In 2022 over 82,000 motorcyclists were injured in a motorcycle accident. Despite making up only 3% of registered drivers on the road, motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely to get injured or killed in an accident. While fatal accidents are unfortunately common for motorcyclists, non-fatal injuries are just as prevalent and leave thousands of riders requiring extensive medical treatment each year.
At LifeLaw Trial Lawyers, our attorneys have seen countless motorcyclists who have sustained serious injuries in motorcycle crashes. In this article, our Utah motorcycle attorneys will be diving into the 5 most common injuries from a motorcycle accident and the treatments that a rider may need to undergo.
1. Lower Extremity Injuries
One of the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident are injuries to the lower extremities (anywhere below the hip). While riding a motorcycle you are largely unprotected compared to any other vehicle. You are exposed and more vulnerable to a direct impact from another vehicle, the motorcycle itself if it falls on you, or the roadway surface.
Common Lower Extremity Injuries:
- Fractures of the tibia, fibula, femur, or ankle
- Ligament tears and dislocations
- Crush injuries requiring surgical repair
These sorts of injuries may necessitate prolonged hospitalization, multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and may result in permanent mobility restrictions or chronic pain. These conditions frequently lead to substantial medical expenses, loss of mobility, and the potential for a loss of your earning capacity.
2. Road Rash
Road rash occurs when a rider’s skin is dragged across a paved surface at high speeds. This results in the removal of several skin layers leading to potential serious injury. The severity of road rash ranges from a superficial scrape, to deep third degree abrasions that may expose the underlying muscle, tendons, or even bone.
The treatment for road rash may involve extensive wound cleaning, debridement (the removal of dead or damaged tissue), skin grafts, and ongoing care to help mitigate any infections or scarring. Recovery for this rash can be painful and prolonged, and can often contribute to significant non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
3. Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head injuries are the most severe injuries you can suffer from a motorcycle crash. They are the leading cause of fatalities, and even with a helmet you may not always be safe. A rider may sustain concussions, skull fractures, or even traumatic brain injuries. If you do not wear a helmet then you are at a substantially higher risk of these injuries as well as death.
A head injury can produce long term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. These injuries can result in symptoms such as memory loss, personality changes, loss of ability to think critically, and reduced employability. A head injury requires years of cognitive treatment and should be taken extremely seriously.
4. Upper Extremity Injuries
Your upper body is equally exposed while riding a motorcycle, but it is less likely to be pinched in between a vehicle like your lower body. This does not change the fact that injuries to your upper extremities (arms, chest, back) are very common in a motorcycle crash.
Common Upper Extremity Injuries:
- Fractures to the ulna, radius, or humerus
- Fractures to your hand or fingers
- Dislocation of an elbow or shoulder
- Tears to the rotator cuff
These injuries can be severe and be met with long term medical care. Shoulder and clavicle fractures are particularly frequent and they may require surgical intervention if they occur.
5. Spinal Cord and Thoracic Injuries
High impact collisions can fracture the vertebrae in your back or damage the spinal cord itself, which can cause a variety of problems including partial or complete paralysis. Thoracic trauma, including rib fractures, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or internal organ lacerations. These injuries occur fairly regularly in a motorcycle accident and may involve life threatening complications, if you have received any of these injuries seek treatment immediately.
The Importance of Protective Gear
If you are riding a motorcycle, protective gear is essential for your safety. As you are much more vulnerable to other vehicles and the road your protective gear can help safeguard you from severe injuries. While on a motorcycle make sure that you are wearing comprehensive protection equipment including: full face helmets, abrasion resistant jackets, gloves, pants, and boots. This gear can significantly reduce injury severity but it cannot eliminate the risk entirely.
(Image from the MSF)
While protection equipment can help to keep you safe, a motorcycle accident may still occur and you may still be injured. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash make sure that you seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. After an accident your body will release adrenaline endorphins which can mask injuries that you may have received. Seeking attention from a medical professional will help to reveal any injuries that you have received and will ensure that you get the medical attention you will need.
If you were in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else you do not have to suffer alone, reach out to the Utah motorcycle lawyers at LifeLaw Trial Lawyers today to get the help you deserve. Our team of the best motorcycle accident attorneys in Utah will work tirelessly to ensure that your case is taken care of and that you will get the compensation you deserve. We are experts in motorcycle accident law and are ready to help you through every step of your case. Give us a call today at 801-206-4002 for a free consultation and to discuss your options.