Lower Extremity Injury Tops the List for Motorcycle Accidents

Any accident involving a motorcycle is likely to produce severe injuries due to the lack of protection surrounding the operator. While ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time) is a war cry for experienced motorcycle enthusiasts, promoting the wear of head-to-toe protective equipment, most riders only wear the most basic gear, a helmet. While helmets are required by law in most states, they do not protect the most injured portion of a motorcycle rider’s body.

According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health of people treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal, motorcycle-related injuries between 2001 and 2006, 30% suffered a lower extremity injury for which they were unprotected. This was the largest percentage of injuries incurred in this study.

What is a Lower Extremity Injury?

In another study conducted by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lower extremity injuries are the most common injury sustained by motorcycle riders in accidents. Such injuries often lead to extended and costly medical treatment and permanent disability. These injuries are inflicted on the hips, pelvic region, thighs, knees, lower legs, ankles and feet. Of these lower extremity injuries, leg injuries are the most frequent. Pelvic and knee injuries are second and third most common. Long-bone fractures of the tibia, fibula and femur were the most common lower extremity injury.

These types of injuries require months of treatment and therapy to restore function, costing millions of dollars in medical expenses. Moreover, when full function or use cannot be fully restored, victims and their families are faced with both financial and emotional upheaval. Learning to live with a disabling lower extremity injury causes significant anxiety and expense.

How Can I Protect Myself from Lower Extremity Injury?

Every motorcycle rider should take every protective measure available for themselves and passengers. Defensive, careful riding is not enough. Only ride when weather and road conditions are ideal. At the least, always wear canvas or denim pants and sturdy boots when riding a motorcycle. Additionally, protective riding pants and leg guards are advisable. If you plan to ride a motorcycle, invest in quality protective riding gear.

Each time you mount a motorcycle, you’re taking a risk. Protecting yourself reduces those risks and increases your chances of avoiding injury. While a lower extremity injury is rarely fatal, they do lead to many months or years of difficulty and pain; some are disabling for a lifetime.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and sustained a lower extremity injury in Tulsa, McAlester or anywhere in Eastern Oklahoma, contact our Oklahoma motorcycle accident law firm, Edwards & Patterson Law. Call us today at 877-403-8417 or contact us online for a consultation.