Brian White | August 23, 2022 | Motorcycle Accidents
It is no secret that motorcycles carry an elevated risk of crashes and injuries. Because motorcycles are not equipped with the same safety features as passenger vehicles, some of these injuries may be more severe than those that might occur after a car accident.
Knowing that injuries are more common in motorcycle wrecks and what kind of injuries typically occur can help you protect yourself the next time you take to the road. Appropriate protective gear can help reduce the chance of a severe or fatal injury when a motorcycle crash does occur.
Texas Motorcycle Crashes Can Result in a Variety of Injuries
Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to be killed in a collision than other motor vehicle occupants. They’re also more prone to suffering injuries in crashes. Numerous types of injuries occur frequently following motorcycle wrecks, including:
Injuries to the Legs, Knees, and Feet
The most common injuries are those to the lower extremities. These include injuries to the toes, feet, knees, and legs.
Bikers injured in motorcycle wrecks suffer injuries to their lower extremities due to the lack of protection afforded by bikes.
These injuries are rarely fatal. However, injuries to one’s legs or feet may require time off of work and limit one’s ability to walk, exercise, or engage in other activities. Fractures of the leg bones — a common lower-extremity injury — can be particularly slow to heal.
Injuries to the Upper Extremities
Injuries to the upper extremities are also common in motorcycle wrecks. These include injuries to the arms, hands, and fingers.
Like injuries to the lower extremities, injuries to the upper extremities are rarely fatal. However, they can be painful and impact your ability to work, take care of household chores, or engage in favorite pastimes. Fingers may be especially at risk of amputation, which can add to the distress of an upper extremity injury.
Head Injuries
Head injuries frequently occur in motorcycle wrecks. This category of injury includes everything from bumps and bruises on the head to traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
The severity of a head injury will depend in large part on whether the motorcyclist was wearing appropriate head protection at the time of the crash. Wearing a properly fitting helmet can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
Other Common Injuries After Motorcycle Wrecks
In addition to those outlined above, the following injuries can occur in motorcycle crashes:
- Injuries to the chest
- Spinal injuries
- Injuries to the abdomen
- Road rash and burns
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Degloving injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Nerve damage
- Catastrophic injuries
- And more
Because many motorcycles lack protection for most of the motorcyclist’s body, crashes can impact and injure parts of the body that may not be as commonly hurt in car wrecks.
Avoiding Motorcycle Injuries in Texas
Operating your motorcycle in accordance with traffic laws and driving defensively can help prevent the occurrence of a wreck. The best way to avoid motorcycle injuries is to avoid collisions in the first place.
Not all accidents can be avoided, though. Wearing appropriate protective gear like a helmet and gloves can assist in preventing injuries in the event of a motorcycle wreck.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Motorcycle Crash Injuries
If you’ve suffered injuries while riding your motorcycle in Texas, contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your options for compensation. You could be entitled to economic and non-economic damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and mental anguish.
You’ll have the best chance at recovering maximum compensation with the assistance of an attorney.
For more information, contact the Houston motorcycle accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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Houston, TX 77098
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