Common Injuries Due to a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents involve a greater risk of injury than do accidents in other motor vehicles. This is due to the exposed nature of motorcycle riding, which lacks the surrounding protective features of a modern automobile. Without a protective frame, cushioned bumpers, airbags and seatbelts, a motorcycle rider will often suffer far worse injuries. This makes it all the more important that other drivers pay attention and exercise care when sharing the road with a motorcycle rider.

The Sacramento and Santa Rosa law firm Teal Montgomery & Henderson is an advocate for motorcycle safety. As personal injury attorneys, we have unfortunately seen our share of accidents. Certain preventive measures can lessen the degree of injury in motorcycle accidents. Proper knowledge, experience, and equipment, as well as smart travel safety can go a long way. Similarly, the right equipment can help toward protecting a rider in some accident situations. Gloves, boots, durable pants, and a sturdy jacket can minimize cuts and abrasions, while a good helmet can protect against serious head injury.

Common Sacramento motorcycle accident injuries include:

Brain injury – Being hurled from a motorcycle in an accident involves strong risk of a blow to the head as the rider hits the road. This may result in serious brain injury, which may manifest itself immediately or over time, and can have consequences that last a lifetime.

Road rash – When you are thrown from a bike, your body becomes the “brake” slowing your momentum. This can cause severe abrasions and burns to your skin.

Whiplash – The sudden shock of impact to your bike and of your body on the road can cause sudden harmful motion to your neck and back. Painful and debilitating whiplash may be the result.

Nerve damage – The effect of impact from another vehicle and impact with the road may affect the nerves in your body, to the point that nerve damage results.

Spinal chord paralysis – Because of the forces involved, and the fact that the rider’s body is unrestrained and unprotected from impacts, bike injuries can cause lifelong debilitating consequences. Spinal chord injuries and related paralysis can result.

Broken bones – The force of impact caused by being thrust from your may result in breakage to your arms, legs or other bones. It may result in future loss of use of a limb.

Motorcycle accident death – The most severe and unfortunate form of bike accident involves death, with lasting effects on the family of survivors.

Taking reasonable steps to protect yourself or your loved ones is important. However, if you find that you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident because of the inattention or carelessness of another driver, you need to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. At Teal Montgomery & Henderson, we have the experience and skill necessary to recover the compensation you and your loved ones need to deal with these injuries and loss.