5 Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident
On a motorcycle, there is little protection between you and the road. Although that is often the appeal of riding a motorcycle, it can also result in very serious injuries after an accident. Wearing protective gear can help prevent or decrease the severity of the five most common motorcycle accident injuries in Georgia.
1. Road Rash
Road rash occurs when you slide across the pavement in an accident. Road rash can be brutal. It is similar to a rug burn, but it can actually cut through padding, clothing, and even your skin to expose tissue and bone. Road rash requires special treatment, and the development of infections is relatively common. Surface nerve damage, scarring, and permanent tissue damage can also result.
2. Head Injuries
In Georgia, bikers are required to wear helmets for good reason. Head injuries are one of the most common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Head trauma can result in long-term health issues, including brain bruising, swelling, and bleeding. Head injuries can also be fatal. A helmet can help prevent objects from piercing the skull and distribute force so that a direct impact is not as dangerous. Keep in mind that the Georgia helmet law applies to passengers, too, and all helmets must comply with certain safety standards.
3. Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are just as common as head injuries, and they, too, can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that head or neck injuries comprise 22 percent of all motorcycle crash injuries. A neck injury can paralyze or kill a motorcyclist instantly. Minor injuries can result in bruising and swelling that can make it difficult to breathe. Concerns regarding the neck are one of the reasons that helmets often cover the face and part of the neck.
4. Injuries to the Legs and Feet
The CDC reported that 30 percent of all non-fatal motorcycle accidents involve some injury to the legs and feet. Shattered or broken bones are not uncommon because of the fall from the bike. Injury can also result when the motorcycle lands on top of the driver. Injury to the pelvis is a relatively common lower-extremity injury following a motorcycle accident. Severe damage to the pelvis could force a biker to use crutches or a cane for the rest of his or her life, so it’s important to wear long pants and appropriate shoes when riding a motorcycle.
5. Biker’s Arm
When a biker begins to lose control of his motorcycle and fall sideways, his first instinct is usually to reach out to steady himself. This is a natural human reaction. Unfortunately, the force of the fall often means doing this causes more harm than good, including broken wrists, arms, and elbows and long-term nerve damage.
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious or life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one was involved in an accident, call a motorcycle wreck attorney at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter today at 833 – LEGALGA for a free consultation.
