More than 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death to the motorcyclist, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The importance of wearing the proper gear cannot be overstated. Helmets get the most press, but you also need the right gloves, jackets, pants, and boots to protect your entire body.
Here are four of the most common motorcycle accident injuries:
Injuries to Legs, Knees, Ankles, and Feet
The most common non-fatal motorcycle accident injuries are to the lower extremities. While they may not be fatal, these injuries can be debilitating and many require amputation. Broken bones and fractures, road rash, muscle damage, and severe burns are among the types of injuries sustained to the lower extremities in motorcycle accidents.
Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is also a very common motorcycle accident injury. According to the NHTSA, head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents, and riders who crash while not wearing a helmet are 40% more likely to sustain a fatal head injury. Helmet use can prevent or minimize the seriousness of TBI, but they do not prevent all brain injuries and you need to wear the right helmet.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. Those who survive can suffer permanent paralysis. The prognosis for SCI survivors depends on the level and severity of injury. SCI can carry lifetime costs in the millions of dollars. People who are immobilized with SCI often succumb to secondary conditions.
Severe Road Rash
Severe road rash is a very serious and sometimes life-threatening injury that should be treated in a burn center or unit. Infection and sepsis are among the initial dangers. Muscle can be permanently damaged and in some cases road rash is so severe that limbs or digits are ground off during the accident or damaged to the point that they must be amputated.
If you suffered a serious injury in a motorcycle crash, your first priority should be medical treatment. After that, you should hire an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can help you obtain full compensation for your losses.
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