Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycles have grown in popularity as a means of transportation in recent years, especially among those looking to cut money on fuel costs. Sadly, riding a motorcycle necessitates a higher skill level than driving a vehicle or small truck. Motorcycles provide little safety for riders, and as a result, motorcycle accidents can result in severe and even fatal injuries.
Although motorcyclists may suffer a variety of injuries in an accident, the following motorcycle accident injuries are the most prevalent:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI is the major cause of death when it comes to motorcycle accidents. According to the NHTSA, wearing a helmet decreases the risk of being killed in a fatal crash by 29%. A severe brain injury may result in long-term disability or even death.- Broken bones: Motorcycle crashes often cause fractured or broken bones, resulting in permanent nerve damage or disfigurement, if serious enough. While donning the proper protective gear could shield a motorcyclist’s skeletal structure, the sheer force of the collision can cause broken bones that necessitate extensive medical care or surgery.
- Damage to the spinal cord: Up to 12% of all motorcycle crashes result in spinal cord injuries, which can be particularly catastrophic and paralyzing. Sadly, most spinal cord injury victims will spend the remainder of their life in a wheelchair, crippled from the waist down.
- Skin abrasions: Skin abrasions (also identified as ‘road rash’) are very prevalent in motorcycle crashes. They usually happen when the rider is knocked off the bike and skids on the road. In the event of a collision, wearing protective clothing will reduce the seriousness of the abrasion.
- Facial Injuries: While helmets can help reduce the seriousness of facial injuries, major accidents mainly cause severe facial disfigurement and fractured jaws.
- Burn Injuries: Motorcyclists may suffer severe burns due to gas tank spillage reacting with other elements in a collision. In such a case, it results in very severe burn injuries, requiring a skin graft.
- Emotional distress. In addition to physical injuries, an individual who has been in a bad motorcycle crash can experience serious emotional wounds. You may require counseling at times when such psychological traumas, for instance, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ought to be addressed.
Protect Yourself in the Event of a Motorcycle Accident
When learning how to ride, motorcyclists are trained on defensive maneuvers to prevent catastrophe in various scenarios. They are also instructed on safely laying the bike down when moving if they anticipate an accident.
Being a great motorcyclist entails being constantly conscious of your surroundings and not relying on other motor vehicle drivers to prioritize you. Other ways through which a rider can protect themselves and others while on the road include:
- Wearing safety equipment
- Riding with experience and care
- Avoiding dangerous maneuvers
- Surrounding yourself with seasoned and careful motorcycle riders
Despite the discrimination that motorcyclists face during claims, they have the right to seek reimbursement. But you will certainly need the help of an attorney if you want your case to have better chances of success.
Have you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident in California or Arizona? Contact an experienced Car Accident Attorney at Karnas Law Firm today to discuss your case.