The Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but the result is often the same —  injured motorcycle riders.

While motorcycle crash injuries vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the accident, many injuries have the potential to change riders’ lives long-term. 

Motorcycle Accidents Often Result in Injuries

Motorcycle accident statistics speak for themselves. Recently, there were over 82,000 injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents in one year alone. Unfortunately, fatalities are also particularly common. Motorcyclists account for roughly 14% of all traffic fatalities alone, even though motorcycles only make up 3% of all registered vehicles. 

Motorcycles offer riders very little protection, leaving them open to suffering significant injuries. This is why most riders sustain some injury during an accident, with the severity of their injuries depending on the extent of the motorcycle crash. 

The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The injuries a majority of riders suffer during motorcycle accidents include the following:

Road Rash

Road rash is a type of burn that occurs when the skin is dragged on the road. It can happen on any part of the body, including the arms, back, and face.

Road rash is a common injury in accidents involving the rider getting thrown off their motorcycle. After getting thrown off, riders usually skid before stopping, causing burns on any exposed body parts. 

Fractured or Broken Bones

Whether a rider is thrown off their bike or a part of their body is trapped under the bike, it is common for riders to suffer serious injuries to the bones.

Fractures and breaks can occur on any bone, but the bones in the legs, arms, and ribs are most at risk. 

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are common, especially when a rider lands wrong or their neck is forced into an unnatural position. 

Neck injuries can include:

  • Whiplash
  • Strains and sprains
  • Fractures
  • Nerve damage

Neck injuries can range in severity, but serious injuries can affect a rider long-term.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the worst kinds of motorcycle crash injuries.

TBIs can include any of the following:

  • Concussions
  • Intracranial hematomas
  • Brain hemorrhages
  • Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)
  • Penetrating brain injury

Brain injuries are especially common when riders are not wearing helmets during accidents, as helmets are intended to protect the head and brain. 

Accident victims who suffer TBIs can recover, but many brain injuries leave victims suffering from physical or cognitive issues. It is not uncommon for TBI sufferers to face long roads to recovery or life-changing consequences. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is one of the most important parts of the human body. 

Because the spinal cord is responsible for delivering messages to the rest of the body, many of the body’s essential functions can be affected negatively, including:

  • Breathing
  • Heart rate
  • Sensations
  • Reflexes
  • Muscle movement

When a rider sustains injuries to the spinal cord, it can change their life forever. 

Amputation Injuries

Sometimes a motorcycle rider suffers such a severe injury to an extremity, such as the fingers, toes, or limbs, that it cannot be repaired and saved. Amputations can either be complete or partial, depending on the injury. Lower extremity amputations are especially common for motorcycle riders, especially when their legs are crushed under the weight of their bike.

Preventing Motorcycle Crash Injuries in St. Petersburg, FL 

While it is impossible to guarantee a rider’s protection, riders can take steps to stay safe on the roads, including riding responsibly and wearing protective gear. Motorcycle accidents cannot be avoided altogether, but riding safely and protecting yourself can make all the difference. 

Contact the St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg motorcycle accident law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765,
United States
24 hours
(727) 796-8282

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712,
United States
24 hours
(727) 349-1728