What Are the Potential Injuries From a Motorcycle Accident?

 Posted on August 08, 2019 in Personal Injury

The kind of vehicle a driver owns is a matter of personal choice. Some motorists may avoid owning or riding motorcycles due to the high risk of injury. There is a smaller percentage of motorcyclists on the road compared to passenger and commercial vehicles, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. Motorcycles are unique because they are not restricted, like bicycles or pedestrians, on major highways. However, they offer limited protection for the driver, and therefore, a motorcycle accident can have devastating consequences. 

Precautions to Take When Riding a Motorcycle

There are many safety precautions that motorcycle drivers and passengers should take when going out on the road. A driver's and rider’s entire bodies are subject to the surrounding environment since a motorcycle does not offer protection like a car. Basic motorcycle gear includes a helmet and gloves, plus rugged shoes and clothes. Leather is a popular choice because of its durability. In the event of falling off the motorcycle, these items will help protect the driver's and passenger's bodies. Protective eyewear such as sunglasses is also important to reduce the chances of a motorcyclist losing his or her eyesight in a crash. 

Examples of Significant Motorcycle Injuries

Unfortunately, there are some injuries that protective gear cannot prevent. The following are some of the common severe injuries that a motorcyclist may face in the event of an accident:

• Spinal Cord Damage: The spine houses an important string of nerves that connect a person’s brain to the rest of his or her body. When there is damage to the spinal cord, the result can be paralysis of varying degrees. Damage to the spinal cord can occur through sudden forceful impact with another vehicle or the ground, crushing of the torso, or severe lacerations that sever the spine itself. Depending on the level of paralysis, a victim of a motorcycle accident may require significant rehabilitation or lifestyle changes. 

• Head Trauma: Since 2000, helmet use from motorcyclists has gone up by 5 percent. However, even with a helmet, a person can experience head injuries. However, this should not discourage the use of helmets. Helmets often take the initial impact from an accident and help prevent death or irreversible damage. With a helmet, a person may only suffer a minor concussion. Without a helmet, skull fractures and other traumatic brain injuries are possible. Damage to the brain can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood changes, severe headaches, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Contact a Larimer County Personal Injury Lawyer

Most motorcyclists are passionate about safety and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from harm. However, when there are other reckless drivers on the road, these safety measures can only provide so much protection. If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Colorado, you may be entitled to compensation from a negligent motorist. Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. has handled many types of personal injury cases involving motorcycle accidents. Contact an experienced Fort Collins motorcycle accident attorney to determine your legal options for recovering the compensation you deserve. Call 970-225-2190 today to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes#Motorcyclist%20Injuries%20And%20Injury%20Rates,%202007-2016

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety