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What are the Top 10 Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Illustration of two motorcyclists riding on a road, with text stating "Top 10 Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries" and a phone number at the bottom.

Motorcycling has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in recent years. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the number of on-road motorcycles registered in the United States has skyrocketed since the early 2000s.

Top 10 Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

In fact, in 2002 there were an estimated 4.2 million motorcycles registered in the U.S. But that number grew to 8.3 million by 2018 – nearly doubling in the span of just over a decade-and-a-half.

As the popularity of motorcycling has increased steadily, so have the number of motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities. According to the most recent data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2019. Those deadly motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of all traffic deaths that year.

This blog will review the Top 10 Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries. We’ll also discuss some important motorcycle safety tips and review how to file a civil claim for financial compensation if you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone’s negligence.

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Top 10 Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can unfortunately lead to serious and even catastrophic injuries for the rider. While the severity and type of injury sustained in a motorcycle accident can vary considerably on a case-by-case basis, below are some of the most common injuries recorded after such crashes.

  1. Broken or fractured bones: A motorcycle accident often causes the rider to be thrown from his or her bike. As a result, broken or fractured bones are one of the most common injuries seen in motorcycle crashes. Wrists, ankles, arms, legs, etc. are commonly impacted in motorcycle crashes.
  2. TBI: TBI stands for traumatic brain injury, and unfortunately, this can be a common occurrence after a motorcycle accident. Even when motorcyclists are wearing helmets, the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considerable when crashes occur at high speeds.
  3. Concussion (MTBI): A concussion is a form of head trauma that is commonly referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury or MTBI. While traumatic brain injuries or TBIs often result in long-term damage, concussions may cause acute (but also serious) trauma in motorcycle accident cases.
  4. Spinal cord injury: A sudden blow or cut to the spine can result in a spinal cord injury. These types of injuries are serious and often leave the victim with lifelong struggles, such as loss of strength, severe pain, loss of sensation, etc. Spinal cord injuries are commonly seen in motorcycle accidents.
  5. Catastrophic injury or paralysis: A catastrophic injury is one that typically has a permanent effect on the victim’s quality of life. Paralysis, loss of bodily function, amputation, etc. are all examples of what is considered a catastrophic injury. Due to a motorcyclist’s vulnerability when enduring a crash with a larger vehicle, catastrophic injuries are commonly seen after accidents occur.
  6. Road rash: Road rash is a type of abrasion to the skin that is caused by friction. A common motorcycle accident scenario that can lead to road rash involves spinning out or sliding, causing the bike to streak across the roadway. This often happens after the motorcycle driver swerves to avoid a physical object. Protective gear such as chaps, gloves, leather jackets, etc. can help either avoid or reduce the severity of road rash injuries.
  7. Internal bleeding or organ damage: Serious motorcycle crashes can lead to internal bleeding injuries. While it is strongly recommended that you undergo an immediate medical examination by a licensed physician after a motorcycle accident of any kind, seeking medical treatment is critical to determine if internal bleeding or any sort of organ damage has occurred.
  8. Neck injuries: Helmets can save lives when motorcycle accidents occur. But even with such protection, neck injuries are one of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries. Neck injuries due to motorcycle accidents can vary from minor sprains and aches to severe breaks and even paralysis.
  9. Whiplash: While this particular injury is commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, whiplash is frequently seen in motorcycle collisions as well. Any time a motorist is struck in an accident and the individual’s head moves forward and then backward – like cracking a whip – this type of injury can occur.

10. Lacerations, scarring, or disfigurement: Broken glass, debris, and various physical objects can strike a motorcyclist during a collision. As a result, lacerations, scarring, and even permanent disfigurement can occur.

How Can I Protect Myself From Injuries as a Motorcyclist?

Data provided by the NHTSA confirms that wearing a helmet is the “single most important way” for motorcycle riders to protect themselves from head injuries.

