If you ride a motorcycle, you already know the risks. Motorcycles lack the safety features and protections of larger vehicles.
As such, motorcyclists often suffer serious and life-changing injuries, even in low-speed crashes. While a motorcycle accident can cause a variety of injuries, some are more common than others.
The Centers for Disease Control studied cases of 1 million motorcyclists who had been treated in emergency rooms after their accidents from 2001 to 2008. They found that 30 percent of injured motorcyclists suffered leg injuries, while 22 percent experienced head/neck ailments.
According to a study published in the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, older riders had a significantly higher incidence of thoracic injury, especially rib fractures. In addition, motorcyclists who rode larger bikes were more likely to suffer from head and thoracic injuries.
You Can Reduce the Risk of One Common Motorcycle Injury
One of the most common and life-changing motorcycle injuries is a head injury. Head injuries can range from minor concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries. Motorcyclists can suffer head injuries in a number of ways, including being hit by another vehicle, hitting their head on the ground after a fall, or being thrown from the motorcycle during a collision. Wearing a properly fitting helmet can help reduce the risk of suffering a head injury in a motorcycle accident.
If you’ve ever been in an accident and suffered a head injury, it’s likely that wearing a helmet would have prevented some level of trauma. A study by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine showed those who used them had a lower risk of suffering severe head injuries when compared to others.
The CDC has also performed studies on the effectiveness of wearing a helmet. According to the CDC, those who wore a helmet had a 37 percent lower risk of dying in a motorcycle crash and a 69 percent lower chance of suffering a serious head injury!
Other Common Motorcycle Injuries
Other common motorcycle injuries include broken bones, road rash, and whiplash. Broken bones are typically the result of being involved in a collision or falling from a motorcycle. Road rash occurs when the skin comes into contact with the pavement and can be extremely painful. Whiplash is a neck injury that can occur when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward. Wearing proper protective gear, such as jackets and gloves, can help reduce the risk of some of these injuries.
While no one wants to be injured in a motorcycle accident, knowing the most common types of injuries can help you be better prepared in the event that you are involved in one. Wearing proper safety gear and following all traffic laws can help reduce your risk of being injured in a motorcycle accident. If you are involved in an accident, seek medical attention immediately.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Today
Our Colorado Springs motorcycle accident attorneys can help you get back on your feet after a serious motorcycle crash. We know how to handle the insurance companies and get you maximum compensation. Let us do what we do best, so you can focus on your recovery. Contact the Green Law Firm, P.C. today by calling (719) 694-8515, or by filling out the contact form on this page, to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss your case.
