Common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents

Now that the weather is warmer, you probably couldn’t wait to get back on your motorcycle. The thrill of riding never gets old, and riding is one of the many things you look forward to when summer comes around.

Nevertheless, not everyone appreciates when motorcycles share the road with them. Some motorists simply don’t take the time to look out for you, and others may be openly hostile, even using their vehicles to express their disapproval of motorcycles on the highway. A driver who places your life in danger may not realize the damage possible when a larger vehicle collides with a motorcycle.

When other drivers don’t pay attention, you pay the price

The most common injury you may suffer in a motorcycle accident is a broken leg. When a car hits you, even at a low rate of speed, it is certain to knock your bike off balance, sending it crashing to its side. If your leg gets trapped under the bike, the bones may be crushed or broken. Additionally, bikers often break their wrists, arms or shoulders when they instinctively try to catch themselves as they fall. Pelvic breaks are frequent injuries to bikers who land hard on their hips in a collision.

A painful and potentially serious injury you may suffer is road rash. Doctors use this term when referring to the abrasions you may receive if you slide across the road after a collision. Road rash occurs at three levels of severity:

  • First degree: Only the surface of the skin suffers damage, producing redness.
  • Second degree: The skin breaks but remains intact.
  • Third degree: The skin pulls away from the underlying tissue and fat, leaving them exposed.

Third degree road rash causes excruciating pain and requires immediate medical care.

While your bones and skin may heal allowing you to return to a normal life, this may not be the case if you suffer a head injury. Brain trauma is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Alabama is in the minority of states requiring the use of protective headgear for all people operating or riding a motorcycle. Nevertheless, if the accident is severe, even a helmet may not be enough to protect you.

Your best line of defense

While it may dampen your enthusiasm for riding to consider the potential injuries an accident may cause, it may also help you to exercise more caution knowing others may not be looking out for you. Safety gear like helmets, protective clothing, gloves and boots may prevent you from feeling the breeze on your skin, but they may also prevent you from suffering life-changing and potentially fatal injuries.

Nevertheless, the precautions you take only go so far if another driver is negligent or careless and injures you in an accident. Fortunately, there are legal options available for seeking compensation to help you obtain the medical and rehabilitative services you may need for the fullest recovery possible.