An astonishing 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. This is because unlike cars, motorcycles have no outer shell to protect the driver from outside harm like an incoming vehicle or fixed object. There are also no seatbelts, so many motorcyclists are often violently thrown from their bike. The force of an impact is not offset by airbags, glass, or metal. The motorcyclist’s body receives the full brunt of the collision.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Bone fractures are one of the most common types of motorcycle injuries. These fractures commonly occur in the upper ribs, spine, arms, legs, and head. Motorcyclists tend to suffer more from leg injuries and head injuries. Riders older than 40 are prone rib fractures, which often come with internal organ injuries in the abdomen. Younger motorcyclists struggle with spinal injuries, which can permanently alter one’s life if the injury is severe.
Head injuries can consist of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which occur after a hard hit to the skull. Skull fractures often result in the most serious TBIs, which can lead to problems with thinking, emotions, and movement. Not wearing a helmet increases this risk.
Road rashes are also common amongst motorcycle accidents. This type of injury consists of multiple skin scrapes that may become infected if left untreated. Bruises, swelling, and draining pus are signs of infection. Cleaning road rash can be painful and healing can take up to ten days depending on the size of the rash and severity of the damage.
Recognizing Negligence
Being aware of when you have the legal right to a Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer can save you a lot of time and money when it comes to paying for medical expenses after suffering substantial injuries. Negligence is the key to understanding when you should talk to a lawyer about filing a personal injury claim. If a driver hit you, pushed you into a fixed object, or acted in any other way that resulted in your injury, then that driver may have acted with negligence. This means they either intentionally broke the law or neglected road safety, which put you in danger.
Ways to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
As a part of motorcycle safety, many states require riders to take a rider-training course in order to obtain an official motorcycle license. This is done because motorcycles are different vehicles than cars, which means they operate differently. Knowing the differences may reduce your risk of experiencing an accident. Before hitting the road, practice riding your motorcycle until you feel comfortable. Always wear a helmet and try to wear clothes that cover your arms and legs to avoid road rash.
When approaching busy highways or intersections, do so cautiously because many accidents happen when other drivers do not see the motorcyclist. Reflective materials on your bike will also reduce this by increasing your visibility to other drivers.
