Motorcycle accidents are a leading public health concern, as well as an economic problem for many. Many motorcycle crashes and collisions result in severe injuries and permanent disabilities, leading to lost income (due to missing work or losing jobs) and increased medical costs.
What is the Most Common Type of Injury in Motorcycle Accidents?
From minor wounds and rashes to death, motorcycle accidents can cause a variety of different types of injuries, but the most common, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), theUS Department of Transportation, are the lower-extremity injuries.
What are Lower-Extremity Injuries?
The term ‘lower-extremity injuries’ is typically used for injuries to the legs, but it essentially refers to injuries sustained to any body part below the waist. Simply put, an injury to any area from the hip to the foot is called a lower-extremity injury.
What is the Most Common Type of Lower-Extremity Injury in Motorcycle Accidents?
Within the category of lower-extremity injuries, bone fractures are the most common in motorcycle crashes, followed by soft tissue injuries.
Other types of lower-extremity injuries that motorcyclists often suffer during accidents include:
- Dislocation
- Nerve damage
- Torn ligaments
- Severe bruising
- Cuts and lacerations
- Sprains
Are the Lower-Extremity Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents Severe?
While it can take quite some time to recover from lower-extremity injuries in motorcycle accidents, they generally tend to be significantly less severe than the comparatively less common abdominal, head, and chest injuries. On average, more than 80% of motorcyclists that sustain isolated lower-extremity injuries in road accidents are sent home after acute care at a healthcare facility.
Having said that, many lower-extremity injuries in motorcycle accidents require long-term care, including multiple surgeries and physical therapy for an extended period of time. Some might even permanently affect the rider’s mobility or cause disabilities.
What Are Some Other Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
Lower-extremity injuries are closely followed by upper-extremity injuries and head injuries (including traumatic brain injuries) in motorcycle accidents. Head injuries, as mentioned above, also tend to be more severe, requiring longer hospital stays and incurring higher medical costs.
Some other common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Spinal injuries
- Muscle injuries
- Burns
- Rib fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Road rash
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
If your motorcycle accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a lawsuit against them and get compensated for your losses.
You will also likely have to deal with your or the other party’s insurance company, asking you to give an official statement or accept a settlement deal outside the court. No matter which of these paths you choose to pursue – legal claim or out-of-court settlement – you should have a professional motorcycle accident lawyer with you to get the best deal.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from The Bourassa Law Group will be the best advocate for your rights in such a challenging situation. If you’re a motorcyclist, have our number (800) 870-8910 on your speed dial, so you can reach out to us immediately when needed.
