For a long time, EMTs and medical personnel have referred to motorcycles by a particularly grim nickname—donorcycles. It’s blunt, but it gets the point across: if you get into a motorcycle accident, you better hope you’re lucky enough to make it out alive and intact.
But if you ride, you know that no amount of warning can stop you from seeking the thrill of the open road. As the weather starts to warm up, you are probably itching to get out there (if you aren’t one of those year-round bikers).
Stay safe out there with these tips for avoiding four types of serious motorcycle injuries.
Head Injuries
A head injury is perhaps the most serious injury you can suffer in a motorcycle accident. In a car, even if you do not have your seatbelt on during an accident, you still have the airbags. The structure of the vehicle may also keep you from being thrown onto the ground.
On a motorcycle, you have none of this protection. The most obvious way to protect yourself is to wear a helmet every time you ride. Under Florida Statute 316.211, you can ride without a helmet if you are over the age of 21 and have at least $10,000 in medical coverage for injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash. All the same, you shouldn’t take the risk.
Biker’s Arm
Many riders think that in certain situations, they may need to lay down their bike in a motorcycle accident to avoid serious injury. However, this is bad biking form—instead of trying to avoid an obstacle by purposefully putting the bike on its side and sliding painfully to a halt, riders should rely on their braking and swerving technique. Unfortunately, people still do it, and it often results in an injury called biker’s arm.
Biker’s arm, also known as rider’s arm, happens when the upper arm becomes trapped between the bike and the pavement, resulting in nerve damage, loss of movement, pain, and other symptoms. I know: ouch. To avoid this injury, don’t practice this dangerous riding technique.
Neck Injuries
Whiplash can occur on a motorcycle just like it can in a car. If someone rear-ends you, the impact can cause your head to snap back. In a worst-case scenario, the motorcycle accident could leave you with a traumatic brain injury (if you are not wearing a helmet) and a spinal cord injury.
Protect yourself by always wearing a helmet (we can’t stress this enough!) and by wearing brightly colored clothing so other motorists can see you.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries in a motorcycle accident, such as internal bleeding and organ damage, are just as serious trauma that is visible on the body. In fact, it could be more severe if doctors do not catch it in time. This type of injury usually occurs when a rider crashes into an object or another vehicle at high speeds.
You can avoid internal injuries by maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and staying alert for any debris in the road.
In a Motorcycle Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault?
Unfortunately, you can’t always avoid an injury. If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Are you ready to pursue your case? Contact us today and set up an appointment to speak to an attorney. Call us at (888) 450-4909 or write to us at [email protected].
