The Most Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
When it comes to riding a motorcycle, safety always needs to come first. While motorcycle safety gear is designed to protect every part of the body, some injuries are more likely than others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report detailing the most common injuries that someone might sustain in a motorcycle accident. Over an eight-year period, the CDC studied more than 1.2 million people who sought medical care following a motorcycle collision. The researchers went through the medical records of these individuals and divided the injuries by location on the body. The results will help everyone understand which body parts are most vulnerable to harm in a motorcycle accident.
The Most Common Injuries Involved the Lower Limbs
The medical scientists found that nearly a third of all non-fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents involved the legs and feet. Because the lower limbs dangle from the sides of a motorcycle, they are in an exposed position. A few examples of common injuries involving the legs and feet in motorcycle accidents include:
Broken Foot: It is not unusual for someone to get their feet pinned underneath the motorcycle in an accident. This can lead one or more broken bones in the foot, including the metatarsals, navicular, or talus. Sometimes, these injuries require surgical repair.
Femur Fracture: A femur fracture is one of the most serious lower limb injuries that someone might suffer in a motorcycle collision. Laying down a bike may pin the leg underneath, leading to a broken femur. Furthermore, if the rider is ejected, this can also lead to a femur fracture. Because this bone is large, individuals are prone to suffering other complications, including tendon ruptures and blood vessel damage.
Knee Injuries: If someone gets their leg twisted in a motorcycle accident, this can lead to knee trauma. Sometimes, knee injuries can lead to tears of the ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL. While many people who suffer these injuries will make a full recovery, the entire treatment process may take more than a year.
Head and Neck Injuries are Common in a Motorcycle Accident
According to the CDC’s report, head and neck trauma was the second most common type of injury suffered in a motorcycle accident. Nearly a quarter of all medical records reviewed in the study involved injuries to the head or neck. Some of the most common issues involving these body parts include:
Upper Cervical Ligament Sprain: Individuals involved in a motorcycle accident are prone to suffering an upper cervical ligament sprain. This is a sprain of the ligaments that connect the neck to the upper spinal cord. This can cause someone’s neck to feel tight, making it hard to move the head from side to side.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a particularly severe head injury. Some TBI examples include concussions, brain bleeds, and cerebral contusions. Many TBIs can be prevented by wearing a helmet. Unlike other parts of the body, brain cells typically do not regenerate once damaged. Therefore, head injuries should always be treated as medical emergencies.
Facial Injuries: Facial injuries are often overlooked; however, gravel, metal, and shrapnel from the accident can penetrate the facemask of a helmet, leading to serious injuries. Sometimes, this debris can penetrate the eyes, leading to vision loss. Furthermore, simple facial lacerations may get infected, leading to further complications.
Upper Trunk Injuries
Upper trunk injuries involving the chest, shoulder, and back are also common in motorcycle accidents. A few examples of upper trunk injuries include:
Brachial Plexus Injuries: In a motorcycle accident, it is possible for someone to get their arm pinned underneath the vehicle. This can lead to a tear of the nerves that run through the armpit area, called the brachial plexus. This type of nerve damage may cause someone to lose important motor and sensory functions in their arm.
Road Rash: Road rash is another common injury involving the upper trunk. As someone slides along the pavement, this may cause large segments of skin to slough off. This injury may resemble a serious burn. Because the skin is missing from the upper body, road rash can lead to serious infections. With the proper safety gear, the risk of road rash can be minimized.
Watch YouTube Video: What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents? | Motorcycle Crash Causes. The following video discusses the number one cause of motorcycle accidents.
Seeking Assistance from a Trained Motorcycle Accident Attorney
When someone is involved in a motorcycle accident, there is a high likelihood that injuries will be involved. Some traumatic injuries have the potential to lead to long-term complications. This can leave families wondering how they are going to manage the medical, logistical, and financial issues that might arise. In this situation, families need to rely on the expertise of a motorcycle accident attorney. A trained lawyer has been through this situation with countless other individuals and families. He or she can help someone interpret legal jargon, negotiate with insurance companies, and file for appropriate compensation. Nobody has to face this situation alone. Trust the experience of a trained motorcycle accident lawyer in Sacramento.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney. The most common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents may take a long time to heal. If someone you know has been involved in a serious motorcycle collision due to the negligence of another person or entity, you should call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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Citation of Images: The picture used at the beginning of this article was located first on Pixabay.com. The photograph has been shown at this location with the guidance of the Creative Commons License.
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