Riding a motorcycle is freeing for many West Virginia residents. However, riders face higher risks of accidents resulting in serious injuries and sadly, even death. These are some of the most common ones.
Road rash
Road rash is one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries. It’s a skin abrasion that occurs when a rider goes flying and slides over the ground. Road rash can vary in severity depending on the level of impact and the conditions on the ground. In some cases, it causes lacerations serious to require surgery.
Bone fractures
Motorcyclists face bone fractures when they get into accidents and fall off their bikes. Among the most common of these injuries are a broken femur, broken arm or even a broken pelvis. Sometimes, an individual can suffer a simple fracture, but many of these injuries are compound fractures in which a bone lodges out of place and pierces the skin.
Traumatic brain injuries
Another common motorcycle accident injury is traumatic brain injury (TBI). These are some of the most serious; many riders can avoid TBIs by wearing a well-fitted helmet. It can make all the difference between being left with a permanent, disabling injury and remaining healthy.
Spinal injuries
Spinal injuries, especially those involving the thoracic spine, are common in motorcycle accidents. Depending on the injury’s severity, a rider can be left with chronic pain or paralysis; in some cases, these injuries can be fatal.
Hand and wrist injuries
Often, when a motorcyclist is at risk of a crash, they’ll put their hand out to brace themselves. This can lead to hand and wrist injuries such as sprains, strains or even nerve damage if the motorcycle lands on top of the limb.
Wearing the right riding gear and using defensive riding can keep you safer. It can also help you enjoy riding your motorcycle even more.
