Roughly 80% of motorcycle accidents result in serious injury across the United States. Comparatively, only 20% of car crashes will lead to severe injuries or death. The National Traffic Safety Administration reports that you are up to 26 times more likely to be killed while riding a motorcycle than in a passenger vehicle.
There is very little protecting you from the road on a motorcycle. While this factor is often part of the thrill of riding a bike, it is also a grave safety concern. It is a good idea to get medical attention after even minor accidents involving a motorcycle.
Motorcycle crashes result in many of the same types of injuries, including road rash, fractures and broken bones, and head injuries.
“Road rash” describes the abrasions to the skin that occur during an accident. It is caused by rubbing or scraping along the road. It is much like a rug burn, but it is generally more severe.
Road rash can be extremely painful and may result in long-term nerve damage or disfigurement. Road rash that goes through several layers of the skin may require skin grafting and can take significant time to heal.
Hand, wrist, ankle, and leg fractures are typical after a motorcycle accident. The motorcycle will often fall on one leg or foot during a crash. That type of weight can easily cause a broken bone.
Hand and wrist injuries are often caused by the body’s automatic reaction to attempt to catch itself when you are falling. You will usually stick your hand out as the motorcycle drops, but your hand and wrist cannot support both your weight and the weight of the bike, leading to a fracture or similar injury.
Approximately 22% of all motorcycle crashes will involve a head or neck injuries. This type of damage can lead to long-term problems and even death. In fact, head injuries cause the majority of fatalities in motorcycle crashes.
The Centers for Disease Control indicate that wearing a proper helmet can reduce the risk of death by 37%. They also reduce the occurrence of head injuries by 69%. They estimate that helmets saved 1,772 lives in 2015 alone.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may have legal options. Contact [PLACEHOLDER] to schedule an appointment to discuss your potential claim.
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