Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Driving a vehicle differs from riding a motorcycle. The benefits of riding a bike include locating one’s inner zen, fitness, enhanced health, increased maneuverability, and exposure to the elements. However, there are many dangers associated with riding a motorcycle, and the worst of all is fatal accidents. 

According to attorney Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents is on the rise as they see many such cases on a regular basis. The reasons for fatal motorcycle accidents include the lack of a metal cage for body protection and the inability of vehicle drivers to see motorcyclists on the road. Thus, every motorcyclist should be concerned about their safety. 

This article will outline the most typical motorcycle injuries and how to ensure your safety. By managing the factors within your control, you can minimize the possibility of a crash. 

The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) reports that motorcycle accidents often lead to lower leg fractures. Motorcyclists frequently get injured in the leg and foot areas, but a lower leg fracture is the most common. 

Many motorcyclists suffer fractures of the ankles, feet, and rashes. They also suffer arm, wrist, and hand fractures. 

Other motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Spinal injuries and fractures
• Muscle injuries to the back and neck
• Internal injuries like organ damage or bleeding within the body

The most critical injuries in a motorcycle accident are head injuries, often fatal and devastating. 

Safety Tips for Riding a Motorcycle

You must take safety precautions if you want to ride safely. Understandably, one may not eliminate the dangers inherent in motorcycle riding, but you should always be on the safe side to minimize the probability of severe injuries. 

The safety tips in this section are to propel you into being proactive. 

Always Wear a Helmet

In 2016, helmets prevented 1,859 motorcycle deaths in the United States. A helmet reduces the likelihood of death in a motorcycle accident by 40 percent. Also, cyclists who ride without a helmet are three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) if an accident occurs. 

Ensure you wear a well-fitted helmet to prevent head injuries during a ride. The size and shape of your helmet should match your head because if it does not fit well, it might fall off when you need it most. A helmet that is too big will bounce around in a crash, increasing the danger of a TBI. 

Ensure your helmet is NHTSA-endorsed and replace it every five years. 

Use Other Safety Gear

Always wear other protective gear in addition to your helmet to ensure a safe ride. Sturdy boots help prevent foot and ankle injuries. Also, wear protective jackets and pants to prevent road rash. 

The armor and extra padding in motorcycle pants, suits, and jackets minimize muscle damage. Do not ride in sandals and shorts because skidding across the road can rip your jeans apart within a twinkle of an eye and cause road rash.

Ensure Visibility

Cyclists are often disadvantaged in visibility due to their size. Ensure your motorcycle’s lights are in perfect condition to enhance your visibility. You may also carry some spare lights when embarking on a long trip. 

Utilize reflective material during a night ride to enhance your visibility to others. You become easy prey for careless drivers if you are invisible. 

Avoid Riding in Bad Weather

Motorcyclists easily skid out when driving in the rain. Your vision also becomes blurred under a downpour, and other drivers find it difficult to see you as well. 

Ride Defensively

The safest precaution you can take is driving carefully. Strictly adhere to traffic signs and laws, avoid distractions, and avoid other vehicles’ blind spots. Ride carefully because you are responsible for your safety. 

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and want to claim damages from the guilty party, you need an exceptional motorcycle accident attorney to help you prove your liability. You may not obtain fair compensation for lost income, property damage, pain, suffering, and medical bills without an experienced lawyer.

End Note

Riding a motorcycle gives a sense of freedom and thrill, but accidents are very common on such a vehicle. Understanding the causes and following safety protocols are excellent ways to minimize motorcycle accidents. At the same time, hiring an expert attorney is also essential, as they ensure you get the compensation that you deserve.