What Is the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injury?

If you own a motorcycle, you know that it’s not just for cruising. It can be both an excellent way to quickly get from point A to point B and a fun hobby. After all, who doesn’t like being able to zoom around at breakneck speeds?

As with any type of vehicle, however, owning a motorcycle comes with risks. In fact, motorcycle riders are exposed to a slew of hazards while riding, perhaps the most of all motorists.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcyclists are six times more likely than passenger car occupants to be injured in a crash. Motorcyclist fatalities

The majority of these crashes occur on public roads where car drivers frequently drive fast, fail to yield at intersections or crosswalks, and fail to check for motorcycle riders using side-view mirrors before making turns.

So, what is the most common injury sustained by motorcyclists? Let’s take a deeper look into this topic and see if we can come up with some solutions to prevent fatal crashes from happening again and again.

The Most Serious and Commonly Reported Injuries Sustained By Motorcyclists

Head and Neck Injuries

Head and neck trauma from motorcycle crashes accounts for the greatest percentage of motorcycle fatalities and injuries. They are typically caused by direct impact from the vehicle, falling off the bike, or even debris from other vehicles on the road.

These types of trauma can cause long-term brain damage, spinal cord damage, nerve damage, and even death.

Broken Bones

Broken bones can be caused by various factors, including a direct impact on the ground or other objects, sliding across the pavement after an accident, and even being thrown from a motorcycle at high speeds.

The most commonly broken bones in motorcycle accidents are in the arms, legs, and feet, but any bone in the body is vulnerable during a crash. These injuries can cause severe pain and long-term disabilities and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Road Rash

Many motorcycle accidents result in severe road rashes. A road rash occurs when the skin comes into contact with rough surfaces like gravel, asphalt, or concrete at high speeds and results in skin abrasions and open wounds.

Depending on the severity of the wound, it could take weeks or months to heal, and scarring is also possible. Additionally, certain infections could develop due to contaminated surfaces, posing further health risks.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Severe spinal cord injuries are often the most serious outcome of a motorcycle accident. A rider might suffer permanent disability and paralysis if the spine is damaged. Even mild spinal cord injuries can have lifelong effects, so it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately following an accident.

Other less serious injuries related to a motorcycle accident include whiplash, concussions, contusions, lacerations, and internal organ damage.

Facial Fractures and Disfigurement

Facial fractures involve complex breaks to the skull, cheekbones, jawbone, eye socket, and nasal cavity. While facial reconstructive surgery can repair some of these breaks, disfigurement may still be involved depending on the extent of the break.

It is also not uncommon for those involved in a motorcycle accident to experience PTSD symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, insomnia, depression, and emotional outbursts.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBIs can range from mild to severe and cause physical, cognitive, and emotional problems. People suffering from TBIs can experience headaches, confusion, memory loss, personality changes, and vision or hearing problems. With the injuries’ complexity and potential long-term implications, it’s imperative to seek medical attention and legal assistance after a motorcycle accident.

What Should You Do If You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Crash Chicago?

It’s important for every motorcycle rider to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash.

After that, it is equally important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

When filing a claim for compensation, you should include all of your medical bills and other related expenses, such as lost wages. You should also gather any reports that would help paint a clear picture of the accident scene. So, if there were any witnesses to the accident or police records, you should also bring those forward.

Why Should You Seek the Help of a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Motorcycle accident victims are encouraged to seek legal assistance after being injured in a crash. The benefits of hiring a lawyer include the following:

Legal Advice

Navigating through the legal system can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with the pain of a serious injury. Working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer means having someone at your side to answer your questions and explain the details of your case. From explaining potential settlement options to walking you through each step, your lawyer will ensure that your best interests remain their top priority.

Experience

When it comes to fighting for your rights and getting what you deserve, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help. An experienced attorney will know the law, understand your case, and provide sound advice on how to proceed.

Additionally, they will be familiar with how motorcycle insurance companies work and can ensure you get proper compensation for your injuries and lost wages.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is an important factor to consider when filing a claim following a motorcycle collision. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit or make an insurance claim, you could forfeit the opportunity to receive compensation. A knowledgeable Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer will know when your deadline is approaching and be able to file everything within the statute of limitations so that you can still receive your rightful amount of compensation.

Contact Michael J. Brennan for Sound Legal Counsel after a Motorcycle Crash

If you or a loved one sustain injuries from a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, speaking with experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer, Michael J. Brennan can make a big difference in the outcome.

We will review the details of your case, provide legal guidance, and work to ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve.