Driving on the open road with your motorcycle while feeling the wind whipping around you is an exhilarating experience. However, there are many dangers to driving a motorcycle given just how exposed you are as a rider. All it takes is a single wrong move by another driver or yourself on the road and you may be dealing with debilitating injuries for years. Considering the fact that Florida is 4th in the U.S. for motorcycle fatalities, the issue is of great importance. Learn everything you need to know about the severity of motorcycle accident injuries, the long-term effects, and how to protect yourself.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
There are a number of frequently seen accidents that occur in motorcycles amongst all riders. Each of these common injuries comes with their own unique long-term dangers:
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Head and Brain Injuries
It should come as no surprise that head injuries are of great concern, especially for motorcyclists. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term motor function control issues, not to mention a negative impact on cognitive abilities. There is a direct correlation between helmet use and the severity of injuries to the head and brain, but a helmet can only do so much during high-speed collisions.
The long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries can include cognitive impairment, emotional changes, and general chronic pain. Due to this, you should always wear proper protection on a bike while also controlling your speed.
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Spinal Cord Injuries
Another commonly seen type of injury in motorcycle accidents is spinal cord injuries due to the rider getting thrown off their bike. As they crumple and roll against the road, their spinal cord is put under intense pressure and contortions.
Beyond the potential for permanent paralysis, damage to the spinal cord can impact day-to-day mobility, sensation, and overall quality of life. These injuries often result in necessary long-term care and rehabilitation, which comes with high costs.
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Broken Bones and Fractures
Naturally, a motorcycle accident at any speed would likely see broken bones and fractures. The bones within your arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone are most susceptible to damage in a crash as they are the parts of your body most likely to come into contact with the ground or objects.
Broken bones and fractures to these areas can lead to both long-lasting pain and mobility issues. This may bring about the need for surgeries or physical therapy in the future, both of which come with long-term costs. On top of that, frequent surgeries run the risk of infection or improper healing, which can lead to more complications.
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Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries
An often overlooked type of injury stemming from a motorcycle accident is road rash, which can cause soft tissue injuries. When coming into contact with the ground during a crash, there is a high likelihood of abrasions, lacerations, and burns. Severe road rash can lead to infections, permanent scarring, and take many months, if not longer, to recover from.
Few people often mention the psychological cost of seeing intense visible scarring on a daily basis, but this can lead to PTSD from the accident.
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Internal Injuries
Finally, internal injuries are the last type of commonly seen injury in motorcycle accidents. Organ damage and internal bleeding are the most common sub-injuries of this type. The reason these injuries are so concerning is that they often don’t present symptoms until it’s too late.
The long-term consequences of this can include organ failure and ongoing medical issues, which highlights the importance of visiting a doctor immediately after an accident occurs.
Preventing Long-Term Injuries: Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Given the severity of the above injuries, it’s only natural to seek out tips to prevent injury as a motorcyclist. Below are some of the most prominent to consider:
- Always wear safety gear, including helmets, jackets, gloves, and protective clothing
- Obey all traffic laws and drive as defensively as possible
- Take motorcycle safety courses regularly to refresh your skills
- Educate yourself on the most dangerous areas around where you live for motorcyclists
- Know what to do in the event of an accident and who to contact afterwards
- Make yourself visible to other drivers on the road and avoid blind spots or lane-splitting is legal in your state
Protect yourself while riding on the road
The long-term impact of motorcycle accident injuries can have an effect on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. To avoid finding your life upended after a crash, seek legal help as soon as possible and visit a doctor to get proper medical care so that any major issues can be addressed as soon as possible.
