Of motorcycle accidents that are reported, there is roughly one motorcycle accident out of every 80 registered motorcycles each year in the United States, so a little under 13 percent. But, more mild accidents are likely to go unreported, so think twice before hopping on a bike.
There a lot of ways to get in a motorcycle accident
Injuries typical of motorcycle accidents include:
- Spinal injury – Along with broken necks, this can be a really tough injury that might not kill you, but may very well cause permanent damage or paralysis.
- Broken neck – A broken neck is often fatal, but can also be survivable, albeit with likely long-term damage and potentially a shortened life span.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – The medical community is still learning about all of the repercussions of TBIs, which we are becoming more aware of through wartime injuries that American soldiers experience from roadside explosions and TBIs caused by repeated concussions in football. What we know so far is that TBIs can be very serious in the long term, causing unexplained rage, memory loss, and life threatening complications.
- Internal bleeding – This is a hidden danger because someone might think they’re okay after a motorcycle crash but not realize that they’ve punctured an organ or are experiencing internal bleeding until hours later.
- Fractured bones – Given the momentum that you can build up from zooming down the road on a bike, and the additional momentum of the car or truck that might hit you, it is very common to see broken bones in motorcycle accidents. Leg fractures and broken arms are extremely common given the positioning of the body on the bike and the propensity for motorcycle drivers “flying” off the bike in a collision.
- Skin abrasions – Road rash or road burn, the injury resulting from your body skidding along the road after an accident, is the most common and least serious injury to sustain in a motorcycle crash. Although the least dangerous type of accident, a serious skin abrasion can require skin grafts or other necessary plastic surgery to heal.
Remember: always wear your helmet. Not all states require motorcycle operators to wear a helmet but you should always do it.
Can I receive damages if I was injured in a motorcycle accident?
While there may be a whole array of unfortunate circumstances leading up to a motorcycle accident, there are cases when a motorcycle accident lawyer would be of great help. Determining who is at fault and who is liable to pay for damages in a motorcycle accident depends largely on your state’s liability laws.
What should I do if I’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident?
Your first priority should always be to ensure that you and everyone else on the scene are safe and unharmed. This means calling the police or ambulance if anyone is seriously hurt.
Next, take the time when you are still at the scene of the crash to photograph damage to your bike. You should also photograph damage to the other vehicle or vehicles involved. This last step can be important if you end up getting sued and suspect the other driver is flubbing some of the damages.
The final steps to take at the scene of the accident are to gather the contact information of anyone there who may have seen what transpired. Witnesses are extremely important to have around if your case ever winds up in court or a deposition, which is when attorneys can subpoena people to testify under oath and on camera about what happened.
After the accident, be sure to get a copy of the police report, if there were police who responded to the scene. Also, be sure to keep receipts and invoices for any repairs you had done to your bike, and collect all your medical bills and medical reports if you were injured. You should also photograph any injuries you sustained and give these important pieces of evidence to your attorney.
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