Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
In 2022, 6,222 motorcyclists lost their lives in the United States, accounting for 15% of motor vehicle crash fatalities. Since motorcyclists cannot be easily seen on the road, a motorcyclist is 29 times more likely to die in a crash compared to a motor vehicle driver.
Our South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney has helped motorcycle accident victims and their families recover just compensation and is ready to assist you. In this article, we discuss the dangers of riding a motorcycle and the common injuries motorcyclists face.
Factors Contributing to Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle is significantly more dangerous than driving a car due to the following factors:
- Motorcycles are less stable than passenger vehicles, particularly during emergency braking or swerving;
- Motorcycles ride low to the ground, making them less visible on the road;
- Motorcycles lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, making it more likely that a motorcyclist will be injured or killed in a crash.
Abrasions
Lacking the protection of an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists are more susceptible to abrasions. Commonly referred to as “road rash,” it occurs when a motorcyclist’s exposed skin skids against the open road. Road rash occurs when the top layer of skin is scraped away, creating a rash-like appearance. Abrasions can be severe, requiring medical attention.
Symptoms of an abrasion include slight bleeding, pain, and skin discoloration. If left untreated, abrasions can turn into life-threatening infections.
Lower Extremity Injuries
Given the instability and inadequate protection that is provided by a motorcycle, motorcyclists are more susceptible to lower extremity injuries. Leg injuries are the most common, with over one-third of lower limb fractures being attributed to the tibia (shin bone) or fibula (calf bone).
Head Injuries
A motorcycle crash can cause any number of head injuries. The most common type of head injury, known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), occurs in most motorcycle crashes when the rider chooses not to wear a helmet. A TBI is defined as any jolt, blow, or strike to the head which disrupts brain function. Since the skull is bony and brain tissue is delicate, any force on the head can rupture blood vessels within the brain.
Abdominal Injuries
Not all injuries can be seen, causing many motorcycle accident victims to not receive the necessary medical care. That is why if a motorcyclist receives direct force to the abdomen during a crash, it is crucial that he or she go to the emergency room.
Common abdominal injuries involve damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, and diaphragm. The most common symptoms of damage to internal organs include pain, although damage to the diaphragm can result in shortness of breath, coughing, and bowel sounds being heard in the chest.
Internal Bleeding
Damage to abdominal organs can result in internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is blood that pools within the abdominal cavity. Sadly, symptoms may only appear several hours or days following an accident.
Common symptoms of internal bleeding include:
- Shortness of breath
- Bruising
- Blood in urine
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
Injured While on a Ride? Contact Our South Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney
In a split second, a motorcycle ride can become life-threatening. If you or a family member have fallen victim to a motorcycle crash, our South Carolina motorcycle accident attorney is ready to recover the compensation you deserve. To learn more, contact us online or by calling (843) 676-0169.
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