Most Common Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
The consequences of a motorcycle crash can be devastating for the rider(s) and others on the road as well. The injuries resulting from the crashes can come in various forms – everything from small scratches and bruises to life-changing, catastrophic injuries.
Some of the most common injuries include:
“Biker’s arm”
The injury referred to as “biker’s arm” affects many motorcyclists involved in roadway crashes. This injury occurs when the rider attempts to himself or herself from hitting the ground during a crash. It is a natural, instinctive reaction riders exhibit in order to protect their bodies. But it can result in extensive nerve damage.
“Road rash”
This term describes the injuries to the skin resulting from abrasion when the skin is dragged along street surfaces. It is a very painful injury that often requires immediate medical treatment to facilitate healing and prevent infection. The injury can, in the worst cases, cause permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Broken and fractured bones
Bikers often suffer broken bones or serious fractures in crashes. The extent and serious of these injures can vary, including broken arms and legs, fractured hips, broken ribs, and more. These injuries always require immediate medical care.
Damage to internal organs
Some injuries sustain my motorcyclists are not so obvious. Internal organ damage is a real possibility when the body of a biker hits other objects or the ground at excessive speeds. Internal bleeding can result from these injuries and in some cases the damage done can be fatal.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Motorcyclists are always at risk for suffering traumatic brain injury in a crash due. Motorcycle helmets do reduce the risk of these injuries, but do not prevent the risk altogether. The effects of a TBI may not manifest for 2 to 3 days in some cases. If such an injury is even suspected because head impact or jarring of the head occurred, the victim should seek a medical examination as soon as possible.
Spinal cord and neck injuries
Any type of spinal cord or neck injury must be taken seriously by a crash victim. These injuries are sometime catastrophic in nature. It does not take a large amount of damage to the spinal cord to result in partial paralysis.
Injuries resulting from motorcycle crash can be quite expensive, debilitating, and difficult to treat. They can change the lives of victims for years to come. Due to the devastating nature of these injuries, it is important for victims and their families to understand the legal options available for pursuing financial compensation. An experience motorcycle injury attorney can explain these options.
Motorcycle crashes are often the result of traffic situations such as unexpected stops, speeding, and left-hand turns. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, it is important to know your rights and exercise those rights to obtain justice from the responsible party. At Cunningham & Mears, we are your strong advocates in Oklahoma City, ready to help you obtain the financial recovery you are owed. To arrange a free consultation, call us today at 405.232.1212 or leave us a message through our contact form.
Ryan Y. Cunningham is a founding partner of Cunningham & Mears. Mr. Cunningham devotes his practice to protecting the rights of injured Oklahoma residents. In addition to assisting injured clients, Mr. Cunningham endeavors to improve personal injury representation by speaking on issues related to personal injury law to attorneys in continuing legal education courses and to law students. Learn More