Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 584 motorcycle riders and 37 motorcycle passengers were killed in accidents in our state in 2021. An additional 6,786 motorcycle drivers and 611 passengers were injured in the same year.

Under Florida law, a seriously injured accident victim may obtain monetary compensation for the payment of all medical bills and costs, including those that will occur over the course of a lifetime as a result of the accident. A victim may also be compensated for the pain and suffering and emotional distress that arise from an injury and for lost wages if the injury causes  absences from work.

Because of rules that govern how compensation is determined in motorcycle wrecks, the severity of the injury plays a major role in determining the amount of monetary damages an accident victim will be entitled to recover.

At Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, we focus on representing those injured in motorcycle accidents in South Florida and throughout the Treasure Coast. We are dedicated to seeking maximum compensation for our clients. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with us today by calling 1-800-299-8878  or filling out our online form.

Determining Your Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injury to the person driving the motorcycle and to any passengers. This is because the bike provides no protection from the impact of a crash. It is also very common for riders to be thrown off of the motorcycle when a wreck occurs. Tragically, the injuries that are sustained result not only in lifelong impairment, but also, in many cases, are fatal.

According to an eight-year study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common injuries suffered in US motorcycle crashes are:

• Leg and foot injuries — Broken bones and other injuries to the lower extremities accounted for 30 percent of all non-fatal motorcycle emergency visits. In particular, the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones) are vulnerable to fractures.
  
• Head and neck injuries — Traumatic brain injuries, neck strains, and other above-the-shoulder injuries made up 22 percent of motorcycle-related emergencies.
• Chest, shoulder, and back injuries — These upper-trunk injuries include trauma, lacerations (wounds), soft-tissue damage, nerve damage, and more. The spinal cord is a particularly vulnerable spot, especially if the motorcycle rider is thrown from the bike. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis or quadriplegia.
• Hip and pelvis injuries — Though hip and pelvic bones are quite strong, they can also suffer a fracture especially if the motorcyclist is not wearing a protective riding suit.

Other injuries from motorcycle accidents include facial injuries, severe road rash (skin abrasions), and arm and wrist injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasizes that motorcycle helmets can be lifesaving, and have saved the lives of more than 25,000 motorists between 2002 and 2017.

Regardless of helmet use, you may be able to file a motorcycle accident claim if the crash resulted from someone else’s negligence.

Take Legal Action If You Have Suffered Injury in a Florida Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accident injuries are expensive to treat. In some cases, you may not recover from the harm that you have suffered. You should not be responsible for the costs of these serious injuries if someone else was to blame for your accident. Although Florida’s no-fault laws limit your recovery to your own insurer for minor injuries, those who suffer serious harm can obtain compensation for medical bills and other losses, including pain and suffering and emotional distress.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident and someone else was to blame, including the driver of the motorcycle that you were a passenger on, you should contact an experienced Florida motorcycle accident lawyer right away.

At Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, we have extensive experience representing clients in South Florida and the Treasure Coast and have offices in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Okeechobee, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach. We are not afraid to take on serious injury claims. We will seek compensation you deserve based on the extent of your injuries. Simply give us a call at 1-800-299-8878  or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

• Florida Traffic Crash Facts, 2021, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
• What Body Parts Will You Most Likely Injure in a Motorcycle Crash?, Ride Apart
• Motorcycle Helmets, National Safety Council