Motorcycles can be an exhilarating way to travel, but they also offer far fewer protections than other types of vehicles. However, the more prepared for an accident a motorcycle rider is, the less likely he is to actually experience one, so learning about the biggest perils facing motorcyclists could literally save a life.
Which Injuries Are the Biggest Threat to Motorcycle Riders?
While most bike accidents occur due to the actions of other drivers, the majority of injuries in these crashes happen to the rider. The most common injuries suffered by bikers nationwide include:
- Head injuries. Riding without a helmet is the most common factor in fatal motorcycle accidents. One National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash report found that riders who sustained only head trauma were more likely to be killed than those who suffered an injury to other parts of the body. Under state law, all motorcycle riders and their passengers are required to wear helmets while biking in Tennessee.
- Neck injuries. A strike to the back wheel of a motorcycle is just as likely to cause whiplash as a rear-end accident in a car. In addition, bikers who are thrown backward in a crash can strike the back of their skulls, sustaining neck trauma even if they are wearing a regulation helmet. Even if the head is unaffected, a neck injury can cause damage to the spinal cord and result in total or partial paralysis.
- Road rash. When a biker has to swerve to avoid a crash or lay down the bike, he or she may suffer road rash,scraping one or more parts of the body along the pavement. Even at low speeds, road rash can cause severe abrasions that require skin grafting to prevent infections and nerve damage.
- Foot and leg fractures. The most common non-fatal motorcycle accident injuries involve trauma to the feet or legs of riders. Lower-extremity injuries are more common in motorcycle crashes due to the rider’s exposed legs and the tendency for the bike to fall on top of the biker. Typical injuries include broken leg and foot bones, twisted ankles, and torn knee ligaments. In severe cases, riders may suffer a laceration to the leg that requires amputation to stop the bleeding.
- Arm injuries. Motorcyclists are likely to be launched into the air in a crash, and bikers commonly put their arms in front of them to brace for a fall. The hard landing often causes broken arms, torn rotator cuffs, broken elbows, fractured fingers, and nerve damage along the upper extremities. Permanent nerve damage may occur in the arm as well as the upper body.
- Torso and pelvis trauma. Bikers who roll after striking the road can suffer dislocated hip joints and pelvic fractures, forcing them to undergo long recoveries where they must stay immobile. Fractured ribs can also be painful, and have the added risk of causing organ perforation or internal bleeding.
For a free legal consultation, call (615) 807 7900
Is There a Way I Can Prevent These Injuries?
If you are planning to get your first bike, it is vital that you know exactly how to handle the brakes and steering in all kinds of weather,and that you have plenty of hands-on experience before you take to the streets. In addition to taking a road skills test for your licensing, it is a good idea to take a riding safety course every few years to brush up on your skills. As well as a helmet, you should wear a strong leather or canvas jacket with elbow padding, eye protection, and long pants. Perhaps the most important thing is to practice safe riding: no drinking, no risky maneuvers, and limited riding after dark.
At the end of the day, you can’t control others’ actions. If you were riding as safely as possible and you were still struck by a driver, our Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team.
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