Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can lead to a variety of serious injuries, often due to the lack of protection riders have compared to those in cars. While some injuries are more common than others, all of them can have lasting consequences. Whether it’s road rash, broken bones, hand and arm injuries, or even life-threatening head trauma, the risk of injury is always present. Understanding these injuries and how they occur can help riders take the necessary precautions to reduce the chances of getting hurt.

If you’re involved in an accident, contacting our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and win the compensation you deserve. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common motorcycle injuries, how they happen, and how you can protect yourself while riding. Additionally, we’ll discuss critical legal considerations if you’re injured in a motorcycle crash in Nevada.

Common Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, including road rash, broken bones, and head trauma. Riders are most vulnerable in collisions with other vehicles, especially at intersections, in blind spots, or when drivers are distracted. To reduce injury risk, always wear protective gear, take safety courses, and follow traffic laws. Most importantly, wearing a helmet significantly lowers the risk of fatality.

Road Rash

Road rash is one of the most common motorcycle injuries. It occurs when a rider slides along the pavement after falling off their bike. This painful injury can range from minor abrasions to severe skin loss, exposing muscles and tissues underneath. Road rash is especially dangerous if proper protective gear, like leather or durable fabrics, isn’t worn. Beyond the immediate pain, road rash can lead to infections, scarring, and even nerve damage in extreme cases. Hospital admissions for road rash are common, with many riders underestimating the severity of such injuries until after they’ve occurred. To prevent this, always wear gloves, jackets, and pants designed for motorcyclists, which provide critical protection against the road’s abrasive surface.

Hand and Arm Injuries

Motorcyclists often sustain hand and arm injuries, particularly from reflexively reaching out to break a fall. This instinctive reaction leads to conditions such as "Biker’s Arm," where the radial, ulnar, and median nerves are damaged due to the force of impact. The resulting nerve damage can cause chronic pain, loss of movement, or even paralysis in severe cases. This type of injury is most common when the rider extends their arm to brace for impact. Bikers also have rotator cuff tears in their shoulders and brachial plexus injuries when they extend their arm during impact. Wearing protective gear like elbow pads and padded gloves can significantly reduce the risk of these debilitating injuries.

Broken Bones

Motorcycle crashes often result in fractures, with the legs, arms, and spine being the most common locations for broken bones. The force of a collision or a fall onto hard surfaces can cause significant damage, with bones snapping under the stress. According to medical research, tibia and fibula fractures, followed by forearm and spine fractures, are prevalent among motorcyclists involved in accidents. While fractures can heal with time, the consequences can be life-altering, especially when the spine or extremities are involved.

Lower Body Injuries

The lower body is another common target for injury in motorcycle accidents, particularly the legs and feet. During a crash, a rider’s legs are exposed to the full weight of the bike and the impact with the ground. Broken bones, crushed feet, and torn ligaments are frequent injuries. Wearing reinforced boots, as opposed to sneakers or sandals, and protective pants can help reduce the likelihood of severe lower-body damage. According to studies, nearly 30% of non-fatal motorcycle injuries are to the lower body, highlighting the need for protective gear that shields these vulnerable areas.

Neck and Head Injuries

Head and neck injuries are the most severe and often fatal consequences of motorcycle accidents. The head is especially vulnerable in crashes, and riders without helmets are at a significantly higher risk of fatal injuries. Even with a helmet, riders can still suffer concussions, skull fractures, or brain injuries, which are often permanent. It’s against Nevada law to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, but the importance of wearing a helmet cannot be overstated, as it has been shown to reduce the risk of death by up to 37%. Helmeted riders have lower rates of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) compared to those who ride without protection. Always ensure your helmet is fitted correctly and meets safety standards to offer maximum protection in the event of an accident.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious injuries caused by impacts to the head and are common in motorcycle accidents. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Understanding the types, symptoms, and treatment options for TBIs is crucial, as well as consulting an attorney to secure compensation for medical costs and other related expenses.

