Did you know motorcycle accidents are, unfortunately, among the most deadly? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “The number of motorcyclists killed in crashes dropped to 4,985 in 2018, an almost 5% decrease, but motorcycle riders are still overrepresented in traffic fatalities”.
Because a motorcyclist is harder to see and has less protection than other vehicles on the road, they sustain a large portion of the accidents and injuries on the road. If you believe you have an accident claim, it is important to hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Injuries
Wearing protective gear can significantly reduce a motorcyclist’s chance of injury. Many will choose to wear helmets and other equipment to protect them while out on the road. However, even with this added layer of protection, some common injuries may be sustained when accidents occur. Following are some of the common types of injuries that motorcycle riders may sustain during an accident:
Brain and Head Injuries
A biker may sustain injuries to their head after being thrown from their motorcycle, including a cracked skull, concussion, or brain injury. A traumatic brain injury can have long term effects, such as seizures and difficulty thinking, depending on what part of the brain is affected.
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries
When a biker hits the pavement during an accident, they may sustain injuries to their spinal cord. Unfortunately, there is not specific protective gear to prevent this type of injury. In fact, wearing a helmet may protect their head but shift the damage to their neck and spinal cord.
Chest Injuries
If a biker sustains injuries to their chest, the sternum and ribs may be broken. This can impact internal organs. A broken rib can puncture them, causing severe complications such as a collapsed or punctured lung.
Arms and Legs
During an accident, a motorcycle crash can cause severe damage to the biker’s limbs, creating nerve damage, broken bones, or other injuries. When thrown off the bike, the rider’s instinct is generally to brace for impact by protecting their head with their arms. As a result, their arms receive the brunt of the impact. The rider’s legs may also be affected by the impact, causing injuries that may recover with proper care. However, these injuries can also cause a disability in the future if not treated properly.
Road Rash
When a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike, they often end up sliding along the pavement, creating road rash. Road rash peels back the skin layers. Treatment for this painful injury may include skin grafting, depending on how severe the injury is. This makes it extra crucial for bikers to wear extra protective gear, such as a riding jacket, boots, and gloves.
Muscle Damage
During an accident, it is common to sustain muscle damage. While this is something that a biker can recover from with proper care, this type of injury can have a permanent impact if not treated properly. Again, extra protective gear can help protect from muscle damage.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Who Can Help: Receive Compensation for Your Injuries
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. Though we understand seeking treatment may come at a cost, many of the common injuries resulting from this type of accident can have lasting effects if they are not treated properly.
At Strickland & Kendall, we are prepared to help you recover all your costs related to pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, mental, emotional trauma and other injuries and damages suffered as a result of your accident. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 334-269-3230 24/7 for a free consultation!