Injuries sustained due to motorcycle accidents can be severe. Motorcycle accidents are 29 times more likely to cause fatal injuries. When a motorcyclist is lucky enough to survive a crash, it doesn’t mean that they’re out of the woods yet. Often, these accidents land riders in the hospital.
Motorcycle accident victims sustain similar injuries due to how they happen, and some patterns can be observed in the types and severity of injuries.
Head Injuries
Injuries to the head are common in motorcycle accident victims and can happen regardless of whether the rider is wearing a helmet or not. This could occur when a person hits the ground, hits another object, or is hit with so much force the brain is shaken inside the skull. A person could be left with permanent mental and physical disabilities due to these injuries and could sustain:
- Loss of motor skills and coordination
- Permanent paralysis or reoccurring seizures
- Memory loss
- Long-term depression, anxiety, mood swings, or anger
You should always look for signs of a head injury after a motorcycle accident.
Broken Bones
When you’re going at a rapid speed and come to a sudden halt, your body will still be in motion. On a motorcycle accident, riders can be thrown from their bikes and projected dozens of feet across the road, and broken bones are a typical result of these sorts of crashes. Riders are especially vulnerable to receiving severe fractures, such as ones to the:
- Spinal cord
- Skull
- Forearm
- Shinbone
- Thighbone
- Pelvis
Road Rash
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and if not protected, can be impacted in the event of a motorcycle accident. Road rash occurs when the skin scrapes again the surface of asphalt and layers of skin are torn away. Not all road rash is the same, and they can vary in severity.
- First degree. This is typically when the first layer of skin is scraped off, and the area is visibly red.
- Second degree. After the first layer of skin breaks, it’s considered a second-degree road rash. It’s deeper than just the surface level of the skin.
- Third-degree. This wound is when the skin is torn away to the fat and internal tissue, leaving the area exposed.
Depending on the severity of the road rash, complications such as infection, intense pain, and permanent scars could occur. Leather is a recommended material to wear while riding a motorcycle, as it can help prevent road rash in the event of a collision.
When Surgery Is Required
Some injuries are so severe that they require surgery. Often, these involve helping to mend broken bones or fix internal injuries sustained in the motorcycle crash.
Road rash can also require motorcycle accident victims to undergo surgery. They usually need to have skin grafts to mend the exposed area or have reconstructive surgery to close it immediately and prevent bleeding, infections, or scarring.
Remember always to be aware of your surroundings when driving, as motorcyclists are the most vulnerable to injuries.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our firm at (800) 351-3008 for legal representation.
