Motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy riding for many reasons, not the least of which is the undeniable appeal of having the wind in your face on the open road on a warm spring day. Nevertheless, traveling on a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than driving or riding in a car, not only because motorcyclists lack the protection of an automobile chassis, but also because many car and truck drivers pay little attention to motorcycles.
Even collisions that would be fairly minor if they occur between two cars can cause serious injuries when one of the involved vehicles is a motorcycle. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, injuries to the head, neck and lower extremities account for more than half of all motorcycle injuries. Typical motorcycle injuries, some of which can be permanent or even fatal, include the following:
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Fractures and other injuries to the neck or spine
- Friction burns and abrasions from contact with the road surface
- Orthopedic injuries to knees and hips
- Partial or total amputation of lower extremities
Many accidents and injuries are beyond the rider’s control, but you can decrease the likelihood of an accident by maintaining the lights and reflectors on your bike and minimize your injuries if a crash does occur by wearing a helmet, goggles and protective clothing.
Caution is the best protection for bikers sharing the road with motorists who do not always acknowledge their presence or respect their rights. As experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, we at Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC understand the frequent causes of motorcycle accidents and know how to identify the facts and obtain the evidence necessary to support your case.
