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Motorcycles: Common Accidents & Injuries

On Behalf of | May 26, 2017 | Motorcycle Accidents

Without the basic elements of protection, like a seat belt, roof, and frame that come in cars and other vehicles, an accident involving a motorcycle has potential for disaster. To better prepare yourself, find out what the most common types of motorcycle accidents are, how they’re caused, and what type of injuries usually follow.

Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents occur because a larger vehicle fails to see the motorcyclist, or the driver simply does not look. Some of the most common motorcycle accidents include:

  • Head-on collisions
  • Lane splitting
  • Left turn incidents
  • Door hazards

Any of these situations may cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the bike, leading to painful, even life-threatening injuries. Automobile drivers should always be looking for motorcyclists and it is a good idea for motorcyclists to try to drive defensively. If you operate a car or motorcycle, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicles around you, always signal, and make your intentions clear so that the vehicles around you can see where you plan to go. These safe practices will help to keep motorcyclists safe, though sometimes it may not be enough.

As it is, 80% of all motorcycle accidents result in either injury or death, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While motorcyclists may suffer any number of injuries, especially when thrown from their bikes, some injuries are more common than others, such as:

  • Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Leg injuries, typically caused by being pinned under the bike, and may include breaks, bruises, or dislocations.
  • Arm injuries, usually called biker’s arm, caused when a biker throws out one or both arms to catch his or her fall, typically resulting in breaks, fractures, sprains or dislocations.

It’s also common for motorcyclists to experience road rash from sliding across pavement, causing the skin to rub, peel, or burn because of extreme friction. Road rash can be severe, and in some cases even thick leathers or protective clothing may not prevent it. Most crashes also cause a significant impact to the body of the motorcyclist, as they are typically thrown from their bike and left to roll on the road, leading to bone fractures and breaks all over the body.

In addition to the physical repercussions of motorcycle accidents, the emotional effect can also be jarring, especially if the fault of the accident was not your own. Healing from an injury can be difficult, time consuming, and expensive, which is why seeking legal representation after your motorcycle accident is crucial. A personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation from your insurance company, and the guilty party who caused your damages. Let us seek justice for you, and schedule your consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer today.

Contact Langer & Langer for help with your motorcycle accident case in Indiana.