What Are Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by external forces impacting the head and causing damage to the brain. These injuries can occur in a variety of scenarios, from car accidents to falls and especially in motorcycle crashes. TBIs disrupt normal brain function and can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild headaches to permanent cognitive impairments. Injuries to the brain can be difficult to detect, as some symptoms manifest immediately, while others may take days or even weeks to appear.

Types of TBIs

TBIs are generally classified into two categories:

• Closed brain injuries: These occur when there is no penetration of the skull. Instead, the brain is jolted within the skull, leading to bruising, swelling, or internal bleeding. Most motorcycle accidents result in closed brain injuries, as riders often experience rapid deceleration or sudden impacts that shake the brain violently.
• Penetrating brain injuries: These injuries occur when an object, such as debris or the motorbike itself, penetrates the skull, causing direct damage to brain tissue. These injuries are typically more severe and may result in permanent brain damage or death.

Symptoms of TBIs

Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary widely depending on the severity of the injury. Mild TBIs, such as concussions, may cause temporary confusion, dizziness, or headaches. However, more severe TBIs can lead to unconsciousness, cognitive dysfunction, motor difficulties, vision changes, personality changes, or emotional instability. Immediate medical evaluation is crucial, as delayed treatment can exacerbate long-term effects.

Treatment and Legal Considerations

Treating a traumatic brain injury often involves immediate medical intervention followed by rehabilitation, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive therapy. In some cases, surgery may be required to address internal bleeding or other complications. For victims of TBIs sustained in motorcycle accidents, consulting a personal injury attorney is essential. Legal guidance can help secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care expenses resulting from the injury.

What Are the Most Common Crash Types for Motorcycle Riders?

Motorcycle riders face a unique set of risks due to their lack of protection and smaller size compared to other vehicles on the road. Certain crash types are more common and often result in serious injuries for motorcyclists. While motorcycles represent a small fraction of vehicles on the road, they account for a disproportionately high number of accidents and injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle crashes make up a significant portion of traffic fatalities, highlighting the vulnerability of bikers.

Here are three of the most common motorcycle crash types:

Intersection Collisions

Intersections are particularly hazardous for motorcyclists. These areas often involve complex traffic dynamics, with drivers coming from multiple directions. The most common type of intersection accident occurs when a motorist makes a left turn without yielding to an oncoming motorcycle. In these cases, the driver may not see the motorcyclist or misjudge their speed, leading to a collision. Right-turning vehicles that fail to stop before turning or cut off motorcyclists also cause frequent accidents. Due to their smaller size and visibility issues, motorcyclists are at a higher risk in these situations.

Blind Spot Accidents

Blind spots present a significant danger for motorcyclists. Drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs may not see a motorcycle if it's in their blind spot, particularly when changing lanes. Motorcyclists are harder to spot than larger vehicles, and drivers often fail to check their blind spots thoroughly before making lane changes. This can lead to collisions, as motorcyclists are often squeezed or forced off the road. Proper lane positioning and making yourself visible to other drivers is critical to avoiding these types of crashes.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving is a growing concern and a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. With the rise of smartphone use, drivers are increasingly distracted by texting, calling, or even eating while driving. Inattention to the road can lead to serious collisions, especially when drivers fail to notice motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable in these situations because they are often overlooked by distracted drivers. As distracted driving continues to be a pervasive problem, motorcyclists must stay vigilant and anticipate potential risks posed by distracted motorists.

If you’ve been involved in any of these types of accidents, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries.

Safety Tips for Preventing Motorcycle Injuries and Accidents

Motorcyclists face heightened risks on the road due to the lack of physical protection compared to other vehicles. While reckless drivers are often a contributing factor to accidents, motorcyclists can take proactive steps to reduce their risk and stay safe. Here are some essential safety tips every rider should follow:

Take Motorcycle Safety Training

Before hitting the road, it's crucial to take a motorcycle safety course. These training programs teach riders how to handle their bikes in various conditions and how to react to common hazards. Learning proper braking, cornering techniques, and defensive riding strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. There are many motorcycle safety courses offered in and around the Las Vegas, NV area.

