Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries and How to Avoid Them

No doubt about it, riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience. But another certainty is that riding a motorcycle is associated with accidents and injuries. That is why riders that are well prepared and skilled at handling their bikes tend to be involved in fewer accidents. And is also why learning about the most common motorcycle accident injuries and how to avoid them may end up saving someone’s life. And that life may be your own.

What are the most common motorcycle accident injuries?

There seem to be two facts that relate to motorcycle accidents. The first one is that the great majority of motorcycle accidents come about as a result of the actions of other drivers. The second one is that most injuries happen to the rider of the motorcycle as opposed to the drivers of the other vehicles that are involved in the collision.

Typically, the most common injuries that motorcycle riders suffer are:

Head and Neck Injuries

Riding with a helmet has been a sore point for many motorcycle riders. However, riding without one makes this the most common reason for motorcycle riders to get injured in accidents. And getting hit in the head leads to more long-term problems and even death.

Whiplash is another common injury as riders are thrown back and can hit the back of their skulls. The neck’s position so close to the spinal cord means that it’s not uncommon for spinal cord injuries to happen so frequently, many times resulting in paralysis.

Road Rash

Although it may sound harmless, road rash can have severe consequences when abrasions require skin grafts. Also, infections and nerve damage are associated with having the skin scraped off on the rough pavement.

Broken Limbs

Trauma to arms and legs are common, especially when the bike tips over during the accident. Permanent nerve damage may occur in some cases while more severe ones may end up in amputations.

How can these injuries be prevented or avoided?

To begin with, take your motorcycle seriously. It is not a toy. It is a powerful machine. Learn to ride it well, become an expert at handling the brakes and steering in all sorts of weather conditions. Practice on side streets until you feel confident enough to tackle the big highways.

Take a riding safety course, it will be worth your while. Also, wear a helmet, goggles or a face shield, shoes that have no laces that can come undone, and appropriate clothing such as long pants or a padded jacket.

Also, get in the habit of never riding while drunk or under the influence of drugs. Make sure that you are riding a bike that fits you, with which you can feel in control. Always follow the rules of the road and drive defensively. Be aware that larger vehicles may have blind spots and be unable to see you. Don’t expect them to keep your safety in mind. That is up to you.

And if you do have the misfortune of being involved in a motorcycle accident, focus on recovering your health and healing from your injuries. Also, getting legal help after a motorcycle accident can make a big difference in your financial situation and allow you to breathe more freely when you think about your future. 

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