What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Injuries?
Any time a motorcyclist gets on their bike and goes for a ride, they are at risk of sustaining injuries in an accident. This is because motorcycles lack the enclosed shield, air bags, and seat belts that other vehicles have. In addition, motorcycles are much smaller, lighter, and less stable than other types of vehicles, which can put motorcyclists in great danger when involved in a collision. Therefore, while it may be a thrilling experience to cruise around on the open roads in Maryland, it can also make you vulnerable to sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident.
During a motorcycle accident, any part of the motorcyclist’s body can be struck or injured. When a motorcycle crashes, the aftermath can be catastrophic. In order to prevent some of the injuries that may result from a motorcycle accident, it is highly recommended for motorcyclists to wear helmets, gloves, padded clothing, long pants, closed toe boots, and protective eyewear or goggles. Here are eight of the most common motorcycle injuries:
- Broken or fractured bones: Broken and fractured bones often occur after a motorcycle accident. This is because many motorcyclists fall off their bikes, suffer impact to their exposed body parts, or even land under their bikes in a motorcycle crash. A few of the areas on a motorcyclist that are frequently broken or fractured are the wrists, arms, shins, femurs, pelvis, and legs.
- Road rash: Road rash is another common injury after a motorcycle accident. While most people think of road rash as minor, it can actually be severe, leading to long-term complications. Road rash occurs when a motorcycle rider slides or skids across the hard concrete or pavement. As a result of the friction, huge patches of their skin may be missing, bleeding may occur, and tiny rocks and debris may be embedded in the injured area. Some of the complications that motorcyclists with road rashes often experience are nerve damage, infections, disfiguration, and permanent disability.
- Traumatic brain injuries: If a motorcycle rider does not wear a helmet or their helmet dislodges during a crash, they may suffer a traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries usually result when a person hits or bumps their head forcefully on a hard surface or object. Some of the most common symptoms that arise with a traumatic brain injury are headaches, vision problems, loss of consciousness, loss of memory, speech issues, and inability to focus or concentrate. However, it is not uncommon for individuals to have no initial symptoms after an accident, which is why it is crucial for a doctor to run tests after a motorcycle accident to ensure that you do not have a brain injury.
- Neck trauma and injuries: Our bodies have many nerves, muscles, ligaments, and arteries running through the neck. Therefore, when a motorcyclist experiences a sudden and forceful impact in a motorcycle crash, their neck may move rapidly back and forth, causing neck trauma and injuries. Some of the most common neck injuries after a motorcycle crash are neck sprains and strains, neck fractures, herniated discs, pinched nerves, and more.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are another common injury after a motorcycle accident. These serious injuries can lead to long-term consequences, such as paralysis, chronic pain, digestive issues, muscle weakness, pneumonia, trouble breathing, bladder and bowel problems, and more. In some cases, individuals are able to gain their strength/quality, but in other cases, they are unable to make full recovery
- Internal injuries: When motorcycle riders are involved in accidents, they may experience direct blows to the body from various objects and debris. Some may not break the skin, while others may be sharp and create deep lacerations. Either way, these direct blows and penetrating wounds can lead to internal organ damage and internal bleeding, which may necessitate emergency medical attention to repair right away.
- Cuts and lacerations: As mentioned, motorcycle riders are exposed to sharp objects and debris, such as metal, glass, and steel, during motorcycle crashes. The flying debris and objects may strike and pierce the motorcyclist, causing deep cuts, lacerations, and open wounds.
- Abdominal injuries: When a motorcycle rider is struck by another vehicle, their abdominal area may suffer blunt force trauma. As a result, they may experience injuries or damage to the organs within their abdominal region, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder. If these injuries are left undetected or untreated, they can lead to infections, bleeding, and even death.
Have you recently suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident? If so, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a Maryland motorcycle accident lawyer from Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. at your earliest opportunity. Our team has in-depth knowledge about various types of motorcycle crashes as well as the injuries and laws associated with them. You can rest assured knowing that we will use this knowledge to stand up and fight for the compensation you need and deserve to get your life back on track after the accident. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today. We have many office locations throughout Maryland for your convenience.
Bruce Plaxen was honored as the 2009 Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Maryland Association for Justice, and assists victims of personal injury, car accidents and medical malpractice throughout the state. For more information on his legal background, please visit his attorney bio.