Alabama offers some of the most unique motorcycle riding experiences in the United States, ranging from the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway to the captivating Bankhead National Forest route.
However, over 1,100 motorcyclists are injured in accidents each year in Alabama. In 2022 alone, there were 1,865 crashes involving a motorcycle in Alabama, with 1,189 injuries and 95 fatalities. Knowing the most common motorcycle accident injuries and how to prevent them can help you become a safer rider.
If you’re injured in a motorcycle crash, our Alabama motorcycle accident attorneys at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers can protect your rights and help you get financial compensation.
Depending on the circumstances and severity of the impact, riders can suffer a wide range of injuries in a motorcycle accident. Here are the seven most common and their implications.
Injury Type | Description and Symptoms | Treatment Options | Long-Term Implications |
Head Injuries | These involve trauma to the skull, brain, or scalp, ranging from a mild bump or bruise to a traumatic brain injury. Signs include headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, nausea, or vomiting. | Emergency medical attention, monitoring for brain injury, medication for symptoms, and rehabilitation therapy | Potential for long-term cognitive effects, memory issues, or permanent brain damage |
Road Rash | This is a skin abrasion or friction burn caused by contact with road surfaces during a crash. Symptoms include skin redness, swelling, or skin layers being peeled away. | Cleaning the wound, removing debris, antibiotics to prevent infection, dressing changes, skin grafts for severe cases | Scarring and risk of infection |
Fractures | This refers to the breaking of bones, which often occur in the hands, arms, and legs during a motorcycle crash. Signs include swelling, bruising, deformity of the affected area, and pain exacerbated by movement. | Immobilization with casts or splints, surgery for severe breaks, and physical therapy for recovery | Possible joint problems, arthritis, and limited mobility depending on the fracture site |
Spinal Cord Injuries | These involve damage to the spinal cord, affecting the brain’s connection with specific parts of the body. Signs include loss of movement or sensation below the injury site and pain or pressure in the back, neck, or head. | Emergency care, surgery, medication to reduce inflammation, rehabilitation, and physical therapy | Paralysis (partial or complete), long-term disability, dependence on assistive devices |
Soft Tissue Injuries | These affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain, swelling, bruising, and limited motion. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion in the affected area. | Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, pain medication | Chronic pain, weakness, decreased flexibility or function in the affected area |
Biker’s Arm | This occurs when a motorcyclist instinctively uses their arms to protect themselves during a fall, leading to nerve damage and fractures in the arms. Symptoms include numbness, weakness, pain in the arm or hand, or difficulty moving the arm. | Immobilization, pain management, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery for nerve damage | Permanent nerve damage, reduced arm function, muscle atrophy |
Crush Injuries | This refers to when part of the body is subjected to high force or pressure, often being squeezed between two heavy objects. Signs include bruising, swelling, bleeding, broken bones, numbness, or difficulty moving the affected area. | Splinting, surgical intervention for fractures, wound care for lacerations, and physical therapy | Long-term mobility issues, potential for prosthetic use in case of amputation |
The best defense against motorcycle crashes is prevention and proactive safety measures. Below are tips and recommendations to help you stay safe on the roads.
At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we advocate for the rights and safety of all motorcyclists. Our team of experienced Alabama motorcycle accident attorneys has proudly represented Alabama riders for over 25 years, ensuring they receive competent legal representation and advice after a crash.
If you were hurt or injured in a motorcycle crash, contact us for a free consultation. We can help you hold the responsible party accountable and pursue compensation to help you recover.