What Are the Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities.

Below, we discuss some of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries and how to pursue compensation if the accident was not your fault.

Our motorcycle crash attorneys in Sacramento are prepared to help you file a claim to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. We do not charge you anything up front and the consultation is free.

Burns

Motorcycle accidents can expose riders to a fiery hazard that poses a significant risk of severe burns.

Unlike other types of vehicles, motorcycles have exposed parts, including the engine and exhaust system, which generate intense heat while in use. In the event of a collision, these hot engine components can come into contact with the rider’s skin or ignite flammable liquids, resulting in injuries.

The severity of burns sustained in motorcycle accidents can vary depending on the duration of exposure, the temperature of the heat source and the affected body part. Motorcyclists involved in accidents may experience first-degree, second-degree or even third-degree burns.

First-degree burns are relatively mild, affecting only the outer layer of the skin. A first-degree burn usually only causes redness, pain and minor swelling. Second-degree burns are more severe, involving the outer layer of the skin and the underlying dermis. These burns typically result in blistering, intense pain and swelling.

Third-degree burns are the most severe and extend through all layers of the skin, potentially reaching the underlying tissues, muscles and bones. In such cases, the burn area may appear charred or white, with the affected person experiencing significant pain or even a lack of sensation due to nerve damage.

Road Rash

Road rash is a common and painful motorcycle accident injury. Road rash occurs as a result of friction between a rider’s skin and the surface of the road. When a motorcyclist is thrown from his or her bike, he or she may slide across the pavement, resulting in the scraping of skin layers.

The immediate contact with the road surface can cause intense pain, and the friction can remove not only the outer layer of skin but also the underlying layers. As a result, road rash injuries often involve exposed nerves, blood vessels and muscles. The severity of the injury depends on the speed at which the accident occurred, the type of protective gear worn and the area of the body affected.

Road rash injuries can result in significant scarring due to the damage inflicted on the skin and underlying tissue. Additionally, road rash injuries can lead to complications, as the open wounds are susceptible to infections, which can delay the healing process or lead to more severe medical issues.

Bone Fractures

The force generated in a motorcycle accident can be significant, especially in high-speed collisions or when the impact involves a larger vehicle. When a motorcyclist is thrown from his or her bike or collides with another object, the sudden and forceful stop can exert excessive pressure on the bones, resulting in fractures.

These fractures can range from minor hairline fractures to more severe breaks. Some common fractures resulting from a motorcycle crash include the following:

• Stable fracture – The broken bone is barely out of place.
• Compound fracture – The skin may be pierced by the broken bone.
• Transverse fracture – There is a horizontal fracture line on the bone.
• Oblique fracture – There is an angled pattern on the fractured bone.
• Comminuted fracture – The bone shatters into three or more pieces.

The impact of bone fractures on a motorcyclist’s daily life can be significant. Recovery may involve time away from work, limited mobility and dependence on assistive devices such as crutches or wheelchairs. Additionally, the emotional toll of dealing with pain, restricted activities and potential financial burdens can be challenging for both the individual and his or her loved ones.

Abdominal Injuries

The abdomen houses vital organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys and intestines.

The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause direct compression, rapid deceleration or blunt force to the abdomen. This can cause the organs to rupture, tear or bruise. Injuries to these vital organs can result in internal bleeding, which may be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.

Additionally, sharp objects, such as broken bones or fragments from the motorcycle, can penetrate the abdominal organs during the crash. Organ perforation can result in severe internal injuries, leading to peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal cavity) or sepsis (a life-threatening infection).

Spinal Cord Injuries

Motorcycle accidents have the potential to cause devastating spinal cord injuries, which can have profound and life-altering consequences for the individuals involved.

The spinal cord, a vital part of the central nervous system, carries sensory and motor signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can result in long-term disability and significant impairments in various bodily functions.

The specific effects of a spinal cord injury depend on the level and severity. The higher the injury occurs on the spinal cord, the more extensive the impact on bodily functions. Spinal cord injuries are often categorized as cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back) or sacral (lower spine) injuries.

Long-term care and ongoing medical management are often necessary for individuals with spinal cord injuries. This can involve regular follow-up appointments, medications, specialized medical equipment and assistance with daily activities.

The loss of mobility, sensation and independence can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.

Injuries to Extremities

Motorcyclists are at a heightened risk of sustaining injuries to their extremities, which include the arms, legs, hands and feet. The lack of protection for the limbs makes them vulnerable to direct impact, crushing injuries and entanglement with the motorcycle itself.

In addition to fractured limbs, motorcycle accident victims may experience dislocations, amputations, severe cuts and lacerations.

Head and Neck Injuries

The head is particularly vulnerable to injury during a motorcycle accident, as it can collide with the ground, other vehicles or stationary objects.

Motorcyclists may experience a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Brain injuries can range from concussions to more severe forms such as contusions, hemorrhages or diffuse axonal injuries. These injuries can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including memory loss, cognitive impairments, personality changes and physical disabilities. Some TBIs may result in permanent disability or require ongoing medical management and rehabilitation.

The neck is also vulnerable to serious injury in a motorcycle accident. This is because the forceful impact and sudden deceleration of the motorcycle in an accident can cause significant strain on the neck.

We Are Ready to Help. Call Us Today

If you suffered any of these injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation.

Call our knowledgeable attorneys today to discuss your claim. There are no upfront fees and the consultation is free.

Schedule a free legal consultation today. Call 916-777-7777.