What are the Most Common Injuries that Result from Motorcycle Accidents?

                                                                                         

Driving or riding a motorcycle can be very dangerous. While most states are very strict about their helmet laws, this does not prevent accidents. There are a number of common injuries which result from motorcycle accidents, and many can result in permanent disability, even death.

Most motorcycle-related injuries result from the driver or passenger being thrown from the motorcycle during the accident. If you consider the force with which this occurs, it should be easy to see how either the motion of being thrown or the impact from striking the ground or other objects can cause serious damage to the person.

While full-face helmets can offer protection from head injuries, they do not provide protection against spinal cord injuries. In fact, it has been shown that in many cases the impact sustained when a person is wearing a helmet may actually increase the chance of injury to the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury is amongst the most serious types of motorcycle accident injuries. It can result in permanent paralysis, or death.

Breaks in the body’s joints rank high amongst injuries which result from motorcycle accidents. While wearing full protective clothing can help in avoiding these types of injuries, they can still occur. The most common locations of breakage are the pelvis and shoulder. However, any joint in the body can be seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. Breaks can occur in the elbows, fingers, hips, or any other location. The extent of the damage is the determining factor in how well the joint will heal.

Nerve damage in the upper arm is another common injury in motorcycle accidents. It is caused by the impact of the collision or fall. In many cases, upper arm nerve damage is permanently disabling, as it can result in paralysis. This common form of injury is often referred to as “biker’s arm.”

When a helmet is worn without proper eye protection, injuries to the eyes can result. Eye damage can occur when using a helmet which does not cover the eyes, and from not including safety goggles. The absence of protective eye wear can damage the eyes while operating a motorcycle, even if an accident does not occur.

While there are a number of other common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents, they are generally preventable when the driver or passenger wears a helmet and full protective clothing. Damage to the skin and muscles, and facial damage, do not need to occur during a motorcycle accident if the protective equipment is worn.

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