Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

As the number of motorcycle enthusiasts in Florida continues to grow, so unfortunately, does the rate of collisions between motorists and motorcycle riders. In fact, the Department of Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) recently reported that an estimated 8,045 motorcycle accidents occurred in the state in 2020. The injuries sustained by these riders ranged in severity from minor to fatal, with a few types showing up repeatedly.

The Risk of Injury for Riders

Many car accident victims are fortunate enough to walk away from their collisions unscathed or with only minor injuries. This is rarely the case for motorcyclists. Some researchers estimate that as many as 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in some sort of injury to the rider. This can largely be attributed to riders’ lack of seat belts, airbags, or any form of protection between themselves and the road. Tragically, injuries sustained by motorcyclists are also more likely to be fatal, with some reports revealing that riders are 30 percent more likely to suffer a fatal injury in a collision than the occupant of a vehicle.

Head and Neck Injuries

Although helmets have helped reduce the risk of brain injuries for motorcyclists who are involved in collisions, they are no guarantee of safety. In fact, despite the widespread usage of helmets, head and neck injuries are some of the most common injuries reported by riders. Injuries can range from whiplash or nerve damage in the neck to serious head trauma and traumatic brain injury.

Chest Injuries

Motorcycle accident victims are also prone to chest injuries. These injuries often prove to be severe, as the majority of our organs are housed in the torso. Blunt force impacts, which are common in motorcycle accidents, can result in injuries to these organs, including punctured lungs, pulmonary contusions, and cardiac trauma. Broken ribs and collarbones are also common.

Lower Limb Injuries

The lower part of the body is also prone to injury in motorcycle accidents. This is especially true of the legs, particularly the tibia and fibula. In fact, some studies reveal that injuries to these bones account for almost 95 percent of motorcycle accident-related leg injuries. Thigh and knee fractures are also common, as are hip injuries. Hip dislocation is thought to account for nearly 40 percent of all hip injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents.

Road Rash

Motorcyclists who are involved in collisions with passenger vehicles could also end up suffering from deep scrapes and lacerations, which occur when a person is ejected onto the asphalt. While wearing boots, gloves, and jackets can help protect a rider’s skin, these precautionary measures aren’t always enough to prevent road rash, which in severe cases, can result in disfiguring scars and permanent muscle damage.

Reach Out to Our Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

At Anderson & Anderson, our Tampa roots run deep, as we have been helping residents recover after their accidents for more than 40 years. To speak with an experienced Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer about your own legal options following a motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to call us at 813-251-0072 today.

Sources:

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf

one.nhtsa.gov/people/INJURY/PEDBIMOT/MOTORCYCLE/motorcycle03/index.htm

iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes