Phoenix is one of the busiest cities in Arizona, with heavy traffic, fast highways, and an increasing number of vehicles on the road. Unlike in a car, where you’re surrounded by metal, airbags, and seatbelts, on a motorcycle, you’re exposed.
Despite Arizona’s helmet laws, which allow riders over 18 to decide whether to wear one, the reality is that those who choose to ride without helmets face a significantly higher risk of catastrophic injury.
Even with full protective gear, the force of a collision or a slide across the asphalt can result in life-altering injuries. However, victims who made an extra effort to wear protective gear have a higher chance of getting good compensation if they work with a Phoenix, AZ, motorcycle accident lawyer.
Here are the four most common types of injuries that motorcycle accident victims suffer:
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1. Head and Facial Injuries
One of the most devastating injuries in motorcycle accidents involves the head and face. Since there’s no protective frame around a rider, the force of impact can cause serious damage, even if a helmet is worn.
Common head and facial injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when the brain collides with the inside of the skull due to sudden impact. Even if there’s no visible wound, the brain can swell, bleed, or suffer nerve damage. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe injuries that cause permanent disability or death.
Motorcyclists are about eight times more likely to suffer a TBI compared to car passengers. Helmets significantly reduce the risk, but they don’t eliminate it completely.
Facial Fractures and Dental Trauma
The face is also at high risk in motorcycle crashes. Riders often suffer broken cheekbones, jaw fractures, and shattered noses. Since the face absorbs much of the impact, surgeries and reconstructive procedures are often required.
Dental trauma, such as broken or knocked-out teeth, is another painful consequence that can lead to expensive dental surgeries.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body in a motorcycle accident. A direct hit or sudden twisting motion can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
Cervical Spine Injuries
The cervical spine supports the head and neck, making it a crucial part of the body. Injuries in this area can cause anything from chronic neck pain to full-body paralysis. Many victims with cervical spine injuries require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Lower and Upper Back Injuries
The lower back is another common site for motorcycle-related spinal injuries. Riders may suffer herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or pinched nerves, leading to chronic pain, numbness, and mobility issues. Depending on the severity, treatments range from physical therapy to surgery.
3. Extremity Injuries
Motorcycle crashes frequently cause injuries to the arms and legs, as riders are either thrown off the bike or pinned under it. Here are the two grades of extremity injuries:
Upper Extremity Injuries
When a rider falls, their arms and shoulders are often the first to absorb the impact. This can result in broken bones, shoulder dislocations, and nerve damage. In some cases, severe road rash can lead to infections and require skin grafts.
Lower Extremity Injuries
Leg injuries are especially common, as riders often land hard on their knees, ankles, or thighs. Some of the most severe lower extremity injuries include:
- Thigh bone fractures
- Knee and ankle dislocations
- Amputations
Recovery can be long and painful, often requiring multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and the use of braces or crutches.
4. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries as the name implies, are injuries that occur within the body. These types are typically more dangerous as they can cause fatal damage if left untreated, which they often are. Here are the types:
Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
Blunt force trauma can cause serious internal damage, including ruptured organs like the liver or spleen. Internal bleeding is especially dangerous because it can go unnoticed until symptoms become severe.
Chest Injuries
The force of impact can cause broken ribs, collapsed lungs, or even damage to the heart muscle. Victims with these injuries often experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, and other complications that require emergency medical care.
Conclusion
The road is unpredictable, especially in Phoenix, and even the most skilled riders can find themselves in a dangerous situation. If you have been in an accident, seek medical care as soon as possible, with no exceptions. After that, you can hire a lawyer to help you fight legally.