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Broken bones are usually the furthest things from your mind as you tear downhill on your dirt bike. Unfortunately, recreational motorcycle accidents are far too common, and can be life-threatening.
Los Angeles Chief of Police Charlie Beck learned this lesson last week when he crashed his dirt bike on a rocky Tehachapi Mountain trail. Beck, a long-time competitive dirt bike rider, broke his pelvis in the accident, but was able to ride his bike back to his truck and was able to be transported for emergency care.
What are the top motorcycle injuries?
Motorcycle accidents can cause extensive injuries due to the lack of protection that regular automobiles provide. When high speeds and alcohol are involved, things only get worse. Here are the top ___ injuries from motorcycle accidents.
Head Injuries
While helmets definitely do their part to keep riders’ safe, head injuries and traumatic brain injuries can still result from severe motorcycle accidents. Head injuries can range in severity from a mild concussion to an acute coma. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Helmets reduce the likelihood of death in a motorcycle crash by 37% and the risk of head injury by 69%.
Neck Injuries
Motorcycle accidents, especially those involving high speeds, can cause neck injuries to riders and passengers. The CDC estimates that 22% of all motorcycle accident injuries result in head/neck injuries. These neck injuries can range from mild to moderate soft-tissue injuries to rendering a person a quadriplegic.
Trunk Injuries
The most common motorcycle injuries occur on the trunk, causing broken bones, lacerations, bruising, internal organ damage and road rash. Spinal injuries are also common.
Extremity Injuries
Leg and foot injuries make up about 33% of all motorcycle injuries. Like trunk injuries, riders can suffer from road rash, broken bones, amputations, lacerations and bruising.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is critical to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The law firm of J&Y fights for the rights of motorcycle injury victims in Los Angeles, San Diego, and throughout the State of California. Contact us today for a free consultation at 888.806.6722.