However, there are a number of additional steps that motorcyclists can take to ensure that the risk of injury after a crash is reduced. Some of those steps include:

  1. Get to Know Your Motorcycle: Motorcycles are unique, and every rider should be sure to take an appropriate amount of time to get properly acquainted – particularly whenever upgrading to a new bike.
  2. Maintain Your Motorcycle: Ensuring that your bike receives regularly scheduled maintenance is a great way to keep it performing at optimum level, but it can also help prevent an unfortunate accident leading to serious or even catastrophic injuries.
  3. Check Your Motorcycle Before Every Ride: Before every ride, it is recommended that motorcyclists check tire pressure, turn signals, foot and hand brakes, and fluid levels.
  4. Ride Defensively: Motorcyclists are at an obvious disadvantage when it comes to potential collisions with cars, trucks, and tractor trailers sharing the roadways. Accordingly, it’s recommended that motorcyclists drive defensively and vigilantly at all times. Be aware of blinds spots for both cars and trucks, and ride with your lights on during the day and night.
  5. Obey the Rules of the Road: Following posted speed limits, lane markings, and all traffic signals is not only common sense, but it can also help ensure that you get to your destination safely.
  6. Monitor Weather Conditions: Weather can change in an instant, and inclement conditions can make your motorcycle trip inherently dangerous. Accordingly, always check the weather forecast for the day before heading out on your bike.
  7. Do Not Drive Under the Influence: As mentioned above, motorcyclists are unfortunately much more likely to die in drunk or drug-induced crashes. Driving a motorcycle under the influence of any type of substance is strongly discouraged (not to mention illegal).
  8. Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course: The California Highway Patrol offers a R.I.D.E. Right motorcyclist safety course which includes a “hands on experience that will teach the necessary skills so you can be a Responsible, Informed, Disciplined, and Equipped rider.” Other benefits include a DMV skills test waiver and possible insurance breaks.
  9. Wear Appropriate Motorcycle Safety Gear: DOT-approved helmets, goggles, leather jackets, leather pants or chaps, over the ankle boots, and non-slip gloves are all essential types of gear that can help protect you from not only the elements, but also road rash, debris, and serious injury in the event of an accident.
  10. Be as Visible as Possible to Other Motorists: Motorcyclists should never assume they are visible to cars and trucks sharing the roadways. Wearing bright colors or reflective clothing and driving with your headlights on can help ensure that you’re always seen by other drivers.
  11. Carry a First-Aid Kit: In the event of an accident that leads to an injury, a standard first-aid kit can be useful. Keeping a kit inside your bike is strongly recommended.
A man with an arm in a sling and a woman with an injured arm stand by a red car with a concerned driver inside; text asks about affording a car accident lawyer.

Tips for Car and Truck Drivers to Avoid Motorcycle Crashes

Additionally, it’s important for passenger cars and trucks to drive cautiously when in the vicinity of motorcycles.

The NHTSA encourages car and truck drivers to:

  • Always be on the look-out for motorcyclists.
  • Note that a motorcycle’s smaller size means it can be hidden in your vehicle’s blind spot.
  • Note that a motorcycle’s size and narrow profile can make it difficult to judge its distance and speed. Accordingly, take extra care when judging when to turn or merge.
  • Keep a safe distance from the motorcycle in front of you; motorcyclists can slow their bikes by downshifting instead of using their brakes (as a result, the brake lights won’t come on).
  • Remember that motorcyclists sometimes change positions in their lane to avoid debris on the road.

How Can I File a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim for Financial Compensation?

After a motorcycle accident injury, you’ll likely be faced with a long and difficult road to recovery. Accordingly, securing financial compensation for losses such as medical expenses and pain and suffering can be critical.

A motorcycle accident civil lawsuit with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Dordulian Law Group (DLG) can be a means of obtaining the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will fight to recover all applicable damages for your California motorcycle accident injury case, such as:

  • Medical care costs (past and future)
  • Hospital expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced future earning capacity
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages
  • Emotional trauma

For a free consultation with a Los Angeles, California, motorcycle accident lawyer from DLG, contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM.

Our No Win/No Fee Guarantee means you don’t have to worry about upfront costs for our expert legal representation. With DLG, an injured victim never pays a penny until one of our experienced and proven motorcycle accident attorneys recovers a maximum financial damages award for his or her claim.

Ready to file a claim and pursue justice through a financial damages award? Our expert attorneys are available online or by phone now.

Founded by Sam Dordulian, a former Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County who has been fighting on behalf of injured victims for over 25 years, DLG is a leading California personal injury firm. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims secure justice through maximum financial compensation. To date, DLG’s motorcycle injury lawyers have recovered more than $200,000,000.00 for clients like you while maintaining a 98% winning record.

If you’ve been injured in a California motorcycle accident, don’t settle for anything less than the DLG Advantage. Contact us today to learn more about your rights under the law after a motorcycle accident injury – we’re available 24/7 to answer any question you may have about the civil litigation process.

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Sam Dordulian, founder

Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years’ experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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