Motorcycles are far more dangerous than other vehicles, even when a rider follows all safety precautions and rules of the road. The lack of protection leaves riders and passengers susceptible to serious injury and death, even in minor accidents.
Here are some of the most common motorcycle injuries:
- Head and neck injuries: Even if you’re wearing a helmet, you can still sustain head and neck injuries. Depending on the severity, motorcyclists can suffer traumatic brain injuries, facial disfigurement, paralysis and more.
- Chest and abdominal trauma: When riders hit their handlebars or are thrown from their bike, they may suffer chest and abdominal injuries. This can lead to fractures, collapsed lungs, internal bleeding, organ damage and related injuries.
- Pelvic injuries: A broken pelvis can severely limit mobility. They often require surgery and physical rehabilitation.
- Broken bones: Broken bones are very common in motorcycle accidents. Riders are prone to broken legs, arms, hands, wrists and elbows. Forearms and femurs are particularly susceptible to this type of injury.
- Lacerations: Riders may receive lacerations, often due to broken glass or metal. This can leave behind permanent scars, nerve damage and tissue damage.
- Burns: When a rider’s gas tank spills during an accident, they may suffer severe burns. Depending on the severity, this can result in permanent nerve damage and require skin grafts.
- Road rash: Finally, road rash is an extremely common injury. This occurs when a rider’s skin is scraped along the pavement. It ranges from minor to severe, and can cause infections or nerve damage. Wearing protective clothing is the best way to avoid road rash.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, help is available. Contact an experienced Sarasota, FL accident attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh today.