Motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured in motorcycle accidents than people in a car. Even more shocking, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a fatal motorcycle crash.
Wells Call Injury Lawyers are trained and experienced personal injury attorneys. Contact us today if a motorcycle accident injured you or a loved one. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Are Common Motorcycle Injuries?
The three most common motorcycle accident injuries are head trauma, lower extremity injuries, and road rash.
1. Motorcycle Head Trauma
Head trauma is the most severe injury a motorcyclist can suffer. Moreover, head trauma is the leading cause of death among motorcyclists. And even if head trauma is not fatal, victims may suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs may include:
- Skull and facial fractures,
- Concussions,
- Brain contusions, and
- Hemorrhages.
TBIs are critical injuries that can lead to a lifelong disability and expensive treatment and rehabilitation.
However, you may be able to avoid a TBI by wearing a helmet. In fact, California law requires motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Proper use of a helmet can reduce the risk of death by 29%. Moreover, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a serious head injury by 67%.
2. Lower Extremity Injuries
Lower extremities are the most common non-lethal motorcycle accident injuries. Lower extremity injuries can include injuries to the:
- Leg,
- Pelvis,
- Knee,
- Thigh,
- Ankle,
- Foot, and
- Hip.
Out of these, Motorcycle leg injuries are the most common.
Leg injuries include:
- Fractures,
- Tissue injuries, and
- Broken bones.
These injuries are less lethal than head injuries. However, a lower extremity injury can cause a lifelong disability. As with TBIs, you can prevent lower extremity injuries by wearing proper attire and reducing speed.
3. Road Rash
Skin abrasions are common motorcycle injuries. They are generally known as road rash. Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist falls off their bike and skids across a rough surface. The degree of road rash depends on the wound’s depth and the treatment required.
First-Degree Road Rash
First-degree road rash is a minor abrasion (scrap or gaze). Treatment involves keeping the wound site clean and free from dirt.
Second-Degree Road Rash
Second-degree road rash are deeper abrasions that cause bleeding. You can treat these wounds at home by keeping the area clean and applying a medicated ointment.
Third-Degree Road Rash
Third-degree road rash are deep abrasions that cause significant bleeding. Medical care is required to treat third-degree road rash. These wounds are also painful because the skin tares are deep and expose the nerve endings. Without proper medical treatment, a third-degree road rash wound may become infected.
How Can You Prevent Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Some accidents are preventable by reducing speed, wearing a helmet, and wearing appropriate gear that can prevent or mitigate injuries and death.
However, not all accidents are preventable. Moreover, many accidents result in painful injuries and death.
Consult a personal injury lawyer if you or a family member is involved in a motorcycle accident.
Wells Call Injury Lawyers has recovered over half a billion dollars for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.