The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
There are over 10,000 motorcycle accidents that occur in the state of Florida each year, with around 600 or more resulting in fatalities. More than 80% of all motorcycle accidents do result in some sort of injury, and motorcyclists are most likely to find themselves in an accident with another vehicle at intersections. If the motorcycle accident does not involve another motorist, its most common for these accidents to occur on back roads while navigating curves or turns in the road. Regardless of how a motorcycle accident happens, it’s important to outline the most common injuries motorcyclists sustain when an accident occurs. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:• Leg injuries – Riding a motorcycle is unique in that the body is not protected by an outer layer as it would be in a car. With legs held so close to the ground, they typically take on much of the impact should a person lose control on a curve or their bike falls to the side for any reason. Leg injuries are some of the most common motorcycle injuries sustained in accidents, and while they’re not often fatal, they can be disabling. A severe leg injury to the knee, hip, ankle, or foot can lead to lasting injuries that hinder a person’s quality of life for the rest of their lives.
• Road rash – When a motorcyclist falls from their bike and hits the pavement after going at a speed, they will slide across the road until their body naturally comes to a stop. While wearing leather can help to curb road rash injuries, it doesn’t stop them entirely, and failing to wear protective clothing can cause severe road rash even in a “minor” accident. Road rash can be so severe that it can expose muscle and tissue underneath the skin, and even minor road rash can be particularly prone to infection.
• Arm injuries – Arm injuries are nearly as common as leg injuries in motorcycle accidents, and like leg injuries they can be disabling. Injuries to the elbow, wrist, or shoulder joints can be so severe that they can render a person disabled after a motorcycle crash has occurred. Even a “simple” broken bone can lead to thousands in surgery and medical costs.
• Head injuries – Head injuries or TBIs can be some of the most complex common motorcycle injuries. While riding without a helmet will often lead to more severe TBI, those riding with a helmet can still experience a TBI of any severity. Traumatic brain injuries are graded as mild, moderate, or severe, and these are injuries that can be more severe than they appear on the surface. A person who experiences a “mild” TBI, or believes their experience to be mild, can find that they still suffer symptoms months or years later. Because these are some of the most difficult injuries to treat and address, they’re often also the most expensive injuries in a motorcycle accident claim.
• Neck injuries – Like TBIs, or traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries can be complex and delicate. A simple pinched nerve in the neck due to whiplash can be enough to cause long-term injury, and relieving these injuries can require longer term careful care from multiple medical professionals.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and have sustained any sort of injury, common or uncommon, having an experienced St. Petersburg attorney on your side is crucial. These injuries can be complex, and they may require ongoing compensation. To learn more about your motorcycle accident personal injury claim, contact us at TheStPeteLawyer.com today.