Although only a few things beat the freedom of riding a motorbike, It’s hard to deny that motorcycles are one of the most dangerous modes of transportation out there. Since they offer very little protection to the rider, it’s not surprising why San Antonio sees so many accidents involving motorcycles. If you’re lucky enough to walk away from a motorcycle collision only with injuries, you then have to face the task of recovery, which can take weeks—even months—depending on your condition.
In this article, we discuss the most common injuries faced by motorcycle riders in San Antonio.
Bone Fractures
Because motorcycles leave little in the way of protection, it’s common for riders to have fractures and even broken bones during a collision. Although fractures are rarely life threatening, they can be painful and may necessitate immediate surgery. These parts of the body are especially vulnerable to fractures during motorcycle crashes:
- Lower and upper limbs
- Pelvis
- Skull
It’s also interesting to note that while the majority of fractures to the skull, arms, and legs are caused by blunt force trauma resulting from contact with another motor vehicle, 9 percent of fractures in the pelvis result from the bike crushing the rider. These types of injuries are especially problematic, as they can damage the organs in the abdomen, potentially causing death.
Brain Traumas
If you’ve ever questioned the value of a helmet, you should know that a 2004 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that wearing a helmet while driving a motorcycle is at least 67 percent effective in protecting you from severe brain injury. On the other hand, motorcycle riders who don’t wear a helmet are at least 40 percent more likely to suffer from fatal brain injuries during a collision.
Given the sensitivity of the brain, any injury to it can lead to severe health consequences, ranging from paralysis, loss of motor control, coma, and even complete loss of brain activity. This is precisely why motorcyclists are encouraged to wear helmets certified by the United States Department of Transportation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The Mayo Clinic reports that motor accidents are the cause behind more than 40 percent of yearly spinal cord injuries. Depending on which part of the spine is injured, you may experience anything from difficulty breathing, lower body paralysis, a loss of sensation, and incontinence among others. In severe cases, a spinal cord injury can lead to permanent paralysis. Fortunately, breakthroughs in physical therapy and rehabilitation have helped thousands of patients to fully recover and return to their daily lives.
When Should you Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in San Antonio?
If you’re getting treatment for your injuries after going through a motorcycle accident in San Antonio caused by another driver, it’s important to know what your legal options are for getting the compensation you deserve. Contact the legal team at Barrus Injury Lawyers, and get your free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at (210) 593-8709 to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in San Antonio.