Riding a motorcycle may be statistically as safe as riding in a car or truck. However, the injuries that result from an accident when riding a motorcycle are usually far more severe than in other vehicles. Being thrown from a motorcycle can cause serious injury or death. Since motorcycles have no seatbelts, roof, or doors to protect the rider and any passengers, rather only helmets, gloves and specialty riding clothing, motorcycle accidents may often result in ejection injuries.1 This fact alone should warn riders that care must be taken at all times. Riders without helmets are much more likely to sustain fatal injuries during accidents that result in ejection than riders that wear helmets.
If a rider attempts to stop too quickly, the bike may do a “brake dive,” and eject the driver and possibly passengers over the handlebars onto the road and the clothing they are wearing may have little effect to keep them from injury. Sudden hard braking to avoid hitting objects in the road or other vehicles may cause motorcyclists of all experience levels to be thrown from motorcycles. This can be even more common with inexperienced riders. Other scenarios that may result in a rider being thrown from a motorcycle include:
- A car or truck pulling out in front of a fast moving motorcycle
- A driver opening a door in front of a moving motorcycle
- Adverse weather conditions throwing off the balance of the motorcycle
- Potholes or debris on the road
- Uneven pavement and loose asphalt
- Being rear-ended by a bay a car or truck
Motorcycle accidents almost always result in more serious injuries and, at times, death. When riders and their passengers are thrown from a motorcycle, it is often the head and neck that bear the brunt of the impact, which can lead to life-long brain injuries and disabilities. Back and spinal cord trauma and injuries are also common, as the spine often can be compressed on impact after being thrown from a motorcycle. Really, any part of the body may be injured during a motorcycle ejection. Again, some impact to the head may be absorbed by wearing a helmet, but the rest of the rider’s body is still susceptible to significant traumas.
Common injuries that occur because of a motorcycle accident include:
- Broken bones
- Deep lacerations
- Severe foot and leg injuries
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis injuries
- Concussions
- Eye and facial injuries
If you have experienced any of these, or other injuries, because of a negligent or careless driver, your Omaha Motorcycle Accident Attorneys can assist in recovering compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
If you or a loved one injured in an accident while riding a motorcycle, and you need some legal advice, contact your Omaha Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Burnett Legal Group. If you would like to discuss your case or want more information, please contact our offices for a free confidential consultation. Please contact us on our website at www.carlsonburnett.com or at (402) 810-8611 to set up a consultation.
1From: “Ejection Injuries” from http://afteramotorcycleaccident.com/