Although motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation, they carry a significant risk of injury.
Unfortunately, not everyone on the road likes accommodating motorcycles, which often leads to serious accidents.
Here are some of the most common injuries that occur in a motorcycle accident.
Statistics for California Motorcycle Accident Injuries
According to a study conducted in 2019 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California has the 2nd most motorcycle accident fatalities in the country.
There were approximately 5,014 recorded deaths in the US that year, and California accounted for nearly 10% of them.
In addition, about 43% of these accidents involved alcohol impairment. While only 6% of those who died weren’t wearing a helmet, California requires a helmet while riding.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Since motorcycles don’t provide the same protection as other vehicles, motorcycle accident injuries tend to be serious.
While some may only result in bruises or other abrasions, many end in severe injury or death. Thus, it’s important to consider speaking with an attorney if you or a loved one sustains an injury.
Road Rash
This is one of the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident. When the rider makes contact with the road, the friction between the road and the rider’s skin causes severe abrasions.
Often, these scrapes require immediate medical attention due to the risk of serious infection and permanent scarring.
This is why it’s best to wear protective layers while riding, such as leather.
Bone Fractures
Another injury that motorcyclists frequently experience in an accident is broken bones.
This usually occurs when they collide with another object or have a limb caught under the bike. Some fractures are relatively minor and may require a cast to heal.
Others may need extensive surgery to repair the bone with screws and plates. Such injuries usually lead to long-term complications as well, such as chronic pain and limited movement.
Internal Injuries
Whenever something penetrates the skin or the body makes contact with another object, there is always a chance of internal injuries.
Generally, internal injuries from a motorcycle accident resulting in bleeding or organ damage. In addition, these injuries are difficult to diagnose if there are no outward signs of injury.
This greatly increases the risk of complications and even death if left untreated.
Amputations
With motorcycle accidents, there are a few different ways amputation may happen. In the first scenario, the limb tears away from the body due to a massive force.
In the second scenario, a medical professional may amputate a limb because the damage is so extensive that they can’t save it.
Both these cases have lifelong consequences for the victim, who will need assistive devices like prosthetics or a wheelchair.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Among the most serious motorcycle accident injuries is any damage to the spinal cord. Since the spinal cord handles the signals sent between your limbs and the brain, damage may lead to paralysis.
This may come in the form of either paraplegia or quadriplegia and usually requires lifelong assistance due to disability.
In other cases, it may result in a fractured disk within the spine, limiting mobility.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head trauma is the most dangerous injury in a motorcycle accident.
When not wearing a helmet, the risk of a traumatic brain injury or death increases.
Typically, TBIs result in a variety of long-lasting complications, such as chronic headaches, seizures, cognitive impairment, memory loss, mood changes, slurred speech, and more.
For those who go into a coma due to their injury, the recovery process is long and hard, and there’s no guarantee that they survive or regain full consciousness.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? We’re Here to Help
At Weinberg Law Offices, we understand how devastating motorcycle accident injuries can be.
In many cases, it takes away your freedom and reduces your quality of life. Those responsible for your injuries should be held accountable for causing such pain and suffering.
We’re here to help you every step of the way, including finding the care you need to recover.
To speak with one of our attorneys, call us at (818) 697-1079 or send us a message to schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.
As a personal injury attorney, my mantra is that there is no such thing as a “small case”. I will give 100% matter how big or small a case may be. I am fluent in English, Hebrew, and Spanish, languages which I use regularly in my practice.
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