5 Common Injuries Motorcycle Accident Victims Experience

By Your Health Magazine

Motorcycle accidents can be particularly nasty, as bikers are usually no match for the thousands of pounds of steel and metal they encounter in a crash. So to say that the injuries are often brutal would be an understatement.

Here are five of the most common injuries motorcycle accident victims experience:

Head Injuries

Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents, and even non-fatal injuries to the head can have life-altering consequences. Common head injuries include concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Concussions, which are mild TBIs, can result in symptoms like headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems. Severe TBIs, on the other hand, may lead to cognitive impairment, loss of coordination, or changes in personality and behavior. Recovery can take weeks, months, or even years, and some individuals never fully recover.

Wearing a helmet is the most effective way to prevent or reduce the severity of head injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets are estimated to reduce the likelihood of fatalities in motorcyclists by 37 percent. Make sure your helmet meets safety standards and fits securely to offer the best protection possible.

If you’re involved in an accident and suspect a head injury, seek immediate medical attention and hire an attorney right away – brain injuries are often difficult to detect without proper evaluation.

Road Rash

When a motorcyclist skids across the pavement, the friction can cause what’s commonly referred to as “road rash.” While it might sound like a minor injury, road rash can actually be quite severe. It’s essentially a form of skin abrasion that occurs when the outer layers of skin are scraped off due to contact with the road surface. Depending on the severity, road rash can range from mild scrapes and bruises to deep, painful abrasions that require skin grafts or surgical intervention.

Wearing proper riding gear – such as leather jackets, gloves, and protective pants – can help prevent or lessen road rash injuries. If you experience road rash, it’s important to clean and dress the wound properly to avoid infection. Even minor-looking scrapes can become infected if not treated carefully, leading to more serious complications.

Fractures

Fractures, or broken bones, are also incredibly common in motorcycle accidents. Arms, wrists, shoulders, legs, and ribs are all prone to breaking due to the high impact of a crash.

The most commonly fractured bone in motorcycle accidents is the collarbone, especially if the rider is thrown forward onto the ground or into another vehicle. These fractures may require surgery, casting, and physical therapy to heal, and recovery can take anywhere from weeks to months.

Many fractures from motorcycle accidents come with long-term pain and decreased mobility. While you can’t entirely eliminate the risk of fractures, wearing reinforced gear, such as body armor or padded jackets, can help absorb some of the impact and protect your bones. If you suffer a fracture, make sure to follow medical advice and attend physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility as you heal.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries are another serious risk – perhaps the most serious, outside of TBIs. The spine, which consists of vertebrae, nerves, and the spinal cord, is incredibly vulnerable to impact. Depending on the force and location of the injury, spinal damage can lead to a range of conditions, from chronic back pain to full or partial paralysis. Damage to the spinal cord can be particularly problematic, as it can lead to loss of movement and sensation below the injury site.

Preventing spinal injuries begins with good posture while riding and using proper protective gear, such as a back protector. However, even with the best precautions, spinal injuries can still occur. Good posture is no match for a high-impact collision at speeds of 50-plus miles per hour.

If you’re ever in an accident and feel numbness, weakness, or loss of control over any part of your body, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Spinal injuries require a quick response to minimize long-term damage and improve the chances of recovery.

Lower Extremity Injuries

While often less severe than head or spinal injuries, injuries to the lower extremities – legs, knees, feet, etc. – are very common in motorcycle accidents. Since motorcyclists’ legs are exposed on both sides, they’re more vulnerable to fractures, dislocations, and bruising during a crash. (Not to mention, knee injuries can lead to joint damage or ligament tears, which may require surgery or extensive rehab.)

One way to protect your legs and feet is by wearing reinforced boots, knee guards, and padded pants. Lower extremity injuries might not sound as severe as head or spinal injuries, but they can still lead to a long and painful recovery process. Taking care of your legs and feet by following rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy can speed up healing and help you regain mobility.

Staying Safe on the Road

Riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks – you can’t avoid them. You can, however, put yourself in a position to be as safe as possible when riding. This includes taking the right safety and training courses, wearing the right gear, and avoiding high-risk scenarios. As mentioned previously, you’ll also want to hire a good motorcycle accident attorney in a situation where you do find yourself injured after a wreck.

They can help you make sure the right parties are held accountable and that you have the opportunity to fully heal – physically, emotionally, and financially.