Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Posted in Motorcycle accidents on November 9, 2020
Motorcycles can be incredibly exhilarating vehicles to operate. However, when an accident occurs between a motorcycle and a traditional passenger vehicle, motorcyclists often sustained severe injuries.
When we turn to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, we can see that there were 2,772 total motorcycle collisions reported across the state during the latest year of data available. Unfortunately, a significant portion of motorcycle crashes results in severe injuries or even fatalities of the motorcyclist involved. If you have been injured in a crash, call a Tennessee motorcycle accident attorney today.
Here, we want to discuss some of the most common injuries that motorcyclists sustain when a collision occurs on Tennessee roadways.
Common motorcycle accident injuries in Tennessee
Motorcyclists are incredibly vulnerable to injuries when a collision occurs. Motorcycle riders simply do not have much protection from the force of a vehicle slamming into them. Additionally, motorcyclists often have to contend with two collisions – one with the vehicle and one with the ground.
Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury typically occurs as a result of a violent blow to the body or head. According to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 15% of helmeted and 21% of non-helmeted motorcycle riders sustain a brain injury in a collision.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord trauma can result in partial or complete paralysis of a motorcyclist. This kind of damage is typically permanent for a victim.
- Lower extremity injuries. Another NHTSA study indicates that lower extremity injuries are the most common types of injuries that a motorcyclist will endure. The legs of a motorcyclist often take the brunt of the force of a collision, whether with another vehicle or the ground.
- Internal injuries. Damage to internal organs, as well as internal bleeding, is often caused by the blunt force trauma of a vehicle or striking the roadway. Often, these injuries occur from a blow that does not break the skin or from penetrating trauma sustained in the motorcycle accident.
- Fractures. Motorcyclists are very susceptible to broken or dislocated bones in the event an accident occurs. This can include a rider’s legs that get struck by a vehicle or pinned under the motorcycle, or wrists and arms when a rider tries to catch themselves during a fall.
- Road rash. When a motorcyclist makes contact with the road’s surface, serious skin abrasions can occur. The severity of road rash can range from mild to severe, and these injuries are prone to infections.
Types of compensation available in a motorcycle accident case in Tennessee
If a motorcyclist is injured due to the careless or negligent actions of another driver on the roadway, there may be various types of motorcycle accident compensation available for their claim. This can include:
- Full compensation for medical bills
- Lost wages if a victim cannot work
- Household out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment
The total amount of compensation available in these cases will vary depending on the factors related to each particular case. This can include the severity of the injuries, whether the motorcyclist shared any blame for the crash, the level of pain and suffering, and more.