Are you a biker? Many motorcyclists in Kentucky and across the country spent the summer enjoying the excitement and feeling of freedom as they took to the open roads. Sadly, a significant number of them became motorcycle accident victims. Are you one of them?
Unfortunately, not all vehicle operators enjoy sharing the roads with bikers, and in accidents involving motorcycles and cars or trucks, the motorcyclists are typically worse off. The fact that motorcyclists have only their helmets and leather riding suits to protect them makes them a whole lot more vulnerable than occupants in vehicles with various features to keep them safe.
Common motorcycle accident injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says bikers need better coordination and more skill than vehicle operators. The agency further reports that eight in every 10 motorcycle crashes cause severe injuries and death. Some injuries are typically associated with car vs. bike accidents.
Head injuries
Safety authorities say the primary cause of disability and death in motorcycle accidents is head injuries. Take note of the following facts regarding head injuries:
- Wearing a helmet can prevent skull fractures and penetration injuries to your head.
- A helmet can reduce your chances of suffering fatal head injuries by up to 35%.
- Unfortunately, there is nothing to stop your brain from smashing into the inner walls of your skull.
- Traumatic brain injuries come in varying degrees, most of which can adversely affect your personal and professional life.
Road rash
Because there is nothing to encase you and no seat belts or airbags to protect you, chances of making contact with the road surfaces are high. Even with your leather riding suit and protective gloves, road rash can occur in the following degrees:
- First-degree road rash occurs when your skin remains intact but appears red.
- Second-degree road rash causes damage to the outer skin layer without damaging any of the inner skin layers.
- Third-degree road rash could leave you in a critical condition and in need of urgent medical care. This involves injuries that damage the outer and inner skin layers, exposing the underlying fat and tissue layers.
Bone fractures
According to the Center for Neuro Skills, the most frequently suffered motorcycle injuries are fractured legs. However, the following fractures are also prevalent:
- With only two wheels, a motorcycle can fall over in the blink of an eye, and more often than not, it falls onto the rider’s leg.
- Because of the natural instinct to break a fall by using your hands, arm and wrist fractures are common.
- Pelvis and shoulder fractures are other common motorcycle crash injuries.
Your legal rights
Did the negligence of another driver leave you suffering financial and physical consequences, spoiling your plans for the holidays and beyond? If the prospect of navigating a lawsuit seems daunting, you might find comfort in learning that an experienced personal injury attorney in Kentucky can provide invaluable support and guidance.
A lawyer can advocate for you throughout ensuing legal proceedings if you file a civil lawsuit to recover damages. If your injuries caused ongoing health problems that compromise your ability to earn an income, the attorney could work to obtain recovery of current and future financial and emotional damages.