Motorcyclists are at much greater risk of injury than drivers of other vehicles due to how exposed they are to the elements, and due to having only two wheels on the ground rather than four, creating a less stable ride.
Here are some of the most common motorcycle injuries that could be the subject of personal injury claims after an accident.
- Road rash: This is the injury most people think of first with motorcycles. It occurs when a rider has to put their bike down, and they slide across the pavement. This isn’t just a scrape—this is significant damage to the skin that can cause layers of skin to be essentially flayed away, resulting in potentially exposed muscles or tendons, or even burns due to the friction. The risk of road rash is why it’s necessary for bikers to wear protective gear, including protective jackets, boots, pants and gloves.
- Head and neck injuries: Motorcyclists are at risk of various head and neck injuries such as concussions and skull fractures. While a helmet will drastically reduce the risk of severe or fatal injury, it’s still possible to experience significant head injuries while wearing one.
- Injuries to arms and legs: It’s common to suffer injuries to the extremities during motorcycle accidents that can include fractions, sprains and tears. Biker’s Arm is another common condition, which occurs when a motorcyclist is flown off the bike. Because the natural instinct is to brace oneself for the fall, the arms will take on the brunt of the impact, which can cause some major nerve damage.
To learn more about some of the most common injuries that result from motorcycle accidents and how you can hold negligent drivers accountable, contact a skilled Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.