Motorcycle riders are at a great disadvantage for injuries when they are involved in a motor vehicle accident with a car or truck because a motorcycle isn’t enclosed. Riders are also far more likely to be struck by a car or truck than to hit another vehicle themselves because motorcycles are smaller and harder for other drivers to see. Inexperienced riders are particularly at increased risk for collisions with cars or trucks because they may not be aware of driver’s blind spots. The worst of the most common motorcycle accident injuries can lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain.
If you or a loved one was injured by a truck or car in a motorcycle accident, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. A local motorcycle accident lawyer can review your case and discuss your legal rights in a free consultation. You will pay nothing unless the attorney recovers damages on your behalf.
The 10 Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
As experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, we have helped hundreds of riders recover maximum settlements for a wide range of injuries. Here are the 10 most common motorcycle accident injuries we see:
- Road rash. Road rash is one of the most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents. It is a skin abrasion caused by a rider being flung off their bike and skidding along the pavement. In severe cases, road rash can lead to infections and nerve damage.
- Head and neck injuries. Head injuries are common among riders involved in a motorcycle accident, especially if they were not wearing a helmet. Head injuries caused by motorcycle crashes can cause serious, long-term consequences including chronic headaches, memory loss, facial disfigurement, and permanent disability.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries are common for riders who are involved in an accident, with TBI being the leading cause of death among injured motorcyclists. TBIs can also result in permanent paralysis or disability.
- Broken or fractured bones. Broken and fractured bones are a common injury sustained in motorcycle accidents. Femurs, forearms, shins, and pelvic bones are especially susceptible to a break in a motorcycle crash.
- Foot and leg injuries. Injuries to the lower body are a frequent consequence of motorcycle accidents. Riders may suffer damage to the legs, knees, ankles, and feet, ranging from sprains and torn ligaments to crushed bones or, in severe cases, amputations. These types of injuries often require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period and some riders are left with permanent mobility challenges.
- Hand and arm injuries. Injuries to the hands, wrists, and arms are common in motorcycle collisions because most people instinctively throw their arms out when they are flung to the ground. “Biker’s Arm” (or “Rider’s Arm”) occurs when a motorcycle lands on its rider’s arm during an accident, causing nerve damage or paralysis.
- Spinal injuries. Riders are at risk of spinal injuries if they are involved in a motorcycle accident. A spinal injury can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, paralysis, or even death. The thoracic spine is the area most often injured in motorcycle accidents, but any part of the spine can be damaged in a high-speed crash.
- Chest and abdominal injuries. Chest and abdominal injuries are also common in motorcycle accidents and can be life-threatening. The impact of a crash can cause broken ribs, collapsed lungs, or internal bleeding. Damage to vital organs in the chest or abdomen often requires emergency surgery and may result in long-term complications or death.
- Muscle Injuries. Muscle strains, tears, and contusions are common in motorcycle accidents due to the sudden impact and twisting forces involved in the collision. These injuries can affect any part of the body, including the arms, legs, back, and torso. Severe muscle damage may require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery, and in some cases, it can lead to long-term weakness or limited mobility.
- When gas leaks or is spilled from the motorcycle’s gas tank during a collision, a fire can erupt that causes severe burns to the rider. A serious burn can lead to permanent disfigurement, chronic pain, and infection. Multiple skin graft operations may be required.
Seek Help For Motorcycle Accidents Involving a Car or Truck
If you or a loved one was injured by a car or truck while riding, it is vital to report the accident to the police and to seek prompt medical treatment. Document and preserve the evidence from the accident scene if you can and keep receipts and transcripts from all resulting medical care. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible but do not provide any information to the at-fault insurance adjuster or accept a settlement without first speaking with an experienced, local motorcycle accident attorney.
It is not uncommon to receive a motorcycle accident settlement that is five to ten times larger with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Call the caring, tireless, and experienced injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
