Attorney
Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries. Some of these injuries are more common than others. Injury patterns tend to depend on the age of the motorcyclist.
If you got injured in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, a Virginia personal injury attorney could help you seek compensation from the negligent party. Let’s answer the question, what are the most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents?
Overview of How Types of Injuries Vary by Age
A study published by the National Library of Medicine revealed that older motorcycle riders tend to have far more multiple rib fractures than younger drivers. Older motorcyclists have far more head and thoracic injuries than younger riders, possibly related to the fact that older riders have a greater likelihood of riding larger motorcycles than younger motorcyclists.
Most Serious Injuries by Anatomic Region of the Body for Motorcyclists
In general, injuries to the legs and pelvis are the most common severe wounds associated with motorcycle accidents. The next most common severe motorcycle injuries were head trauma, followed by injuries to the thorax or rib cage area. Upper extremity injuries including the arms and shoulders are next in line, then the abdomen, spine, and face.
Less Severe Common Wounds Suffered in Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists frequently suffer injuries that might not be as debilitating as some of the more serious wounds, but are uncomfortable nonetheless. For example, lacerations, significant bruising, and abrasions are common in these collisions.
Even if minor, these injuries can lead to serious complications. A person could lose a significant amount of blood from lacerations. Blood clots can develop from contusions or bruises. Abrasions, also known as road rash, can remove large portions of the skin surface area causing disfigurement, pain, and the need for skin grafts.
Specific Types of Motorcycle Injuries
Leg and pelvic injuries tend to include fractured bones. These injuries can rob a person of their ability to walk. Also, lower extremity amputations are much more likely for motorcyclists than for passengers inside a car.
Neck and spine injuries can run the gamut from whiplash to broken vertebrae, spinal cord damage, and partial or complete paralysis. Head injuries can include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. When the chest or abdomen gets wounded, the motorcyclist can experience broken ribs, damage to internal organs, and internal bleeding.
Motorcycle Crash Injuries
During a collision, the person on a motorcycle is at far greater risk of severe injury or fatality than a person inside a car or truck because the motorcyclist, unlike the passenger in the car or truck, does not have the protection of the metal structure of the vehicle surrounding them. When a motorcycle and a car collide, the car usually takes most of the damage instead of the passenger.
Unfortunately, the rider of the motorcycle has no such physical barrier of protection. Also, the motorcyclist often sustains a second injury when they fly through the air because of the collision and land on the street. That second impact can have lethal consequences. If you or a loved one got hurt in a motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, a Virginia personal injury attorney can help you hold the negligent party accountable for your injuries and other losses. If your close relative died because of a motorcycle crash, we might be able to seek additional compensation for the family. You can contact us today for a free consultation.