Common Injuries Sustained By Bikers In Motorcycle Crashes

Per each mile traveled, a motorcyclist's risk of being involved in a fatal accident is a staggering 35 times higher than individuals in a passenger vehicle, according to international motorcycle awareness group, Dying to Ride.

Motorcyclists who are fortunate enough to survive a motor vehicle accident often suffer from injuries that can be serious, extensive, debilitating, disfiguring, or permanently disabling. Many of the injuries associated with motorcycle accidents require lengthy and expensive medical treatment and rehabilitation that can result in an unexpected—and often unmanageable—amount of medical debt. Motorcyclists who were injured in an accident that was caused by another motorist's negligent driving may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries.

The Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Biker's Arm

Biker's arm is a common motorcycle crash injury caused by severe impact to the arms that occurs when a motorcyclist instinctively extends them—or wraps them around their body—to protect themselves and help break their fall when an accident throws them from their bike.

Unfortunately, instead of providing protection, the force exerted when a rider lands on his arms can cause permanent nerve damage in the arms and upper body. The potential severity of the injury increases if the motorcyclist failed to wear protective gear such as a sturdy motorcycle jacket and elbow pads.

Broken Bones

Two major factors make a motorcyclist particularly vulnerable: a biker lacks the protective exoskeleton of a passenger vehicle; and the amount of force his body experiences in an accident. It's no surprise that fractured and broken bones are some of the most prevalent injuries associated with motorcycle crashes. Leg fractures are particularly common among motorcycle accident victims, as are fractured feet, knees, ankles, wrists, arms, ribs, and back.

After a motorcycle accident, fractures and breaks may also be found in the collarbone, skull, spine, pelvis, hips, hands, fingers, and toes. Depending on the location of the fracture, the broken bone may be set and put into a cast, which can make working and other day-to-day activities difficult. Additionally, broken bones may take some time to heal and require extensive physical therapy.

Chest and Shoulder Injuries

Chest and shoulder injuries are also commonly reported by motorcycle accident victims. Blunt force trauma to the chest can cause internal injuries, including a torn aorta or lung contusions (bruising), punctures, and collapse. Complications that can stem from these injuries, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure, can be equally deadly.

Symptoms of serious chest injuries include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest and upper back pain
• Trouble swallowing and speaking

Shoulder injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include dislocations, bruises, sprains, and torn rotator cuffs.

Amputations

When limbs are seriously and irreparably damaged in a motorcycle accident, amputation may be necessary. In addition to having to learn to live with the loss of a limb, motorcycle accident amputees require life-long physical therapy and rehabilitation, and must also grapple with challenges and complications, such as:

• Phantom limb pain
• Infection
• Tissue death
• Blood clots
• Hematomas
• Tissue death
• Joint deformity

Open Wounds

Motorcycle accident victims may also suffer from open wounds caused by being dragged along the pavement—also known as “road rash”; penetration of the skin by sharp debris; or a protruding broken bone. These open wounds may bleed profusely and, if left untreated or treated improperly, can lead to dangerous complications, such as:

• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Infection

Were You Injured in an Accident?

If you or someone you love was injured in a serious motorcycle accident, you may be struggling with the fact that life may never be quite the same. Don't shoulder the financial burden for your injuries all by yourself. If the crash was caused by another driver's reckless and careless behavior on the road, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.

Contact McGartland Law Firm today. Our firm handles personal injury cases from all across the country and we bring 30 years of injury law experience to the table. Call us at 1-866-832-9300 or complete our online contact form to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation initial case consultation.