May 13, 2024
Motorcycle Accident

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.

Common Motorcyclist Injuries

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 TypeDescription and SymptomsTreatment OptionsLong-Term Implications
Head InjuriesThese 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 therapyPotential for long-term cognitive effects, memory issues, or permanent brain damage
Road RashThis 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 casesScarring and risk of infection
FracturesThis 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 recoveryPossible joint problems, arthritis, and limited mobility depending on the fracture site
Spinal Cord InjuriesThese 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 therapyParalysis (partial or complete), long-term disability, dependence on assistive devices
Soft Tissue InjuriesThese 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 medicationChronic pain, weakness, decreased flexibility or function in the affected area
Biker’s ArmThis 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 damagePermanent nerve damage, reduced arm function, muscle atrophy
Crush InjuriesThis 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 therapyLong-term mobility issues, potential for prosthetic use in case of amputation

Motorcycle Injury Prevention Tips

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.

  • Wear a Helmet: According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of a head injury by 69%. Among those who suffer head injuries, wearing a helmet helps reduce their severity for better health outcomes.
  • Wear Safety Gear: Motorcycle-appropriate clothing and body armor are made of materials designed to reduce the risk of injury in a crash, like Kevlar and Gore-Tex. Wear a kit that covers your entire body for maximum protection, including a long-sleeved riding jacket, full pants, motorcycle boots, and gloves.
  • Practice Defensive Riding: Vigilance, attention, and defensive riding can save your life and prevent a collision with another vehicle. To stay safe, train in defensive techniques like maintaining a safe following distance, regularly scanning the environment, and anticipating the actions of other drivers.

The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers Stands With Alabama Riders

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.

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