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September 3rd, 2024 Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating consequences for riders and their loved ones. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident than car passengers for every mile they travel.
In this article, our motorcycle accident attorneys discuss the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents and how our law firm can help you navigate the legal process if you or a loved one has been injured.
Head and facial injuries are some of the most common in motorcycle crashes. Since motorcycles lack the protection of a car or truck, riders are extremely vulnerable to hitting the ground or other vehicles.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most devastating injuries motorcyclists face. They range from mild head injuries to severe damage, like brain nerve injuries to brain bleeding.
TBIs happen when the brain bumps against the inside of the skull during the crash. Even what seems like a minor head injury can cause bleeding, swelling, and reduced brain function.
Symptoms of a TBI include:
More severe TBIs can cause permanent disabilities or death.
Motorcyclists are eight times more likely to suffer a TBI than people in cars or other vehicles, according to the CDC. Wearing a helmet is key to preventing these catastrophic injuries.
Facial bones are also vulnerable during motorcycle crashes. Common bone breaks include the nose, cheekbones, jaw, and eye sockets. These injuries usually require surgery and can change a victim’s appearance.
Motorcyclists frequently sustain dental injuries like chipped and broken teeth or damaged dental work. Knocked-out teeth may require expensive dental surgery and implants.
The spine is very prone to damage in motorcycle crashes. The sudden hit often presses, breaks, or moves the backbone out of place. Nerves can get pinched or torn, causing paralysis and loss of function.
The cervical vertebrae, backbone, support the head and neck. This region commonly suffers breaks, misplacement, and spinal cord trauma during a crash. Symptoms range from neck pain to partial or total paralysis.
Lower back injuries include broken backbone, herniated or bulged discs, and pinched nerves. Symptoms include intense back pain, numbness, and limited movement. Physical therapy and surgery may be necessary to heal these.
Spinal cord injuries can be emotionally devastating. Paralysis takes away independence and mobility. Victims require detailed medical treatment and may need lifelong care.
Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries to the arms and legs. These accidents throw riders off their bikes or pin their limbs underneath.
Riders’ upper arms and shoulders are often injured when they prepare for a crash or are dragged across the pavement. Common injuries are bone breaks, misplacements, nerve damage, and road rash (skin scrape injury). Surgeries, casts, physical therapy, and skin grafts help treat these wounds.
Leg injuries are especially common as motorcyclists fall away from their bikes during crashes. Major injuries include:
Hospitalization, surgeries, casts, braces, and rehabilitation help fix these catastrophic injuries. However, for some victims, disabilities are permanent.
The blunt force trauma associated with motorcycle accidents can cause severe internal injuries, such as liver and spleen tears, kidney damage, and holes in the digestive system. These injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent, making fast medical attention very important.
Chest injuries, including broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and bruises on the heart muscle, can also occur in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and other serious complications that require immediate medical intervention.
In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accident victims often experience psychological and emotional trauma. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common among those who have been involved in serious crashes. These mental health challenges can seriously impact a person’s quality of life and may require ongoing therapy and support.
Motorcycle accident injuries can damage nearly every part of a rider’s body. While helmets and protective gear reduce risks, crashes often cause lifelong disabilities. TBI, spinal damage, amputations, and internal trauma require months to years of medical treatment and rehabilitation.
With over 60 years of combined experience and a track record of success, Hess Injury Law is committed to helping motorcycle accident victims in Oregon and Washington get the compensation they deserve.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Our team is here to support you through this challenging time and help you get your life back on track.
Contact us to schedule your free consultation today, and let us help you get on the road to financial recovery.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.
Peter J. Hess grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. He is a 1996 graduate of Walla Walla High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Washington, with a B.A. in Business Administration/Information Systems.
Peter graduated from Willamette University College of Law, with honors, in 2007. While at Willamette, he was an Associate Editor of the Willamette Law Review, he was a Teacher’s Assistant for a Legal Research and Writing professor, and he worked as a Personal Injury Law Clerk at Swanson, Lathen, Alexander & McCann in Salem, Oregon. After graduation from Willamette, Peter began working here at Hess Injury Law. In 2012, he became a partner in the firm. He is licensed to practice law in both Washington and Oregon.
