Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries: What You Should Know

Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die and 4 times more likely to be injured in a traffic accident than a passenger in an enclosed vehicle. Here are some of the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents and what to do if you are in one.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents range from mild to severe and may require significant medical treatment and time to heal. 

Road Rash

Road rash is one of the most common motorcycle injuries. Motorcycle riders are often thrown from their bikes during an accident. If a rider skids across the road, it can tear their skin and lead to moderate to severe road rash.

Road rash might seem like a superficial injury, but you must seek medical treatment so the wounds can be thoroughly cleaned and dressed to prevent a potentially serious infection. In some cases, road rash can lead to persistent rashes and skin irritation or even permanent nerve damage in the affected area.

Head Injuries

Head and face injuries can be some of the most severe motorcycle injuries. Head and facial trauma can occur even if the rider is wearing a proper helmet and face shield, although protective gear greatly reduces the risk of serious injury.

Concussions are some of the most common motorcycle head injuries and even mild concussions require prompt medical treatment to rule out anything more serious, like a traumatic brain injury.

Biker's Arm and Leg Injuries

Arm injuries from a motorcycle accident are so common they're often referred to as "biker's arm."

Bikers who are in a collision or other accident instinctively put their arms out to catch themselves. If they're thrown from the bike, there's a good chance their forearms will hit the ground first while they brace themselves. This often results in bone fractures, sprains, and serious lacerations that require ongoing medical treatment to heal.

Leg injuries are also common, especially in accidents where the rider stays on an out-of-control bike. Legs and feet can scrape along the ground on a sliding bike, while broken leg bones and serious muscle injuries can occur if the rider's lower body gets trapped under the bike.

Mental/Emotional Trauma

Physical injuries aren't the only risks in an accident. Many motorcycle crash victims experience mental health issues as a result of the trauma of the accident. Some bikers even struggle with PTSD following an accident. Mental and emotional health issues due to accidents can require medications and months or even years of expensive treatment.

What to Do After an Accident

If you've been in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you must do is get yourself out of harm's way. Move your bike out of the way of traffic if possible, but don't put yourself in harm's way to get your motorcycle.

Once you're out of immediate danger, you should call the police to file a report. A police report will make it easier for you to prove what happened in the accident if you need to go to court later. Get contact information and insurance information from everyone involved in the accident, even if you don't think they're at fault. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident.

Don’t forget to document the scene of the accident with video and photos if possible. Include pictures of any visible injuries you sustained, as well as damage to your motorcycle or other property.

If you have any injuries, even mild ones, it's best to see a doctor soon after the crash. Some injuries might not manifest until later and having medical documentation that starts right after the accident can be helpful if you pursue a personal injury case.

When to Seek Legal Advice

Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries that require significant medical care. In addition to the expenses associated with your medical treatment, you might need to take time off from work, resulting in lost wages.

Seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney before you agree to anything with the insurance company if you've been in a motorcycle accident and you've sustained anything more than mild injuries, such as light bruising.

Higinbotham & Higinbotham, PLLC offers free case evaluations to motorcycle accident victims in West Virginia. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.