The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Many motorcycle accidents lead to serious injury for victims. The outcome is nearly always significant, causing a long, hard recovery or, in some cases, permanent loss. For others, these accidents can lead to the loss of life.

If you have suffered from any of the most common motorcycle accident injuries, it is crucial to work with a motorcycle accident attorney. Our legal team at Matz Injury Law is dedicated to minimizing the risk of you not receiving the financial compensation you deserve.

Important Statistics About Motorcycle Accidents

Data from the Office of Highway Safety Planning of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that in 2021, there were 3,175 motorcycle-related crashes. These incidents resulted in the deaths of 166 motorcyclists and caused significant injuries to 2,526 others. Altogether, motorcycle crashes represented 1.1% of all traffic crashes in the state.

What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries for Motorcyclists?

Numerous injuries could happen after a motorcycle accident. The following are some of the most common serious injuries resulting from the rider being ejected from the bike.

Road Rash and Abrasions

Road rash occurs when a rider slides on their bike or across the roadway. It causes serious injury to the skin, often along the upper extremity or the legs. Wearing protective gear could reduce some of these injuries. If the rider’s legs drag for a long distance, clothing does not provide enough protection. Skin grafts may be necessary for these injuries.

Fractured or Broken Bones

Broken bones, including those resulting in complex fractures, are very common. They may impact the legs, ribs, arms, or any other bones in the body.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) result from any injury to the head. While helmet use could minimize these risks, it does not prevent all head injuries. Some suffer fractured skulls, concussions, or other soft tissue damage to the brain. Skull fractures from blunt force trauma or a direct hit to the head are very common.

Facial Scarring

Many motorcycle accident victims face serious damage to the skin, well beyond scrapes. This can lead to facial disfigurement due to scarring.

Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma from a motorcycle accident can cause damage to all internal structures, including damage to internal organs.

Internal Bleeding

Internal injuries can cause serious bleeding. In some cases, this may not be noticeable right away. Unlike lacerations, the injuries could take some time to become evident and, without treatment, could become life-threatening.

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries in motorcycle accidents are common due to the rapid forward and backward movement of the head when struck. This leads to whiplash as well as damage to the cervical spine and nerves in that area.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Some of the most traumatic spinal cord injuries can result in chronic pain, partial or full paralysis, and even death. Nerve damage can vary from mild to severe and, in many cases, may not improve.

Other Injuries

Every accident necessitates medical attention. Additionally, there are various other possible injuries that may occur, including:

• Soft tissue leg injuries
• Loss of limbs or digits due to amputations
• Lacerations
• Loss of vision
• Disfigurement
• Lower extremity injuries

Who is Usually at Fault in a Michigan Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcyclists are often blamed for accidents, even if an auto driver is to blame for the crash. In many cases, this is a fallacy. Motorcyclists are at high risk. Drivers of larger vehicles are often at fault because they do not see the rider of the motorcycle. Other driver errors include:

• Distracted driving
• Impairment
• Fatigue
• Speeding
• Improper lane change
• Failure to yield
• Failure to follow traffic signals
• Intoxication
• Road rage

After a case is examined, it often becomes clear that these and other reckless driving events by car drivers lead to serious crashes involving bikers. Motorcyclists deserve the same level of respect on the road as any other vehicle driver and should have the same rights.

Related Article: Who Is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle Safety Gear Reduces Your Risk of Serious Injury

Safety gear is designed to protect riders and passengers traveling on motorcycles. Motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal motorcycle rider injuries.

Helmets and other protective gear should be a must for anyone riding a motorcycle. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation advises riders to “dress for a crash as well as for the ride.”

In addition to a helmet, you should wear:

• Riding jacket
• High visibility vest
• Motorcycle pants (there are different materials and types; do your research before buying)
• Motorcycle body armor
• Gloves
• Boots
• Earplugs

A Reddit user relayed their story about an incident where they only walked away from an accident because of their gear.

“Someone pulled out into front of me on a statement road when I was going 85+ mph. The 80-year-old driver didn’t see me. I braked as hard as I could, but they ended up hitting me with the rear quarter panel, and I then hit the guard rail and low-sided at about 25 mph.

I was wearing a mesh jacket, gloves, helmet, and boots. Regular pants. At first, I was just surprised to be conscious and alive. Then I noticed that I had a huge hematoma on my right arm where it hit the guard rail. If the jacket was not padded, it probably would have broken my arm. My feet were dragged under the bike, but the boots saved my feet. The lack of riding pants resulted in severe road rash on my leg. Also got road rash on my arm from the friction between the inside lining of the jacket and the road. Overall not bad considering it could have been a fatal accident. The worst part was getting the wounds cleaned at the hospital. The topical anesthetic they put on your wounds before they clean it stings like a b—.”

Related Article: How Can Motorcyclists Protect Themselves in an Accident?

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive if I Am Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

Victims may seek compensation for any injuries and losses they have. Examples include economic damages such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
• Other property damage
• Loss of earning capacity
• Disability

Non-economic damages might include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of quality of life, such as being unable to ride a motorcycle again

Do I Need an Injury Lawyer if I Sustained Injuries During a Motorcycle Accident?

The law does not require you to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, but it is highly beneficial to do so. The benefits of having one include:

• Assistance in filing a personal injury claim that is inclusive of all of your injuries
• Guidance in pursuing claims against aggressive drivers involved in the car accident
• Support in navigating negotiations with insurance companies
• Reduced risk of receiving unfair compensation from insurance companies
• Reliability in navigating complex injury losses

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law

The caring and compassionate attorneys at Matz Injury Law have logged hundreds of thousands of miles traveling throughout Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas to meet with clients. Clients who choose to work with us know they’ll receive personalized attention from their attorney.

As a client, you can be confident that you will never be handed off to an assistant or treated like just a case number. You will work directly with a Matz attorney. We are more than willing to travel to meet with you, or we can connect over Zoom, whichever you prefer.

To date, we have recovered more than $300 million for our Michigan clients. Recent settlements include:

• $4,150,000 settlement on behalf of the family of a college student who was killed in a traffic crash while riding a motorcycle. The settlement came from three different insurance companies.
• $3.45 million settlement against a cement company whose truck crossed a center line, causing three deaths and severely injuring a 4-year-old boy. The settlement was $450,000 in excess of available insurance.
• $1.74 million settlement against a 19 year-old driver and the fraternity where he was drinking immediately prior to a head-on collision that killed a 52 year-old husband and father of 3 children.

Testimonials

“I worked with Steve and his staff for almost three years. Every interaction I had with him or the staff was great. Always happy, very personable, and always pleasant to speak with. Steve goes above and beyond for his clients and for this, I am very grateful to have worked with him. If ever in need again, he will be who I contact to represent me.” — Jessica D.

“If you’re looking for an attorney to handle your automobile accident/injury claims, then I highly recommend Steve Matz and his team! When I fractured my skull, he helped me settle my bodily injury claim in a timely manner! He was very attentive, professional, and cordial. It was easy to reach him if I had any questions.” — Alicia C.

Motorcycle Injury Recovery Can Be Long and Painful, Your Accident Claim Doesn’t Have to Be

By working with our law firm, you gain the confidence you need to receive full and fair compensation for your losses. Contact Matz Injury Law now for a free consultation. Call 1-866-22Not33 or fill out our contact form now.