5 Of The Most Common Injuries In A Motorcycle Accident
Brian O Sutter
Motorcycle Crash
Florida is known far and wide for its beautiful weather in all seasons. This is what makes it such a popular destination for those who love the outdoors. The temperate climate makes it easy to take a ride in the open air on a bike or motorcycle, but this can come with a price. You Can’t Control The Actions Of Others
Protecting yourself and your loved ones while enjoying the ride means taking precautions to avoid accidents at all costs. Defensive driving techniques, wearing a helmet, and wearing protective gear are all aspects you can control to stay safe. You cannot control, however, the actions of another motorist. The negligent actions of another driver can change your life in seconds. How it changes can vary, from moderate injuries to loss of life. Here are the 5 most common motorcycle accident injuries.
Road rash.This is a common injury that occurs when a rider slides across the pavement after an accident. This is more than a cut or a bruise; this is layers of skin being removed from the body. It can lead to infection, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. All road rash should be treated by a doctor for proper cleaning and infection prevention. You can lessen the damage by wearing motorcycle jeans or leather pants, which protect the skin well.
Head injury. Your body’s heaviest organ resides inside your skull: the brain. When the brain is jarred during an accident, it bounces around inside the skull. This can lead to anything from a mild a concussion to fatal brain damage. Brain swelling can also occur, and there is very little room in the skull for it to do so. Some brain injuries can lead to reoccurring headaches, memory loss, and reduced cognitive function. Wearing a helmet is the easiest way to protect your brain from life-threatening trauma.
Biker’s arm. A motorcyclist is exposed to the elements when riding. There is no metal car to protect them, no seatbelt to hold them in. If a motorcyclist is thrown from the bike, they can instinctively throw up their arms to protect themselves and try to lessen the impact. This can result in a hard impact to the arms that can cause nerve damage and upper body injury.
Leg injury and muscle damage. It is common for injuries to occur to the legs, feet, and knees in a motorcycle accident. Legs and feet can become broken, knees can shatter, and while these injuries are not likely fatal, they can be permanently disabling. Muscle damage occurs anywhere in your body after a hard impact. Injuries can range from temporary pain to permanent paralysis.
Loss of life. It is a possibility, and it does happen. 5,286 motorcyclists lose their lives in 2016, up 5.1% from 2015. Loss of life can tear families apart, making it more important than ever to take safety precautions when gearing up and riding out.
Take The Risk, But Take Precautions
Every time you get on your bike, you put yourself at risk. But this doesn’t mean you should sell your bike and never ride again. It simply means that you should continue to take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself. Always wear a helmet, never drink and ride, and keep your eyes open for everything that can come your way.
If you do find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, be sure to seek medical attention immediately, no matter how insignificant you believe it is. And if the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, seek the help of an attorney who has experience with motorcycle accidents. They can help you put your life back together when things fall apart.
Enjoy the open air, but always be aware.