Common Injuries Experienced in Motorcycle Accidents

motorcycle accidents

Most motorcycle accidents occur because of the disparity between motorcycles and motor vehicles. Motorcycles do not possess the stability nor the higher visibility of motor vehicles, and yet most possess higher performance capabilities. Motorcycle riders lack the protection an enclosed vehicle provides, so the likelihood or serious or fatal injury is significant. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that for every mile traveled in 2014, motorcyclists suffered 27 times the number of deaths than those that occurred in enclosed motor vehicles.

Protect Yourself From Injury

Serious head injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, both fatal and non-fatal. Therefore, using a helmet while riding is vital. The NHTSA affirms that helmet use is approximately 37% effective in preventing motorcycle fatalities and about 67% effective in preventing serious brain injuries. However, only 19 states and the District of Columbia have laws that require helmet usage by all motorcycle riders.

In view of the evidence, protecting every part of your body is the smart play. Denim pants or riding chaps, sturdy boots, leather outer wear and gloves should all be part of your riding repertoire. And, of course, a helmet.

Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, consisting of 1,222,000 victims who were treated in trauma centers for non-fatal motorcycle injuries between 2001 and 2008, 30% of these injuries occurred on the lower extremities. Head and neck injuries made up the next largest amount of the total, coming in at 22%. Some of the most common injuries suffered in non-fatal motorcycle injuries are:

Lower Body Injuries

  • Broken or shattered bones
  • Broken or dislocated joints
  • Lacerations or punctures
  • Burns
  • Scrapes (“Road rash”)

Upper Body Injuries

  • Fractured arms, wrists, or other bones
  • Loss of limb
  • Dislocated joints

Head and Spinal Injuries

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Broken or fractured neck
  • Facial scarring
  • Loss of vision
  • Loss of motor skills

If you have suffered a motorcycle accident in McAlester, Tulsa or eastern Oklahoma, let the experienced personal injury attorneys of Edwards and Patterson Law help you pick up the pieces. An important consideration when seeking motorcycle accident compensation is to determine who was at fault. This may include other drivers, motorcycle riders or any number of different parties. A motorcycle accident attorney will investigate your accident and resulting personal injuries, and help you explore your legal options. Contact us today online or by phone at 877-403-8417 for a free consultation.

“We care. We fight. We win!” That’s more than just a slogan at Edwards & Patterson Law. Those simple words sum up our law firm’s mission and everything we do for our accident and personal injury clients.

“We care. We fight. We win!” That’s more than just a slogan at Edwards & Patterson Law. Those simple words sum up our law firm’s mission and everything we do for our accident and personal injury clients.