Injuries From Motorcycle Wrecks

12/5/2019 Motorcycle Accidents John Whitfield

When an accident occurs on the road, it is easy to assume those involved will be okay due to the protection vehicles can provide via airbags and other sophisticated safety features. Unfortunately, however, motorcycle riders don’t have the same protections from roadway dangers as vehicle drivers. Understanding how and why motorcycle accident injuries occur is the first step towards preventing them in the future.

Cruising down the highway on a motorcycle is a fun pastime for many who find passion in riding. In fact, more people now than ever are riding motorcycles across the nation. According to the latest report from the Motorcycle Industry Council, more than 1.5 million United States households have added a motorcycle into their garages in the last four years. With the newfound popularity of riding, it is absolutely imperative that when motorcyclists are on the road they are riding safely.

Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries

Bike fatalities have been on the rise over the years and between 2008 and 2016 motorcycle-related fatalities rose from 82,000 to 88,000. Aside from the high number of fatalities, the severity of the injuries that can occur from a motorcycle accident can be devastating. The following are some of the most common injuries suffered by motorcycle riders:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A TBI usually occurs as the result of a violent blow to the head or body. NHTSA conducted a study on 104,472 motorcyclists injured in crashes, finding 15 percent of helmeted and 21 percent of unhelmeted riders suffered a brain injury.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: When a spinal cord is injured as the result of a collision, it can cause paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia). This kind of damage is usually permanent for the victim.
• Lower Extremity Injuries: A NHTSA study concluded lower extremity injuries are the most common injuries for motorcycle riders. Leg injuries are seen more often than any other lower extremity injury; and, bone fractures are more common than soft tissue injuries.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to the internal organs, as well as internal bleeding, can be caused by blunt force trauma (a blow from something hard that does not break the skin) or penetration trauma (a cut from broken glass or debris) sustained in a motorcycle accident.
• Fractures: Motorcycles are not stable standing upright, and will often fall over on accident. Crashes often happen quickly and a rider’s legs can be pinned beneath the bike when it falls, causing a fracture. Wrists and arms can also be fractured when riders catch themselves during a fall.
• Road Rash: When a rider makes contact with the road’s surface during a crash, serious skin abrasions called road rash can occur. The severity of road rash can range from mild to serious. These skin ailments are highly susceptible to serious infections and permanent scarring.

Overcoming motorcycle accident injuries can impose major financial problems for the victims and their families. Many injuries require months of physical therapy and rehabilitation, and some injuries can even cause permanent damage requiring specialized medical equipment like wheelchairs.

Nashville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a motorcycle wreck, a motorcycle accident attorney can help you get back on your feet. The experienced trial attorneys at Whitfield Bryson LLP will fight for your rightful compensation. Our lawyers are avid riders, so we not only fight for your rights, but we are truly on your side when you need us the most. Contact us today for a free consultation.