What are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

There are a lot of benefits to riding motorcycles. They are, for instance, relatively fuel efficient and easier to maneuver and park than passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, safety is not one of the advantages of using a motorcycle. In fact, because these vehicles are less stable, less visible, and lack the protections of an enclosed car, accidents involving motorcycles almost always result in severe injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are five times more likely to sustain an injury in a traffic accident than occupants of passenger vehicles. While these injuries range in type and severity, there are certain kinds of injuries that tend to occur most often in motorcycle accidents.

Traumatic Brain Injuries 

Head injuries are one of the most commonly reported motorcycle accident injuries. In fact, injuries to the head and neck are thought to comprise nearly 25 percent of all motorcycle accident-related injuries. These injuries can range in severity from minor concussions to skull fractures and hemorrhages, which typically require surgical intervention to relieve pressure and stop bleeding. Unfortunately, even when treated in time, brain injuries often end up resulting in permanent damage that will require lifelong rehabilitation.

Leg Injuries 

According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motorcyclists are more likely to injure their legs or feet than any other part of their body in a crash, with around 30 percent of motorcycle injuries affecting the lower extremities. This is largely due to the fact that when a person rides a motorcycle, his or her legs are closest to the ground and the first part of the body to come into contact with the pavement or another vehicle during a crash. Common leg injuries include fractures, ligament damage, lacerations, and road rash.

Road Rash 

Road rash is an injury that is unique to motorcycle riders and cyclists, as it occurs when a victim’s skin comes into contact with the asphalt during a crash. Because there is nothing between themselves and the road, this is a pretty common injury for motorcycle riders. Besides being extremely painful, road rash is also dangerous, as debris from the road can end up getting lodged in the wounds (where the skin was scraped away), significantly increasing the risk of infection.

Chest Injuries 

Chest injuries are another common injury suffered by motorcyclists. Most involve injuries to the sternum and ribs, which can be dangerous, as broken ribs can puncture other parts of the body, like the lungs, leading to collapsed lungs. This can in turn, result in other complications, like infection and pneumonia.

The Right Size Law Firm to Meet Your Needs 

Motorcycle accidents have become increasingly common in Florida and across the U.S. in general. Because the injuries sustained in these accidents are usually severe, victims are typically quickly overwhelmed with medical debt and other expenses. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced lawyer on your side who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call the dedicated Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson to get started on your case.

Sources: 

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10025712/

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8083893/