What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash.

One of the most common motorcycle accident causes is when a driver doesn’t see a motorcyclist. Riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun, but it’s also dangerous.

Motorcycle accident injuries are often more serious than other types of vehicle crashes. Injuries can be physically, mentally, and financially devastating.

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you can sustain injuries to just about any part of your body. Keep reading to learn more about the most common motorcycle accident injuries and what you can do to prevent a motorcycle accident. 

Broken Bones

Fractures are common motorcycle accident injuries for several reasons. Because motorcycles are on two wheels, they are less stable than other vehicles and prone to fall over if an accident occurs.

Cyclists often put their arms down in an attempt to break their fall, leading to broken bones in their wrists and arms.

Because accidents happen so quickly, bikes will sometimes land on top of riders, especially their legs. This leads to broken and crushed bones. 

Road Rash

Road rash can occur when a rider makes contact with the pavement after a crash.

Imagine traveling at a high rate of speed and suddenly being thrown onto the ground. If motorcyclists aren’t wearing proper protective clothing, they can sustain severe skin abrasions. Sometimes, even proper clothing isn’t enough to prevent this painful injury.

Road rash can vary in severity from mild to severe and require immediate medical attention. Open wounds can lead to permanent scarring and a serious risk of infection. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the most serious and life-threatening injuries a motorcyclist can experience.

TBI can range in severity from mild to fatal. A mild TBI is also called a concussion.

Moderate TBI involves loss of consciousness from several minutes to several hours. Moderate TBI can cause impairments including confusion and disorientation as well as mental, physical, and behavioral impairments. These impairments may go away with time, or they may become permanent.

With a severe TBI, patients may go into a coma. These injuries can be life-threatening. Patients will undergo lengthy physical and mental treatment and may never regain the brain functions they lost in the accident.

TBI occurs even in motorcycle accidents where the cyclist was wearing a helmet. Even with a helmet, motorcycles don’t offer the same protection as passenger vehicles.

Motorcycle crashes where the point of impact is the front of the motorcycle tend to be the most severe. 

Upper Body Injuries

Motorcyclists can also experience injuries to their upper extremities as well as head and chest injuries. Injuries to the ribs, abdomen, thorax, face, head, and neck can range in severity. Thoracic injuries are more common among riders with larger motorcycles that overturn more easily.

These larger bikes tend to offer more coverage for lower extremities, but are more likely to impact roadway structures, leaving upper extremities vulnerable.

Injuries to the neck are particularly dangerous. They can be mild and go away with time and require little treatment. Or they could lead to permanent disability, paralysis, and death. 

Lower Extremity Injuries

Leg injuries are the most common lower extremity injuries sustained by motorcyclists and bone fractures are more common than soft tissue injuries.

Injuries to the legs are one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries because motorcyclists’ legs are left particularly vulnerable and exposed. Their legs often take the biggest hit in the crash, which can break and crush their bones.

Legs can also be dragged along the road, leading to other types of injuries.

While leg and lower extremity injuries are common, they usually aren’t fatal. However, they can still leave victims with long-term disabilities and complications. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Another one of the most serious motorcycle accident injuries is a spinal cord injury. When your spinal cord is injured in a motorcycle accident, you may become paralyzed.

You could end up with paraplegia or quadriplegia. Spinal cord injuries are usually permanent and will result in a lifelong disability. 

Internal Injuries

The force of the impact from another vehicle or from a cyclist’s body hitting the road can cause internal injuries. This includes blunt force trauma that doesn’t break the skin as well as penetrating trauma from a sharp object that does break the skin.

This could include broken glass or other debris. Internal injuries can range from bruised ribs to life-threatening damage to an internal organ. 

Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

No matter what type of vehicle you are driving, you should always check twice for motorcycles. They can be difficult to see, especially in inclement weather. But taking just a couple of seconds to look again for motorcycles could save a life.

As a motorcyclist, you are more likely to sustain injuries in a crash because your body is exposed, unlike in an enclosed vehicle. Wearing protective gear and always wearing a helmet can minimize your injuries if a motorcycle crash does occur.

All drivers should stay focused and avoid distracted driving. Slow down and pay attention to other factors like weather and road conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely. 

Have You Experienced One of These Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney about your rights.

Motorcycle law protects riders who were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence.

Motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating. We understand what you are going through and want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Click here to schedule your free consultation today.