Brasure Law Firm, PLLC

Motorcyclist
By: Chris Brasure

What are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Texas and How Can You File a Claim for Them?

Motorcycle Accidents

Over 80% of motorcycle accidents result in you sustaining some type of injury. About half of all motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles occur at intersections.

Most of the time this happens because the driver does not see you, or the motorcycle. Well over two-thirds of motorcycle crashes that do not involve other cars are due to excessive speeding.

Statistics show that about 40% of single-vehicle motorcycle fatalities, or accidents in which the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved and resulted in one or more fatalities, occur at turns and corners. So, it becomes evident that you practice riding a motorcycle cautiously while performing routine maneuvers, especially at high speeds. It is also vital that you drive your bike defensively and always assume that cars can’t see you when you are on your bike.

Regardless of safety equipment or how safely you drive, most motorcycle accidents result in many kinds of injuries, from mild to extremely severe.

The Top Five Most Common Motorcycle Accidents in Texas.

The top 5 most common motorcycle injuries are:

  1. Injuries to your legs – During motorcycle accidents, it is not uncommon to sustain injuries to your lower extremities including your knees, calves, ankles, and feet. Most of these injuries are not fatal, however, without proper care, they can turn into injuries that are disabling long-term.
  2. Road Rash – Road rash is probably one of the main injuries that come to mind when you think of motorcycle accidents. These injuries occur due to you sliding across the pavement after being flung off your motorcycle. Also, it can be a much more severe injury than a simple scrape or bruise as the force with which you hit and scrape the pavement may cause multiple layers of your skin to be peeled away, possibly exposing muscles underneath.
  3. Injury to your arms – “Biker’s Arm” is a condition that happens when you are thrown off your bike immediately upon impact. In a car, most passengers wear their seatbelts for protection, so when they are impacted the force is retained. Because of the human instinct to protect yourself during a fall to minimize the impact, the arms are affected by the sheer force of the impact leading to damage to the bones and nerves in the hands and arms that may be permanent.
  4. Muscle damage – Muscle damage can occur anywhere on your body and can be permanent leading to life-long paralysis. Your best protection is to wear a helmet, earplugs, and layers of sturdy clothing. A leather jacket designed for motorcycle riding is especially important to protect the layers of your skin underneath.
  5. Head & neck injuries – Head and neck injuries such as concussions and fractures of the skull are by far the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. Your head holds your brain which is the most powerful organ in all your body, and the heaviest. It must be always protected when riding a motorcycle as helmets drastically reduce the severity of any injuries acquired.

It is true that some motorcycle accidents can cause relatively minor injuries. More often than not, however, many are serious, and some can be life changing. By consulting with an Edinburg or McAllen motorcycle accident lawyer, you can be sure you get the help and funds you need for medical treatment, lost wages, etc. so that you will have the best recovery possible.

It’s Important to Note, That Motorcycle Injuries Can Be Deceiving, So Take Nothing for Granted!

Many motorcycle accidents can result in you having limb amputations, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries which are all life-threatening and life-changing personal injuries. These types of injuries are most common if you are ejected from the motorcycle during the accident. Pain and tenderness in the neck and back may be signs of possible severe neurological damage. Not all lead to paralysis but all are dangerous and should absolutely be identified and treated immediately.

Statistics show that approximately eighty-seven percent of those who lost their lives because of a motorcycle accident were ejected from their bikes at the time of impact and suffered some sort of head injury. Head trauma is the leading cause of death for motorcyclists involved in accidents. Ten percent of those who suffer Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) have trouble living independent lives. A TBI is caused by a severe blow to the head, resulting in a possible skull fracture leading to neurological complications by interfering with signals between the brain and spine.

Your Edinburg or McAllen motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to assisting motorcycle drivers, passengers and their families cope with the consequences resulting from your motorcycle vehicle accidents. They are committed to your safety, dealing with the stress of these accidents and their possibly enormous costs. Consult with them as soon as possible, so your recovery can get on track immediately.

How Can I File Suit for My Motorcycle Accident in Texas?

Even if you seemingly have minor injuries, it is worth it to get a lawyer after suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident. Even seemingly minor injuries can cause lifelong struggles and complications and a motorcycle accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash that was caused by another negligent driver, rider, or outside situation you certainly have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Medical costs, loss of wages, physical impairment and more can cause your entire life to change and possibly never be quite the same.

These cases are complex though, and by consulting with a motorcycle accident personal injury law group, you can be sure you are represented competently and get the funds you need.

I Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident That Was Not my Fault, What Should I Do First?

First and foremost, get the immediate medical attention you need! That is your first concern but then consult with the Brasure Law Firm PLLC. They have been successfully helping motorcycle accident victims and their families in Edinburg and McAllen Texas for more than a decade. Consulting with them will help you get what you need for your recovery and beyond.

By Brasure Law Firm, PLLC