Many people in Florida consider motorcycle riding the riskiest form of transportation. Cars far outnumber motorcycles, and motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable when they are involved in accidents. Statistics on motor vehicle accidents have shown that motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to be killed in an accident than a car passenger.
When motorcycle accidents aren’t fatal, they can still result in devastating injuries. Here are some of the most common motorcycle crash injuries:
Road rash
Many motorcycle accidents cause an injury called road rash due to the direct contact that is made with the pavement. Road rash is one of the main reasons why protective leather riding gear is so important for bikers. This injury happens when a motorcyclist slides across the pavement after being ejected from the bike.
Arm and leg injuries
There is no seat belt on a motorcycle, so bikers often sustain severe injuries to their extremities when they are thrown off of their bike. Broken bones, injured nerves and serious cuts to the arms and legs are common.
Head and neck injuries
Some of the most devastating and most common motorcycle injuries are to the head and neck. These include concussions, which could lead to permanent brain damage. Your neck and the upper part of your spine can also sustain a severe injury in a motorcycle accident. Fractures to the skull are another common injury after an impact with the ground. All of these head and neck injuries may be mitigated with a strong and well-fitted helmet.
Fault for motorcycle accidents
Despite the risks of motorcycle riding, a large percentage of motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of car drivers. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s possible that a car driver was at fault. Often, car drivers fail to look out for motorcycles and make dangerous turns into their paths.