Houston Motorcycle Accident: 3 Most Common Injuries Discussed by TX Attorney
While riding a motorcycle allows you a certain amount of freedom, it offers little in the form of protection. For this reason, motorcyclists in Houstonmay experience a number of motorcycle accident injuries when involved in a collision with another vehicle, ranging from minor to serious. In fact, TX motorcycle accident attorney Steve Lee discusses the 3 most common injuries motorcyclists may face: fractures, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Fractures
Because motorcyclists are so exposed to their surroundings, fractures may occur during an accident. Although most fractures are not life threatening, they can cause intense pain and may require surgery and rehabilitation in order for you to recover fully. The body parts that are most susceptible to fractures during a motorcycle accident include:
- arms;
- legs;
- pelvis; and
- skull.
While arm, leg and skull fractures may occur from blunt force trauma from the impact of another vehicle or the road, approximately 9% of pelvic fractures are caused when a motorcyclist is crushed by his or her own bike.
Pelvis injuries also may result in damage to the internal organs, which can be very detrimental to a biker’s health, considering that these injuries are not physically seen and are often overlooked.
Brain Injuries
According to a 2004 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, motorcycle helmet usage is 67% effective in preventing serious brain injuries. In addition, motorcyclists who fail to wear a helmet are 40% more likely to sustain fatal brain injuries than those who wear them.
Brain injuries can lead to a number of debilitating conditions, such as paralysis, loss of motor functions and even coma. For this reason, motorcyclists are strongly encouraged to wear a high-quality helmet certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation every time they ride.
Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the Mayo Clinic, motorcycle and automobile accidents account for over 40% of all new spinal cord injuries each year. Depending on the location of the spinal injury, the injured party may experience breathing difficulty, paralysis of the legs and/or arms, loss of feeling, and incontinence.
In some cases, a spinal cord injury can result in permanent disability. However, with physical therapy and rehabilitation, the injured party may learn to perform daily activities and resume a normal life.
When It Is Time to Contact a TX Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you have recently been in a Houstonmotorcycle accident and sustained injuries during a collision because of the negligence of another driver, you should immediately contact an experienced lawyer to file a claim. Attorney Steve Lee is dedicated to helping clients recover damages for their injuries. For a free initial consultation, please contact our law office at 1-800-232-3711 or fill out our online contact form today.