Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

 Posted on December 26, 2023 in Accident Liability

With limited protection, motorcyclist injuries are far too common. A reported 82,686 motorcyclists sustained injuries in collisions in a recent year. A motorcyclist who has to swerve to avoid a collision runs the risk of losing control.

Riders do not realize the risk of mounting their bike. Our Waukegan motorcycle accident attorneys want to keep you informed, so we have listed the most common motorcycle accident injuries that our firm sees

Traumatic Brain Injuries

The sudden force of impact in a motorcycle crash can result in a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Unfortunately, motorcyclists face a significantly higher risk of having a TBI than drivers. A TBI disrupts normal brain activity.

A TBI may be a closed or open brain injury. In a closed brain injury, a violent blow to the head results in the brain moving rapidly back and forth within the skull, causing brain tissue to get damaged. In an open brain injury, brain tissue is damaged when an object penetrates the skull

Symptoms will vary based on the type of TBI you sustain but may include slurred speech, confusion, inability to stay awake, worsening headaches, and seizures.

Broken Bones

A motorcyclist may suffer broken bones after a crash. Common broken or fractured bones include the tibia, fibula, femur, and forearms. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, you may require surgery.

Abdominal Injuries

Lacking the protection of an enclosed vehicle, motorcyclists are susceptible to any number of internal injuries. Most internal injuries occur in the abdomen and may include damage to the following organs:

• Kidneys: A person who sustains kidney damage will likely have flank pain (pain in the sides of the body) and possibly blood in the urine
• Liver: Liver injuries are among the most serious, resulting in substantial bleeding. Pain will present in the upper right side of the abdomen. 
• Diaphragm: Diaphragmatic ruptures are not uncommon in a high-speed collision. A diaphragmatic rupture results when the diaphragm is torn by either blunt force trauma or penetrating trauma. Symptoms may include shortness of breath when lying flat, chest pain, acid reflux, coughing, and bowel sounds being heard in the chest.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord sends messages from your brain to the rest of your spine. If you suffer a spinal cord injury, function below the injury site will be affected. Spinal cord injuries that occur in the upper spine are the most concerning. In such injuries, the function of the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles will most likely be compromised

Abrasions or Road Rash

Perhaps the most common type of injury in a motorcycle crash, an abrasion, more commonly referred to as “road rash,” is a removal of the top layer of skin. Motorcyclists are known to suffer severe abrasions due to their bare skin sliding across tar or any hard road surface.

Symptoms of an abrasion include slight bleeding, pain, and skin discoloration. While common, abrasions can lead to serious infections. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is always best to seek medical attention following a motorcycle accident.

If you were injured due to a driver’s negligence, a Lake County motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve

Contact a Waukegan, IL, Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Your life should not be put on hold simply due to another person’s negligence. If you have suffered harm in a motorcycle accident, please contact our Lake County, IL, motorcycle accident attorneys to schedule your free consultation. Contact Salvi & Maher, LLP online or by calling 847-662-3303 to learn more