Wear Protective Gear

Nevada law requires that motorcycle riders wear a DOT-approved helmet. Helmets protect your head in case of an accident and can dramatically reduce the risk of serious injury or death. In addition to helmets, invest in high-quality gear such as leather jackets, gloves, and riding pants, which offer protection from abrasions and road rash. Don’t forget eye protection, as debris or wind can be hazardous at high speeds.

Stay Focused and Alert

Being fully alert is essential for safe motorcycle riding. Always keep your focus on the road, especially at busy intersections, on highways, or when there are many vehicles around. Motorcyclists should avoid distractions like texting or adjusting their gear while riding. Always be a defensive driver. Keeping a constant awareness of your surroundings will help you anticipate potential hazards before they become problems.

Never Ride Under the Influence

Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your ability to control your bike, making accidents much more likely. Never ride if you’re feeling impaired, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. Always ensure you’re physically and mentally fit to ride before starting your motorcycle.

Follow Motorcycle Laws and Best Practices

Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, including those specific to motorcycles. This may include guidelines on lane splitting, signaling, and other practices unique to motorcyclists. Respecting traffic laws and adjusting your riding habits based on road conditions can significantly reduce the chance of an accident.

By following these safety measures, you can greatly minimize the risk of motorcycle injuries. Riding responsibly and staying vigilant are key to protecting yourself and others on the road.

What Are the Safety Facts Around Helmet Use?

Motorcycle helmets are crucial for preventing severe injuries and fatalities in accidents, reducing head trauma risk. While 19 states require helmets for all riders, 28 have laws for specific age groups or experience levels, and 3 states don’t mandate helmets at all. The National Safety Council reports helmets reduce fatal injury risk by 37% for riders and 41% for passengers.

Despite their effectiveness, many riders still forgo helmets, even though 82% of Americans support mandatory helmet laws. Helmets save lives, significantly increasing survival chances in a crash. Choosing to wear one is a life-saving decision. In addition to safety, wearing a helmet can also prevent long-term medical costs resulting from head injuries. Ultimately, the decision to wear a helmet is an investment in your health and well-being.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

The actions you take right after a motorcycle accident can have a significant impact on both your physical recovery and any potential legal claims. It's crucial to remain calm and follow these steps:

Step One — Ensure Your Safety

First, move yourself to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Assess your injuries, and if needed, call 911 for immediate medical help. Even if you feel fine, it's wise to seek medical attention as some motorcycle accident injuries might not be immediately obvious.

Step Two — Contact Law Enforcement

Call the police to report the accident. A law enforcement officer will respond to the scene, conduct a thorough investigation, and file an official report. This report can be vital if you need to pursue a claim later.

Step Three — Exchange Information

By law, you must exchange contact and insurance details with other involved parties. Be sure to get their names, addresses, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details. Failing to do so can result in serious legal consequences, including charges of hit and run.

Step Four — Collect Evidence

Document as much as possible at the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible motorcycle accident injuries. If there are witnesses, speak to them and get their contact information. This evidence can support your version of events and strengthen your case.

Step Five — Seek Medical Care

Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may not show symptoms immediately. Keep track of your symptoms and return for follow-up care if necessary.

Once you’ve taken these steps, contact a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Put Our Experience to Work — We’ll Fight for Your Rights

Motorcycle riding offers freedom but comes with significant risks, such as road rash, head trauma, and broken bones. To minimize these risks, always wear protective gear, stay alert, and follow safety guidelines.

If you're injured in a crash, seek legal counsel. Our Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Attorney Cameron has been voted one of the best accident lawyers in Las Vegas for several years in a row and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Contact us for a free consultation to take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.