Henry Law’s San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyers would like to help you seek financial compensation for your injuries and the trauma you have experienced
Our San Antonio motorcycle accident attorneys are available 24/7 to provide your FREE case review. If your injuries prevent you from visiting our San Antonio offices, we can send a motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio directly to you.
