5 Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident

A wrecked motorcycle laid in the road with a silver car in the background.

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.

Can A Pedestrian Be At Fault For A Car Accident?

A crosswalk sign with a signal of a person walking.

You may have heard the common saying, “Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.” It’s probably because of this saying that many Georgia drivers believe pedestrians can never be at fault in a car accident, but that’s not always true. Although most pedestrian-related car accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the motorist, there are circumstances where pedestrians can be at fault for accidents.

Fault In Georgia

The most crucial element for knowing if you can recover any damages for your car accident is fault. Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning you can collect compensation for the percentage of damages for which you were not responsible. However, if you are 50 percent or more responsible for the accident, you cannot claim any damages. As an example, if a driver was in an accident with a pedestrian and the pedestrian was 60 percent at-fault, the driver could collect 60 percent of the damages. If the accident was caused 50 percent by the pedestrian and 50 percent by the driver, neither party could sue for damages.

When A Pedestrian Could Be At Fault

Usually pedestrian accidents are caused by driver inattentiveness and negligent behaviors, such as using a cell phone, eating, speeding, or aggressive driving. While they won’t be able to cause as much damage as a car, a pedestrian could be considered negligent and at fault for an accident if they can be proven to have acted without reasonable care for their own safety. The following could be considered negligent behavior on the part of a pedestrian:

● Walking or running into traffic
● Not using designated crosswalks/jaywalking
● Failing to pay attention while using cell phone, playing music, etc.
● Crossing during a “don’t walk” signal

Pedestrians are also more likely to be involved in accidents if they are intoxicated. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, 34 percent of pedestrian crash victims had blood alcohol levels of 0.08 g/dL or more.

What To Do If You Are In A Pedestrian Crash

If you are driving and are in an accident with a pedestrian it is very important that you take the proper steps in the aftermath. Regardless of whether you believe the accident was the fault of the pedestrian or your own, stop the car and check for injuries. Make sure to provide aid to the pedestrian if necessary. Gather any evidence, through photographs, and exchange information with all parties involved in the accident. Report the accident and cooperate with appropriate law enforcement. You should report the accident to your insurance company. Because hitting a pedestrian can be punishable both civilly and criminally, it is important to speak to an attorney about your options.

Contact An Attorney For Help With Your Car Accident

Vehicle-pedestrian accidents can lead to devastating injuries, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian crash in Cobb County, either as a driver or as a pedestrian, it’s important to speak to an attorney regarding your rights. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter to speak to an experienced car accident attorney who can help you with your case in Marietta, Cobb County, Atlanta, and anywhere in Georgia. 833-LEGALGA