Motorcycle accidents are both dangerous and incredibly common. Motorcyclists should be aware of potentially dangerous scenarios as they ride and make sure to engage in safe and responsible practices such as wearing safety gear like helmets, taking proper precautions on highways, staying alert when sharing the roadway with cars, and attending motorcycle safety classes. Taking all of these steps will help motorcyclists stay safe on the road!
The injuries include:
- Road rash
- Severe fractures
- Leg injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spine injuries
- Arm and shoulder injuries
- Muscle tears
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Wrongful death
Call our firm today at (601) 265-6869 if you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Road Rash
Road rash is the informal name given to skin abrasions caused by contact with the ground after a motorcycle, skateboarding, or similar accident. Such injuries are commonly seen among motorcyclists who go down on the street and can range in severity from a few scrapes to major disfigurement.
Unfortunately, road rash can oftentimes lead to more serious complications if not treated properly and individuals should be aware of how to treat them immediately following an injury. Taking proper care of such wounds is essential for optimal healing and can help prevent lifelong scarring that would otherwise mar the victim's body.
Severe Fractures
Severe fractures are a common phenomenon in motorcycle accidents due to the lack of external protection surrounding riders. Motorcycle accidents involving severe fractures can lead to long-term medical issues and extensive recovery time, potentially sidelining riders and erasing any of the joy that they gained from their favorite hobby or mode of transportation.
Individuals should take the appropriate safety precautions and ride responsibly to help limit the potential occurrence of these catastrophic injuries. Further measures, such as protective gear like armor, boots, and helmets, should be taken so that the risk for fractures is reduced.
Leg Injuries
Motorcycle accidents have an alarming rate of leg injuries due to the lack of protection that a motorcycle can provide. This often forces medical treatments such as traction, physical therapy, or even surgery in order to stabilize injured legs.
Even with optimal treatment and physical therapy, impact injuries to the bones and muscles within the knee joint can take months for the rider to recover from, if at all. Even more severe cases may result in permanent physical limitations. It is important for motorcyclists to not only practice good safety habits while riding but also make sure they are wearing proper protective gear that covers their body including legs and ankles.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Although it may not be the most commonly discussed form of traumatic brain injury, motor vehicle accidents on two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles can result in severe TBIs. In fact, up to 63% of reported motorcycle fatalities are due to head injuries sustained by riders. The lack of protective gear and exposed body parts makes it more likely that riders involved in an accident suffer a TBI than drivers of other types of vehicles.
It is important to spread awareness regarding the risks faced by motorcycle riders so that they are better equipped to take proper caution when driving and protect their heads in the event of an accident. Wearing a proper helmet, avoiding risky behavior while riding, and familiarizing yourself with traffic laws are all ways riders can reduce their risk of sustaining a TBI while on a bike.
Spine Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious and sometimes fatal spine injuries. Even a low-speed collision can result in damage to the bones, discs, ligaments, muscles and nerves that make up the spinal column. Symptoms of a spinal injury after a motorcycle accident could include tingling or numbness in the extremities, difficulty walking or standing upright or severe pain radiating down your back or legs.
If you suspect you may have sustained such an injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible so that an accurate diagnosis and any necessary treatment can be provided. However, even with prompt medical care, some orthopedic conditions caused by spinal trauma caused by motorcycle accidents are irreversible – further highlighting the importance of taking steps to protect yourself while on the road.
Arm and Shoulder Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can often lead to severe injuries and even death, particularly when it comes to arm and shoulder injuries. The risk of such injury increases depending on the speed at the time of collision and type of motorcycle use. Unfortunately, those who ride motorcycles are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of protection they have while riding.
As such, they are at an increased risk of fractures, contusions, lacerations, impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tears, as well as many other devastating injuries involving the arms and shoulders. In fact, certain injuries can even require surgical intervention in order to prevent permanent damage or disability. Even something as simple as a sprained shoulder could affect a person’s ability to participate in physical activities for weeks or even months afterwards.
Muscle Tears
Motorcycle accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the lack of protection offered by the bike itself, which makes riders more vulnerable to serious injuries. One common and potentially painful injury is a muscle tear, which can occur after being thrown from a motorcycle while riding. Not only are they uncomfortable, but they also require significant time and effort to recover from.
Muscle tears need to be attended to with ample rest, rehabilitation exercises and treatments to ensure that the muscle has fully healed before further damage occurs. Additionally, consulting a medical professional promptly can help minimize long-term issues or even reduce healing time.
Burns
Motorcycle accidents resulting in severe burns can have extremely devastating consequences. These injuries are often much more severe than in other types of auto accidents because motorcycles tend to leave riders unprotected and exposed to the elements. Even with protective clothing and helmets, riders without proper safety precautions are susceptible to serious skin lesions due to direct contact with hot surfaces or engine sparks.
It is important for motorcycle enthusiasts to take all necessary safety precautions wherever possible and know the signs of a potential burn injury, including pain, redness, swelling, blisters, and marks on the skin where heat has been applied. With prompt medical attention and knowledge of preventative measures, riders can help minimize the harmful effects of burns from a motorcycle accident.
Lacerations
Motorcycle riders are at a high risk of suffering lacerations when they get in accidents. With no external protection to shield their bodies, the skin can be ripped open by contact with the ground or other vehicles. In severe circumstances, lacerations may even require surgery and a long recovery time. These traumatic injuries can disrupt a rider's life and cause physical as well as emotional pain.
Wearing protective gear is recommended for motorcycle riders to minimize the potential for these types of wounds; however, even with precautions taken, unfortunately there is still a chance that lacerations may occur in such an accident.
Wrongful Death
Motorcycle accidents often result in the wrongful deaths of riders due to the lack of protection for those on two wheels. While helmets help, force generated from impacts with larger and more powerful vehicles can cause serious or fatal injuries no matter how careful a rider is. It's important for drivers to watch out for motorcycles on the road, as it may save a life or prevent someone from experiencing a devastating loss.
At 'MAGGIO LAW, our Jackson motorcycle accident attorneys are here to stand up for your rights.
