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Motorcyclists, do you know when you are injured in an accident? The answer to this question may be no. 

The North American Spine Society says that not all injuries from a motorcycle accident are immediately evident. Directly after an accident, it is common to experience soreness and discomfort particularly in the back and neck. The spine is a long chain of bones, discs, muscles and ligaments that extends from the base of the skull to the tip of the tailbone. It is usually not possible to know the exact cause of neck or back pain immediately following an accident. Muscles and ligaments that have been strained can take weeks to heal. However, pain that lasts longer suggests a deeper injury, such as a herniated disc or whiplash. Neck and back injuries that are left untreated can result in severe nerve damage, blurred vision, memory and concentration problems, and chronic neck and back pain. 

Since motorcycles are much smaller and lighter than passenger vehicles, and riders lack the protection of a vehicle surrounding them, motorcycle riders have a higher chance of injury when in an accident with another vehicle. Balancing and maintaining control can be more difficult on two wheels. As a result, a motorcyclist is much more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash because he/she has little protection and no safety belt. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 4 percent of all injuries in the U.S. 

What are the top 3 most common motorcycle injuries? 

The top 3 most common motorcycle injuries are: 

1. Head injury, such as concussion or fractures of the skull including traumatic brain injury, is the leading cause of death and disability in motorcycle accidents, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) 

2. Broken Leg. The Center for Neuro Skills reports that a broken leg is the most common injury for hospitalized motorcycle accident victims. Because a motorcycle cannot stand upright on its own, most motorcycle accidents cause the motorcycle to fall over, and the rider’s leg remains underneath the motorcycle resulting in a broken leg. 

3. Biker’s Arm. In many motorcycle accidents, the rider may land on one or both of his or her arms, resulting in nerve damage to the brachial plexus in the upper body. The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand, according to the Mayo Clinic. The brachial plexus is injured when the nerves are stretched, compressed, or in the most serious cases, ripped apart or torn away from the spinal cord. This trauma to the brachial plexus can leave the arm without movement. 

“Following a motorcycle accident it is important to seek medical attention first; then contact our team of experienced motorcycle attorneys. We have the experience in handling motorcycle accidents should you or a loved one be injured,” said Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey. 

Ft. Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.