It’s no secret that motorcycle accidents can be extremely serious. Many of these accidents lead to life-long or even fatal injuries. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the following 6 common motorcycle accident injuries.
1. Biker’s Arm
Usually, when a motorcyclist is about to crash, he or she instinctively places his or her arms out in front in an effort to protect the rest of the body. Unfortunately, when this happens it generally causes what is known as “biker’s arm.” Since placing your arms out in front of you forces them to take the brunt of the impact, it can lead to temporary or even permanent loss of movement and/or feeling in your arms.
2. Road Rash
An extremely common motorcycle accident injury is road rash. Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist slides along the pavement or has an exposed skin that rubs against the ground. This can result in severe damage to the skin, often pulling off your skin and requiring a large number of skin grafts.
3. Neck and Facial Injuries
Despite wearing a helmet, facial injuries are common in motorcycle accidents. This can include lacerations, eye injuries, and more. Additionally, if you experience injuries to your soft tissue or skeletal areas in the neck, it can leave you with lifelong pain.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious. When you suffer a spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident, it can result in temporary or even permanent paralysis that requires the use of a wheelchair to get around.
5. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
When you experience a severe hit to your head during the crash, it can cause a TBI with swelling and even bleeding in the brain. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a motorcycle accident – especially if you hit your head. Be aware of TBI symptoms that may occur such as headaches, dilated pupils, slurred speech, convulsions, and problems with memory.
6. Emotional Distress
Even though they can be extremely serious, sometimes invisible injuries can prove even worse. A lot of people who live through a scary motorcycle accident may also end up with post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly referred to as “PTSD.” PTSD, a mental condition in which the individual may experience flashbacks, severe anxiety, and nightmares, can affect every part of your life and requires therapy and time to overcome.
Delayed Symptoms
Even if you know all of the common injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident as well as their symptoms, it’s often not enough. This is because many injuries show no noticeable symptoms for days or even weeks. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have a serious injury. For this reason it is always in your best interest to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible when you have been involved in a motorcycle accident. Your doctor may be able to identify an injury that you aren’t yet aware of and can in many instances act to save your life.
MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those in NM Who Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it can greatly impact your life. It can be difficult enough dealing with extensive injuries, but it can be even harder when you are left to pick up the pieces financially. You should never have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes.
At MPJ Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of motorcycle accidents and understand the effects that such accidents often have on just about all aspects of your life. We will always act in your best interest. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Motorcycle Accident