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Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Causes
Though motorcycle accidents can be caused by any number of factors, most fall under a few categories. The following list outlines some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• The majority of motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Only 25% of motorcycle accidents are single cycle accidents.
• Alcohol is involved in around 50% of motorcycle crashes
• The most common cause of motorcycle-vehicle accidents is failure to yield to the right of way to a motorcyclist. Most of these accidents occur when a vehicle makes a turn in front of the motorcycle, crossing its path.
• Contrary to popular belief, weather, road conditions and equipment failure account for very few accidents.
• Failure to detect or see a motorcyclist in traffic is a primary cause of multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles.
• Operator error and inexperience lead to many motorcycle accidents.

Types
The types of injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident vary but follow some distinct patterns. Injuries are generally more serious than those seen in car accidents as a motorcycle offers little to no protection in a crash. The most common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident include:

• Burns (leaking fuel is very common)
• Head trauma or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Neck injury
• Back injury
• Injuries to the lower body such as fractures or breaks in the:
• -Ankle
• -Foot
• -Lower leg
• -Knee
• -Thigh
• -Pelvis
• Groin injury
• Internal injuries and internal bleeding
• Facial lacerations and fractures
• Injuries to the upper body such as fracture and breaks in the:
• -Hand
• -Wrist
• -Elbow
• -Upper arm
• -Shoulder
• -Collarbone
• -Ribs
• Eye injury
• Cuts, lacerations and bruising

Prevention
We are focusing here on prevention of injury during a motorcycle accident. Most prevention measures follow common sense practices yet many riders believe that short trips don't require protective gear or that they will not be in an accident.

The fact of the matter is that motorcycle accidents cause injury or death 80% of the time while car accidents cause injury or death only 20% of the time. Riders must protect themselves every time they ride. The following is a guide to preventing some injuries due to motorcycle accidents:

• Wear a DOT approved helmet
• Do not drink and ride
• Wear eye protection, gloves, long pants, a jacket and boots
• Ensure that all protective gear is made of an abrasion resistant material
• Wear white or brightly colored gear

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident please contact your New Hampshire personal injury lawyer at Van Dorn & Curtiss today.

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