Motorcycles have emerged as an enticing alternative to standard cars, offering not just convenience but also an exhilarating riding experience. In fact, the number of motorcycles registered in the U.S. has nearly doubled, from 4.3 million in 2002 to 8.6 million in 2021.

Despite the thrill and freedom of riding a motorcycle, they lack certain safety features and protections that put motorcyclists at higher risk of harm or fatality. Motorcycle accidents can prove catastrophic, leaving riders suffering from dire and life-altering injuries. 

Given the grave nature of motorcycle accident injuries, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and at a loss as to what to do next. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, an experienced lawyer can offer a sound legal strategy to fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Our team of highly skilled attorneys at Osborne & Francis has an extensive background in representing motorcycle accident victims with unwavering dedication and compassion. Contact us online or call (561) 293-2600 for personalized legal care coupled with an emphasis on your health and recovery.

The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents

With more motorcycles on the road than ever before, motorcycle accidents and fatalities have also sadly increased across the nation. However, passenger cars, and consequently, auto accidents, still outnumber motorcycles, with 30,263 more auto accidents in 2020 than motorcycle accidents.

That said, even though auto accidents are more prevalent, motorcycle accidents are far more dangerous. Furthermore, the dominance of passenger cars leads to a diminished consideration for motorcyclists, amplifying the risks they face. 

The concerning reality is that motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die and four times more likely to be injured in an accident compared to passenger car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries 

Injuries from motorcycle accidents can be severe and traumatic, often leaving victims and their families grappling with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have the protective enclosures of a metal frame, airbags, or seatbelts, directly exposing riders to the force of impact. 

Additionally, motorcycles are significantly heavier than bicycles, weighing anywhere between 150 and 1,000 pounds. Despite their weight, motorcycles lack the stability and four-point contact with the road passenger cars provide. This imbalance means that even a minor collision or loss of control can result in serious consequences for motorcyclists.

Also, the open layout of motorcycles makes riders susceptible to being thrown from their bikes, increasing the severity of injuries from colliding with other vehicles, roadside obstacles, or even sliding along the rough pavement.  

Let’s examine the various motorcycle accident injuries sustained by riders to shed light on the compensation available to victims and promote awareness in the motorcycle community. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries 

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe injuries stemming from motorcycle accidents. TBIs may occur from the impact of the rider’s head on the ground, other vehicles, or other objects on the road. 

Riders are vulnerable to TBIs due to the high-speed nature of motorcycle collisions. TBI injuries can range from concussions to more severe traumatic brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive impairments, seizures, paralysis, memory loss, and emotional disturbances. 

Lower Extremity Injuries 

Since the rider’s legs are exposed when riding a motorcycle, injuries to the lower extremities are the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents. Fractures, dislocations, and lacerations to the legs, knees, ankles, and feet are frequent. 

Although these injuries may not prove fatal, they can lead to chronic pain, mobility limitations, and long-term disabilities that require surgeries and physical therapy. 

Upper Extremity Injuries 

In many accidents, motorcyclists are ejected from their vehicles and naturally attempt to break their fall by extending their arms. Therefore, upper extremity injuries are the second most common injury in motorcycle accidents. 

Fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue damage to arms, hands, wrists, fingers, and shoulders can limit a victim’s ability to do everyday tasks while also requiring extensive physical therapy or surgery. 

Spinal Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most devastating injuries from motorcycle accidents. Sadly, these injuries can end in partial paralysis, quadriplegia, respiratory problems, incontinence, and more. 

These injuries usually leave the victim permanently disabled, profoundly affecting their quality of life. Individuals with spinal injuries may require specialized medical care, assistive devices, home modifications, and ongoing support. 

Injury to the Face and Neck 

A collision can launch a motorcyclist off their vehicle, causing their face and neck to come into contact with the road, debris, or other vehicles. Broken jaws, facial fractures, dental damage, and eye injuries can have long-term physical and psychological impacts, like disfigurement, pain, and emotional distress. 

Internal Injuries 

Sometimes, injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident may not be immediately apparent. Blunt-force trauma or penetration trauma can cause alarming damage to the internal organs, like the liver, spleen, lungs, intestines, pancreas, and kidneys. 

Prompt medical attention is essential for individuals with suspected internal injuries. 

The path to recovery after a motorcycle accident is long and agonizing. With the compounding burden of medical expenses and physical and emotional trauma, you deserve tailored and skilled legal support. 

You may be eligible for compensation if you or a loved one suffered from any of these common motorcycle accident injuries. Contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Osborne & Francis online or call (561) 293-2600 to learn more about how we can assist you.

How to Prevent Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Preventing injuries from motorcycle accidents necessitates a combination of proactive precautions, responsible behavior, and adherence to safety protocols. While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, motorcyclists should do the following to reduce their risk of injury:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Wear protective gear, such as a sturdy motorcycle jacket, pants, boots, and gloves. 
• Undergo comprehensive motorcycle training and education to boost their riding capabilities and defensive driving skills. 
• Maintain your motorcycle by performing routine inspections, tire checks, brake adjustments, and fluid replacements. 
• Obey traffic laws, like speed limits, turn signals, and the proper distance between other vehicles. 
• Never drink or use drugs when driving.
• Be aware and vigilant while driving by scanning the road ahead, checking mirrors, and anticipating the actions of other drivers. 

Contact Osborne & Francis for Outstanding Motorcycle Accident Representation

The gravity of common injuries from motorcycle accidents emphasizes the importance of finding the right legal team. An attorney can support you in pursuing the compensation needed to offset the burden of ongoing recovery costs and specialized medical care to get your life back on track.  

The motorcycle accident attorneys at Osborne & Francis have over 50 years of combined legal experience. Our approach involves crafting a thorough legal strategy to identify every party responsible for your ordeal. We leave no stone unturned as we explore all avenues to maximize the amount of compensation in your claim. 

Schedule a free consultation online or call (561) 293-2600 to discuss the next steps on your road to recovery.