Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection offered by the vehicle. Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have seatbelts, airbags, or a protective frame, leaving riders vulnerable to the impact of collisions and other accidents. Understanding the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can help riders take precautions and seek proper medical care if an accident occurs. Below are four of the most common types of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe and potentially life-altering injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident. TBIs result from a blow to the head or a penetrating injury that disrupts normal brain function. Common causes include:
- Impact with the ground or other objects: When a rider is ejected from the motorcycle, the head may strike the pavement, vehicles, or roadside objects.
- Lack of helmet use: Riders without helmets are at significantly greater risk of suffering TBIs, including concussions, brain contusions, or more severe damage.
Symptoms of TBIs can range from mild (headaches, dizziness) to severe (memory loss, cognitive impairments, or coma). Even with a helmet, high-speed crashes can result in serious brain injuries, underscoring the importance of protective gear and defensive riding.
Road Rash
Road rash is a common and painful injury sustained when a rider’s skin scrapes against the pavement during a crash. This injury occurs when the rider is thrown from the motorcycle and slides across the road surface. Road rash varies in severity:
- Mild cases: Superficial scrapes and abrasions that may require basic first aid and healing over time.
- Moderate cases: Deeper abrasions that damage multiple layers of skin and may lead to infections if not treated properly.
- Severe cases: Injuries that expose muscle, tendons, or bone, often requiring skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
Wearing proper protective clothing, such as leather jackets, gloves, and reinforced pants, can significantly reduce the severity of road rash.
Fractures And Broken Bones
Fractures are another common injury in motorcycle accidents, as the force of a collision or fall often places tremendous pressure on the rider’s body. Commonly fractured areas include:
- Arms and wrists: Riders often extend their arms instinctively to break a fall, leading to fractures in the hands, wrists, or forearms.
- Legs and feet: The lower extremities are particularly vulnerable, especially when the motorcycle lands on the rider during a crash. Tibia, fibula, and ankle fractures are common.
- Ribs and collarbone: The impact of hitting the ground or colliding with objects can fracture the ribs or collarbone, causing pain and difficulty breathing.
- Pelvic injuries: Severe accidents may lead to fractures in the pelvic area, which can be particularly debilitating and require extensive recovery.
Fractures can range from simple breaks to complex, compound fractures that require surgery, immobilization, and physical therapy.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating injuries a motorcyclist can sustain. These injuries occur when trauma to the spine damages the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete loss of function below the injury site. Common causes include:
- High-impact collisions: The force of a crash can cause the spine to compress, fracture, or dislocate.
- Ejections from the motorcycle: Being thrown off the motorcycle increases the likelihood of spinal injuries, particularly if the rider lands on their back or neck.
The consequences of SCIs vary depending on the severity and location of the injury:
- Paraplegia: Loss of movement and sensation in the lower body.
- Quadriplegia: Loss of movement and sensation in both the upper and lower body.
- Chronic pain or nerve damage: Even less severe injuries can result in lifelong discomfort and reduced mobility.
Protective gear, such as armored jackets with back protection, can help reduce the risk of spinal injuries, but they cannot eliminate it entirely.
Call Our Office For Legal Assistance
If you have been injured in a crash, a Metairie motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue damages against the party responsible for your injuries. Contact Kiefer & Kiefer to schedule a free case evaluation.
