5 Common Motorcycle Injuries … and How to Avoid Them

Motorcycles are by far some of the most exciting motorized vehicles anyone can own. From adrenaline junkies to adventure enthusiasts, some people actually prefer them over cars, thanks to their ease of maneuverability and great performance.

However, one of the major downsides is that they are riskier for the user compared to enclosed vehicles. From starters, motorbikes are usually less visible to other drivers (especially truckers and bus drivers) compared to cars. When involved in a crash, a motorcyclist has a higher risk of sustaining severe and potentially fatal injuries since the ride isn’t enclosed.

Read on for five of the most common motorcycle injuries, alongside some tips on how to avoid them.


1. Road Rash 

This is one of the most common injuries among motorbike riders. The term road rash refers to the injuries to the skin resulting from abrasive contact with the road surface when a rider falls off their motorcycle and skids along. Ranging from minor grazes to severe wounds that require urgent medical attention, road rash can be extremely painful and may often result in permanent scarring.

2. Broken Bones (Especially Lower Limbs)

As mentioned earlier, motorcycles provide very little protection by design in the event of a crash. Riders are often susceptible to fractures and broken bones depending on the type and severity of the crash. Commonly broken bones include the collarbone, arms, and legs.

In collisions, the lower extremities, including the legs and the pelvic region tend to be the most susceptible to these suffer this kind of injuries, which can be severe enough to leave the motorcyclist temporarily or permanently disabled.

3. Internal Injuries 

These types of injuries can occur when a rider is thrown from their motorcycle, banging their head or body onto the road or another object. Also called blunt-force trauma, the blow can be hard enough or cause internal bleeding or damage to internal organs.

Internal injuries could also occur when the victim slams into something sharp, such as broken glass or a piece of metal (penetration trauma). These injuries can be very serious and even life-threatening, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident even if you feel fine.

4. Spinal Cord Injuries 

A spinal cord injury can occur when the spine is damaged in a motorcycle accident. These types of injuries can result in paralysis or other serious health complications.

5. Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when the head is violently shaken or hit in a motorcycle accident. TBIs can range from mild concussions to more serious problems such as bleeding and swelling of the brain. They are also among the most expensive injuries to treat, and recovery may take months if at all it’s achievable.

Injured in an Accident? Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 

Getting injured in a serious motorbike accident can put the victim in a great deal of torment. Besides the pain and suffering, you will have medical costs to take care of, and you may not be able to go to work until you recover. Dealing with insurance companies can also be an uphill task.

All this is all the more reason to talk to a respected local accident attorney. When involved in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, an experienced accident attorney from St. Louis can help establish negligence and seek compensation on your behalf.

Tips To Avoid Motorcycle Injuries 

While you can’t control what other drivers do on the road, there are definitely a few things you can do to stay safe, prevent motorcycle accidents, and avoid injuries. 

These include:

  • Wear a helmet

A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear for a motorcycle rider. It can protect your head in a crash and could save your life.

  • Wear protective clothing

In addition to a helmet, wearing gloves, boots, and a jacket can help protect your body from road rash and other injuries in case of a minor crash.

  • Be visible

Wear bright colors or reflective gear so that other drivers can see you.

  • Drive defensively

Be aware of other drivers and watch for signs that they may not see you.

  • Be aware of road conditions

Avoid potholes, gravel, and other hazards that could cause you to lose control of your motorcycle.

Injuries from a motorbike accident can be downright devastating. Some of them can change your life forever. Nonetheless, you now have a few tips up your sleeve on how to protect yourself, and what to do in case you’re injured in an accident.

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