Are you looking for a part-time fun activity? You should definitely try motorcycle riding. It is not only exhilarating but also a perfect way to explore and become adventurous. Moreover, it is good for your mental wellness.
Nonetheless, as exciting as it sounds, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous if you do not do it with caution. You may end up sustaining severe motorcycle accident injuries.
What Causes Motorcycle Accident
The common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Riding under the influence
- Lane splitting
- Unfavorable weather
- Blind spots
You can avoid mishaps by being extra careful while on the road and avoid going out while drunk.
How Do You Prevent a Motorcycle Accident Injury?
While you cannot predict what will happen once you get on the road, it is best to prepare for anything that comes your way.
Sometimes, accidents are inevitable. You could be following all the rules of the road, and then a careless driver comes from nowhere and hits you from the back. The least you can do is implement measures to prevent motorcycle accidents and reduce the injuries’ effects. Some measures include;
- Wear a helmet before heading to the road
- Do not over speed
- Pay attention to road signs
- Always ensure that you are on the right side of the road
- Your motorbike should be inspected and maintained regularly
Taking the above precautions saves you from liability after an accident and protects you from severe damages. What’s more? Hire reliable lawyers such as this local law firm to ensure that you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Here is a look at the common injuries from motorcycle accidents.
1. Brain Injury
Among the most severe motorcycle accident injuries are traumatic brain injuries.
Motorcycle riders who go on the road without helmets are more susceptible to suffering this injury than those who wear headgears. While helmets are a requirement in some states, some let riders off the hook, putting them at a higher risk of head injury.
The worst part about traumatic brain injury is that it is invisible, and you might not realize that you suffered a blow until it’s too late. Just because you do not have any dent on your head does not guarantee that your brain has not been affected.
The forceful impact on your head plus the trauma associated with an accident might affect your brain functionality. You must let a medical expert examine you immediately for a proper diagnosis.
2. Arms
Arms injury occurs when a motorbike rider is immediately thrown off their bike after an impact.
One of the drawbacks of motorcycles is that they lack seatbelts. Unlike in regular cars, passengers have nothing to protect themselves from unexpected impacts and the outside environment.
When an accident is about to occur, the human instincts will direct the rider to cradle themselves before falling to reduce impact. Their arms are the most affected in such a scenario, leading to both bone and nerve injuries.
If not treated sooner, the impact could permanently damage the arms and upper body’s nerves.
3. Road Rash
Falling and bruising your knee or elbow is one thing. But the severity of road rash is a completely different story.
Most accidents involve the rider making direct contact with the road surface. As a result, the involved riders are likely to suffer serious abrasions on the skin, referred to as road rash. The degree of this injury ranges from mild to severe, depending on the level of impact.
For instance, a fast rider is likely to suffer more severe road rash than a slow rider. The weight of the rider is also a significant determinant of the seriousness of the injury.
You will require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent scarring, damages to the nerves, and infections.
4. Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injury is probably one of the most lethal injuries from motorcycle accidents.
Depending on the severity of the injury, it may result in permanent disability.
The injury leads to paralysis from the neck or waist downwards. Whether full or partial paralysis, the injury can permanently change your lifestyle for the worst.
Going around your daily chores and living independently becomes impossible. It is, therefore, best if you seek immediate medical attention as soon as you suspect that you have suffered spinal cord injury after a motorcycle accident.
5. Leg Injuries
Motorcycle riders are likely to hurt their legs and feet after an accident than any part of their bodies. In fact, lower extremity injuries account for up to 50% of the total motorcycle accident injuries.
The reason being, legs are the closest organ to the ground and maybe the first thing that comes to contact with the ground after a crash.
Things worsen if, after an accident, the bike rolls over on top of the rider’s legs, increasing the chances of bone fractures. Also, the victim may suffer damages to the ligaments depending on how the legs bend. Even worse, there are high chances of laceration from road rash.
6. Thorax Injury
About one in every seven motorcycle accidents result in thorax injuries.
The injuries can be dangerous as they may result in puncture on the ribs and other body parts around the area. You may experience other complications such as collapsed lungs, infections, and pneumonia.
7. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries may occur in any part of the body, and the worst is that they are not easy to spot.
You may assume that you came out of the accident safe since you have no visible injuries, but you can never be certain unless a medical practitioner examines you.
Displaced or lose bones after an accident can hurt other internal organs. You could also suffer blood vessel rupture from blunt trauma.
If not diagnosed early enough, internal injuries may lead to permanent damages or, worse, death.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Legal Representation
When your motorcycle accident injuries are caused by someone else, you should immediately contact a motorcycle accident lawyer and let the expert take you through the legal requirements.
The attorney is experienced and understands the law better than you do. You can therefore trust the expert for a fast and smooth lawsuit.
Check more articles on our site on what to do after accidents and why you should hire an attorney.
