Motorcycles are less stable than cars because of their two-wheel. Not only has this but motorcycled are also less visible to other driver, which increases the chances of an accident. And when a hit happens, the driver lacks the protection of an enclosed vehicle. This is why it is incredibly important that motorcycle riders ride with a greater sense of caution and stay aware of other cars.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
According to NHTSA, most fatal injuries are sustained when the rider gets hit from the front. Some of the more common injuries motorcycle riders suffered include:
Traumatic brain injuries
TBI is sudden damage to the brain. It is caused by a blow to the head. There are three degrees of TBI.
Injuries can be mild or could lead to severe permanent brain damage. A mild traumatic brain injury may or may not result in the loss of consciousness. Whereas, in a moderate TBI, there are chances that the patient loses consciousness for a few hours.
Other signs of a moderate TBI
• Cognitive and behavioral impairments
• Disorientation
• Confusion
In a severe TBI, the motorcyclist may either die or slip into a coma lasting days or longer.
How to prevent TBI in motorcycle accidents?
As we have read above, how serious traumatic brain injuries are–– wearing a helmet is the only solution to reduce the risk of a head injury. According to reports, helmeted motorcyclists have higher chances of survival as compared to non-helmeted motorcyclists.
Spinal cord injuries
According to aicaorthopedics.com, spinal cord injury is one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries resulting from a collision. The worst part is that it can result in paralysis. This type of catastrophic injury could ruin one’s life as it usually causes permanent disability.
Internal injuries
Internal bleeding occurs due to the damage of internal organs, caused by blunt-force trauma or penetration trauma (when a broken glass or debris or something sharp penetrates the skin in a crash).
Broken Bones
Broken bones can result from accidents involving motorcycles where riders are thrown to the pavement most of the time. Crashes happen quickly, results in broken arms, wrists, legs, hips, legs or feet being the most common injuries in this case.
Neck injuries
Neck injuries (or whiplash) are often associated with motorcycle and car accidents. These injuries can range from mild to severe, resulting in broken collar bones or permanent paralysis or death.
Road rash
Road rash occurs when a rider makes contact with the road surface which results in serious skin abrasions. The severity of road rash injury can range from mild to severe and requires prompt medical attention. If not treated on time, it could give rise to serious infections and permanent scarring.
Emotional trauma
Emotional trauma (PTSD) is one of the worst injuries from an accident. The physical injuries are treatable, but a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can haunt the victim for long-term––for years after a motorcycle crash.
Symptoms of PTSD are as follows:
- Flashbacks to the traumatic event
- Frightening and distressing thoughts
- Attempting to block thoughts relating to the accident
- Bad dreams or difficulty sleeping
- Avoiding to visit places of an accident
- Aggressive behavior–uncontrolled anger
- Impaired memory
- Excessive drinking
- Inability to focus at work
- Being easily startled
- Avoiding friends and social activities
- Other self-destructive behaviors
Some of the above-mentioned symptoms are normal following a crash, as they usually go away after a few days. However, many other symptoms could least a month or years after an accident. If this is the case, you should seek a medical consultation to treat PTSD.
Steps to Follow After Motorcycle Accident
Now, if you’re dealing with injuries as a result of motorcycle crash this is what you should do:
Seek orthopedic chiropractic help immediately
Both orthopedic and chiropractor physicians focus on the human bones, joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and nerves (the overall musculoskeletal system). The difference between the two is that chiropractors rely solely on non-surgical tools. In contrast, orthopedic doctors utilize prescription medications, diagnostic and surgical equipment to heal a person’s pain and illness.
For broken bones, it is advisable to visit an orthopedist. And if you feel you would recover from natural or non-invasive treatment, visit the best chiropractor in town. Do not delay to treat your motorcycle accident injury because your health is of the utmost importance.
Other steps include:
- Take pictures of the accident. Most cell phones have a camera now, so taking pictures shouldn’t be too complicated at this time.
- Get a police report, if possible.
- Get insurance information. Collect other driver details and other parties involved.
- Contact your insurance company immediately. Even if you have no-fault or didn’t cause the accident, you should still contact your insurance company.
- Lastly, take deep breaths. Motorcycles are replaceable, but you are not.
Essential Protective Gear for Motorcyclists
Safety gears can significantly reduce the chances of injuries but cannot ensure a motorcyclist’s safety on the road by 100 % percent. And when worn as per the given instructions, it can save the rider life.
- Elbow and Knee Pads
- Thick Leather Pants and Jackets
- Well-Cushioned Chest Protectors
- Solid, Good-Fitting Helmets
- Protective Neck Collars
- Plastic or Heavy Leather Boots
- Leather Gloves
- Hip and Back Armor
- Last but not least, wear a helmet to protect the most vulnerable part of your body.
Last words
If you find yourself or any of your family members coping with pain due to motorcycle accident injury, do not delay contacting the best Orthopedics today. They will provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan that might help you recover soon.
Motorcycle accidents can lead to some of the most severe injuries, so it’s incredibly important to get medical help immediately, no matter how good you feel. When you’ve gotten the proper medical treatment, be sure to contact the experienced team of lawyers at Marks & Harrison ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Thank you for reading!
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