The road can be a dangerous place for anyone, but motorcyclists are especially vulnerable. According to the United States Department of Transportation, “motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to experience a deadly accident on the road than those in passenger cars” and 93,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents in 2012 alone.
At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our team works to help victims of motorcycle accidents receive just compensation to pay for necessary medical care, make up for lost work time, and account for any other effects of this traumatic event. Since Mr. Buckley is a motorcyclist himself, we understand the complex dynamics involved in these types of accidents and how to protect riders’ rights at our Sacramento law office. Read on to learn more about the most common motorcycle accident injuries, how you can obtain fair recompense to cover your medical costs, and strategies to avoid harm on the road.
Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Since motorcycles do not have the same protective elements as cars, trucks, or buses, you can become injured much more easily. In addition to various types of collisions, you could fall off of your bike as you swerve, crash as you take a corner too quickly, or hit a piece of debris on the road that could send you flying.
According to a recent study of American emergency room data, the most common motorcycle-related injuries that typically result from accidents are:
- Fractured bones due to the impact of a collision or fall, making up 27 percent of all diagnoses.
- Serious contusions (bruises), which account for over 16 percent of motorcycle injuries.
- Sprains (ligament damage) and strains (muscle and tendon damage) from falls or collisions, with nearly 14 percent of emergency room diagnoses.
- Open wounds, which could lead to excessive bleeding or infection and account for 12 percent of injuries.
- Lacerations and rashes, which make up nearly 11 percent of injuries reported.
Fortunately, many of these conditions are easily treated, but many common motorcycle injuries are much more complicated, severe, and life altering. TBI, or traumatic brain injury, can result from the impact of a motorcycle accident, potentially debilitating or even killing the motorcyclist. Spinal trauma can also cause chronic pain, disability, paralysis, or even neurological disorders. Nerve damage to the arms is also common in these types of accidents; known as “biker’s arm,” this injury can cause long-term effects.
How We Protect Your Rights
The injuries from motorcycle accidents can cost you thousands in medical bills, prevent you from working, debilitate you, and interfere with your quality of life. If you are suffering the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a motorcycle injury, Mr. Buckley and our legal team can help you obtain fair compensation by establishing liability in your case. We can use eyewitness testimony, forensic analysis, mechanical engineering, accident reconstruction techniques, and other techniques to better understand the circumstances of your accident and hold the appropriate party responsible for damages.
Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Motorcyclists need to be especially careful on the road to protect themselves from harm and avoid accidents. To reduce your risk for accidents, follow all relevant traffic laws, remain aware of your fellow drivers’ motions, and watch out for pedestrians around you. You should also always wear appropriate protective gear to protect your arms, legs, hands, and, most importantly, your head. The United States Department of Transportation estimates that helmets reduce your risk of dying in a motorcycle accident by up to 37 percent.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident, Our Legal Team Can Help
We understand the risks motorcyclists face and how to help them obtain just recompense when they suffer from motorcycle accident injuries. To learn more about your rights or get help with your personal injury case, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team.