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Any motor vehicle accident can cause some of the worst damages. However, motorcyclists are often at risk of some of the worst injuries for numerous reasons. If you are a motorcyclist, you should recognize the most significant dangers on the road and why it’s so vital to stay as safe as possible.
At The Gatti Law Firm, we work to help those who suffer severe injuries in motorcycle accidents. Below, we will explain the following:
- Why motorcyclists are vulnerable to severe harm
- Common motorcycle accident injuries
- Ways to stay as safe as possible
Why Motorcyclists Are Vulnerable to Severe Harm
If you have ever been in a car accident, you know the impact and what to expect. You crash, airbags deploy, seat belts lock and hold you secure, and there’s the sound of loud, crunching metal. In a motorcycle accident, many of these elements are missing. A motorcyclist’s only protection is their gear, such as gloves, a helmet, and special clothing.
When a motorcyclist crashes, they’re more susceptible to ejection. The crash impact can toss the motorcyclist from their bike and onto the concrete. The result is often severe or catastrophic injuries, impacting the victim’s entire life. With far less protection than a driver in a passenger vehicle, the motorcyclist often gets the worst of any collision.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
When a motorcycle accident occurs, it’s common for those riding the bike to suffer some of the worst injuries possible. The way a motorcyclist lands can dictate where the injury occurs and how severe it is. Here are some of the more common injuries that a motorcyclist can sustain following an accident:
- Brain injuries: Even with the use of a helmet, a motorcyclist can suffer a traumatic brain injury. When the brain rattles within the skull, it can cause a concussion. The more severe the impact, the more severe the damages.
- Spine injuries: Motorcyclists can eject from a motorcycle after impact, potentially landing on their back or neck. This can cause an injury to the spine itself or the spinal cord, leading to paralysis.
- Burn injuries: Burn injuries happen in motorcycle accidents in more than one way. For instance, one person may suffer a burn if the bike falls on their leg after an accident and it touches a scorching part of the bike. A burn can also be road rash, which is actually a friction burn.
These injuries are catastrophic because of the lifelong impact they have.
Ways to Stay As Safe As Possible
As a motorcyclist, you can take certain steps to stay as safe as possible. The actions and precautions you take can help you avoid a severe accident. Below, we will give you some tips to utilize on your motorcycle to prevent yourself from experiencing a severe crash.
- Ride the speed limit and watch to ensure other drivers are doing the same.
- Don’t split lanes because not all drivers check their blind spots.
- Be cautious at stoplights. Left turns are some of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists.
- Wear bright clothing so that drivers can see you when riding at night.
- Make sure you use safety gear and follow all traffic laws.
While you can take steps to increase your chances of a safe ride, you can’t guarantee that an accident won’t occur. When someone else is negligent and causes you to suffer an injury, our Oregon motorcycle accident lawyers will be there for you. Trust that The Gatti Law Firm will be in your corner every step of the way to safeguard your rights and help you pursue maximum compensation.
Call our firm today at (503) 543-1114 for your free consultation.