The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries That Can Occur To You

Millions of American adults ride motorcycles. From cruising the country roads to commuting to work, motorcycles may seem like the faster and easier mode of transportation.

However, there are various kinds of motorcycle injuries that can happen to you while riding and even when you’re not riding. Sometimes, they are serious enough to send you to the hospital. Fortunately, you can minimize the chances of serious injuries by being informed and taking precautions.

Read on to learn about the most common types of injuries in the motorcycle driving world.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are one of the most common types of injuries that can occur in the motorcycle industry. It can easily break bones whenever your body hits the road or another object during a crash. It can occur in any part of your body, such as your limbs, arms, legs, torso, ribs, and even your skull.

This type of injury is more common in riders who don’t wear protective gear or those involved in a severe accident. In some instances, broken bones can result in permanent damage.

This can cause serious internal injuries. Another unfortunate thing about broken bones is that they can result in long-term disability or even death.

While broken bones are a serious concern, they can be prevented. Wearing helmets, protective gear, and stylish yet sturdy clothing can help reduce the chances of sustaining a broken bone. You must as well as take measures like avoiding alcohol and avoiding the use of gadgets while riding. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Motorcycle spinal cord injuries can have devastating effects on someone’s life. They can include paralysis, numbness, loss of range of movement, loss of sensation, and possibly pain.

Most spinal cord injuries occur when the rider impacts the motorcycle, the ground, or another object while riding. This force can cause the vertebrae to fracture and compress the spinal cord, leading to a traumatic spinal cord injury.

It can result in permanent disability or paralysis, depending on the severity. Wearing a helmet and other protective gear can reduce the likelihood of spinal cord injury. It can also help ensure a safe ride.  

Internal Injuries

They can occur due to the high speed and a lack of body protection that comes with riding motorcycles. Internal injuries can include blunt force trauma, organ damage, and traumatic brain injury.

Blunt force trauma can occur when your body is exposed to a sudden, powerful force. This can be from hitting the asphalt, a wall, or a direct body-to-body impact.  

Organ damage can be caused by organs being contused or lacerated. This can be due to a direct force or from the body being subjected to a rapid deceleration force.

Lastly, traumatic brain injury can occur instantly due to an internal brain structure being shaken violently, swelling, and bleeding tissue all due to the sudden force of a direct impact. These injuries can often lead to loss of life or disability. For that reason, it is essential to take all precautions necessary while riding a motorcycle.    

Biker’s Arm

This collection of injuries generally occurs when bikers try to break their fall with their arms. This often leads to severe damage to the area.

These injuries are usually an accumulation of road rashes, fractures, and other soft tissue damage. The severity of these injuries depends on the speed at which the biker crashes. This type of injury usually requires a local motorcycle accident attorney as a legal aide.

Commonly biker arm injuries include sprains, fractures, joints, shoulder and elbow damage, and amputations. To reduce the severity of these injuries, bikers should look into using proper protective gear. They should also avoid high-risk areas.   

Emotional Trauma

Emotional trauma is common among motorcyclists who have experienced traumatic accidents. Mental anguish can come from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and fear.

Survivors of motorcycle accidents may find themselves overly anxious, unable to sleep, having flashbacks of their accident, or having trouble making decisions. It is essential that these individuals seek out therapy or counseling to help them cope with their trauma.

Additionally, connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can give solace and prove that the trauma can be managed. Taking time for self-care activities such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation can also be helpful.

By taking the time to acknowledge and address the emotional trauma that can go with a motorcycle accident, riders can take steps to manage their mental health and enjoy the freedoms of the road.  

Facial Injury

Facial injuries are one of the most common types of motorcycle injuries. It is because riders are not afforded the same upper-body protection that drivers are when operating their respective vehicles.

The blunt trauma type injuries are the most typical, affecting features such as the nose, eyes, cheeks, and jaw due to an impact or fall. The rider’s face often makes direct contact with the ground or another object, causing cuts, abrasions, bruises, and lacerations.  

More serious facial injuries can lead to fractured bones in the face, which can include fractures of the maxilla, zygomatic, or mandible. In the worst-case scenarios, the facial nerves, muscles, and blood vessels can be severely damaged. This can lead to intense pain and long-term disfigurement.

Riders should always wear a full-face helmet and protective eyewear when operating a motorcycle. This is to reduce their risk of suffering a facial injury.  

Be Aware of These Common Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle injuries can be serious and cause long-term disability or even death. Knowing the most common types of motorcycle injuries can help you take steps to be safer out on the road.

Take the time to understand what type of protective gear you’ll need. You must also stay aware of your surroundings to reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.

It is never too late to increase safety on the road. Make sure your ride is as enjoyable and as safe as possible!

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