10 of the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Because motorcycles aren’t enclosed vehicles, it’s no surprise that motorcycle accidents are generally far more injurious than other types of automobile crashes. Making matters worse, motorcycles are much lighter and smaller than other vehicles, meaning that they can be difficult for other drivers to spot on the road and more difficult to operate safely. Operating a motorcycle on the roads of San Antonio can be a dangerous venture.

Our San Antonio team of attorneys at Carabin Shaw has compiled a list of ten of the most common motorcycle accident injuries, along with ways that these injuries can be prevented. If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash and are considering hiring a San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer, read on to find out some of the injuries that qualify for a personal injury claim.

1. Road rash. The most common form of motorcycle injury is road rash, which can be minor to extremely severe. Road rash is a type of skin abrasion that occurs when riders are thrown from the bike and then skid on the pavement. Far from being a minor skin injury, severe road rash can cause serious complications such as infections or even nerve damage. Proper protective clothing (leather is best) should always be worn to reduce the type and severity of these abrasions in case of an accident.

2. Broken or fractured bones. Another common injury sustained after motorcycle crashes are broken or fractured bones. Common fractures after motorcycle accidents include femurs, forearms, shins, and pelvis bones.

3. Foot and leg injuries. According to the CDC, 30% of non-fatal motorcycle accident injuries happen to the rider’s legs and feet.

4. Head and neck injuries. Studies have shown that larger motorcycle engine sizes come with a higher risk of head injuries. And as our lawyers know all too well, head injuries are a sadly common occurrence among motorcycle accident victims, especially those who were not wearing a helmet. Head injuries caused by motorcycle crashes can cause brain damage, facial disfigurement, and even death.

5. Spinal injuries. The thoracic spine is the most commonly damaged area of the spine in motorcycle accidents, but all of the spine is susceptible to injury in a high-speed crash. Whenever the spine is injured in a motorcycle accident, it is often the case that a permanent injury has been sustained. Spinal injuries can lead to chronic pain, nerve damage, paralysis, and even death.

6. Abdominal injuries. – Studies have shown that older riders have significantly higher incidences of thoracic (chest) injuries compared to their younger counterparts. Common types of abdominal motorcycle injuries include lung lacerations and rib fractures, but heart lacerations and other vascular injuries can also occur.

7. Hand and arm injuries. Hand, wrist, and arm injuries are incredibly common among injured motorcyclists, because most people will throw their arms out instinctively when flung to the ground. “Biker’s Arm” (also called “Rider’s Arm”) is a common motorcycle injury that occurs when a motorcycle lands on its rider’s arm during an accident, resulting in nerve damage. In some cases, this type of injury can lead to arm paralysis. Specialized riding gloves and elbow pads can lessen the severity of these injuries and should be worn by riders at all times.

8. Burns. If the motorcycle’s gas tank spills during a wreck, a rider can end up with very severe burns. When such injuries occur, skin grafts often have to be performed, making burns one of the most serious types of motorcycle injuries.

9. Muscle Injuries. In more severe cases of road rash, muscle damage can occur – especially if the motorcyclist was not wearing protective clothing at the time of the accident. Back injuries sustained in a crash can also result in muscle soreness or injury.

10. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). TBI is the leading cause of death among injured motorcyclists. Such injuries can also result in permanent paralysis. Wearing a helmet is the best line of defense against traumatic brain injuries – riders who wear helmets are up to 35% less likely to die in the event of a crash.

If you’ve been injured or involved in a motorcycle crash in San Antonio, Carabin Shaw’s experienced attorneys serving the San Antonio area can help you get your life back on track. Our motorcycle injury attorneys have years of experience with motorbike accident injury claims, and the Carabin Shaw team will work diligently to make sure your case is handled with the utmost care.

Unlike other types of attorneys, personal injury motorcycle accident attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the types of injuries associated with motorcycle crashes, as well as manufacturer recalls, helmet laws, and traffic laws – all of which are crucial to these types of cases. Our lawyers have experience representing motorcycle accident victims all across Texas, and our team of knowledgeable San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation with our San Antonio bike accident attorneys at 210-222-2288.