Common Injuries Associated with Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents, although not more common than car accidents, are far more life-threatening for riders. Motorcycles themselves are inherently more dangerous to operate because they are not surrounded by several tons of steel to offer the driver and passengers protection during an accident. In 2017, more than 5,000 motorcycle riders suffered fatal injuries, and 89,000 individuals were significantly injured as a result of a road collision.
As Philadelphia’s top personal injury attorneys, Rizio, Hamilton & Kane, P.C. would like to warn motorcycle drivers of common injuries that can be sustained during motorcycle accidents. Although collision trauma may not seem serious at first, these injuries can develop and quickly become life-threatening. We urge all motorcyclists involved in a vehicle crash to seek professional and medical help immediately afterward.
- Road Rash: Oftentimes, motorcyclists who are involved in road accidents are thrown off of their vehicles because motorcycles have no protective housing for riders. As victims slide on the abrasive asphalt, they can suffer skin abrasions that range from mild to serious.
- Broken Bones: When motorcyclists are hurled off of their vehicles with excessive speed and force, the impact of hitting the ground usually causes them to sustain some type of bone fracture or damage. This injury most commonly affects the legs, but can also cause damage to the wrists, arms, and hips.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A motorcyclist who suffers from a spinal cord injury due to a motorcycle accident is often faced with paralysis as a result. These injuries are some of the most expensive to diagnose and stabilize.
- Head and Neck Injuries: The most common injuries occurring from motorcycle accidents are head and neck injuries, which can range from moderate to severe. Severe brain injuries, such as cracked skulls and traumatic brain injuries, are the leading causes of fatalities in motorcycle accidents. To decrease the chances of sustaining such trauma, motorcyclists are encouraged to use proper helmets and head protection while riding. Similarly, neck injuries can also be extremely dangerous, as severe trauma can lead to paralysis.
If you’re a motorcyclist frequenting the roadways, we urge you to be careful and use appropriate protective gear to avoid serious trauma. In the case of an unfortunate road collision, seek medical help immediately. Then contact a Rizio, Hamilton & Kane, P.C. attorney to help represent you. Our auto accident and wrongful death lawyers in Philadelphia have years of experience obtaining justice for our clients. Call us today at 855-U-CAN-SUE.
