Motorcycles are much more dangerous than riding in a car or truck because there is less protection between the driver and the road. They also require a lot more skill to operate than a normal passenger vehicle.

The Control Factor
Did you know that approximately 80 percent of reported motorcycle accidents result in a serious injury? They can be devastating accidents that often involve immediate medical attention.
The interesting thing about motorcycle accidents is that many of them are single-vehicle crashes—roughly 40 percent according to one survey. That is, the motorcyclist loses control of the bike and crashes. This could be while turning or simply going too fast. Because it is so easy to be thrown from a bike, even seemingly small crashes can turn serious quickly.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, then you are far more likely to experience one of several types of injuries: head and neck injuries, bone fractures, and road rash.
Head and Neck Injuries
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is always encouraged. The bike itself does not provide any protection for your head, so you need to add your own. Head injuries are the most common type of injury caused by a motorcycle accident.
The Center for Disease Control reports that about 22 percent of all motorcycle injuries involve the head or neck. This can lead to concussions and serious brain damage, which can be debilitating or fatal.
Neck injuries are roughly as common as head injuries. If the head hits anything, the neck is affected as well. The neck is not as protected as the head, so it is more likely to experience serious injuries. If the neck is seriously injured, it can completely paralyze a motorcyclist.
Many motorcycle helmets are also designed to provide some neck support as well, lessening your chances of receiving a debilitating blow. Wear your helmet every time you ride!
Bone Fractures
Another common injury involves broken bones. The rider is usually thrown from the bike, and they react by trying to catch themselves. This can cause serious injuries to bones and ligaments in the hands and arms. This is often referred to as “Biker’s Arm.”
If the bike falls over, riders can be trapped beneath it, damaging their legs or arms. Broken legs are the most common injury for those hospitalized from motorcycle crashes.
In fact, roughly 30 percent of all non-fatal motorcycle injuries will affect the legs and feet. Shoulder and pelvic injuries are also fairly common.
Wear protective gear to help prevent these types of injuries, including:
- Helmets
- Padded jackets
- Heavy boots
- Padded pants
- Gloves
Wearing this safety equipment could help prevent broken bones, internal organ damage, and bleeding.
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when the motorcyclist is thrown from their bike and slides along the pavement for a short time. The concrete rubs against clothing and any exposed skin. It will tear clothing and sometimes reach the skin below.
The injury itself is a combination of cuts, scrapes, and bruising, but it is much more serious than the average minor injury. It can lead to significant problems like infections and even nerve damage.
Road rash occurs in various degrees of severity:
Severity | Symptoms |
First Degree | The surface of the skin only appears red |
Second Degree | The first layer of skin is broken, but other layers remain intact |
Third Degree | Road removes the skin, underlying tissues and fat are exposed |
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
While motorcycles are commonly involved in one-vehicle crashes, additional vehicles are involved in the other 60 percent of crashes. So, what are the most common types of motorcycle accidents?
- A car turns left in front of the motorcycle
- Motorcyclist hits the gravel on a corner
- Motorcyclist enters a corner too fast
- Car changes lanes into the motorcyclist
- Car hits the motorcyclist from behind
Have You Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, no matter what your injuries are, speak with a medical professional to be sure you are healthy. Then, if the accident happened due to the fault of another person or a bike malfunction, give us a call.
Scary Motorcycle Injuries Attorney
At the Law Firm of Hardesty, Tyde, Green, Ashton & Clifton, motorcycle accident lawyers in Jacksonville have the experience and knowledge to help you with your case. Call 904-414-4906 for a free consultation.
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What constitutes a personal injury?
The most common personal injury is an auto accident, but the broad definition encompasses any situation where a person suffers harm due to the negligence of another person or entity. Early identification of a personal injury is important to the legal process. Many serious injuries occur each year involving:
– Auto accidents
– Premises liability accidents such as injuries caused by a slip and fall
– Medical malpractice/nursing home injuries
– Wrongful death
– Work-related accidents
– Animal attacks
– Faulty or malfunctioning products (product liability)