Motorcycle accidents regularly lead to severe and life-altering injuries due to riders’ exposure to the full force of a collision. Unlike enclosed vehicles, motorcycles don’t protect riders from road hazards. And because of their small size, inattentive motorists often overlook them until it’s too late. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries, as well as your legal rights if you suffer them due to another party’s negligence.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle injuries are often severe or even fatal due to the size and weight disparity between motorcycles and the cars and trucks that strike them. Riders can also suffer secondary injuries from hitting or sliding on the pavement after the initial impact with another vehicle. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Head and Brain Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are head injuries that can occur even if you’re wearing a helmet. They happen when the brain strikes the inside of the skull after a blow to the head. Symptoms can include loss of consciousness, nausea, memory loss, and long-term physical and cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Serious accidents can shift spinal discs, damaging the spinal cord that runs through them. A spinal cord injury can require years of physical therapy and may result in permanent paralysis.
- Bone Fractures – Fractured and broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, are common in motorcycle accidents. These injuries often occur as riders attempt to brace before hitting the ground.
- Road Rash – This type of injury happens when a rider’s skin scrapes against the pavement after a crash. Road rash injuries can range from mild to severe, with more serious injuries requiring skin grafts and increasing the risk of infection.
- Internal Injuries – The force of the initial impact or the impact on the ground can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. These injuries are particularly dangerous because symptoms may not immediately appear, leading riders to believe they’re unharmed.
Riding Gear to Minimize Injuries
One of the best ways to protect yourself from serious injury in a motorcycle accident is to wear the right gear:
- Helmet – While New Mexico law only requires helmets for riders under 18, choosing to wear one can significantly reduce your risk of death or brain injury.
- Riding Jacket and Pants – Protective clothing made from materials like leather and Kevlar can protect your body from road rash in the event of a crash.
- Gloves – Hands and fingers often suffer serious injuries when they come in contact with the road. Sturdy gloves can minimize this damage.
- Boots – Over-the-ankle boots provide vital support and protection for the feet and ankles during crashes.
- Body Armor – Back protection and chest armor can reduce the impact of spinal and rib injuries after a collision.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Santa Fe
If you were in a motorcycle accident in Santa Fe, taking the right steps after the crash can significantly improve your odds of recovering compensation. You should:
- Follow up on medical care – Stick to your treating physician’s recovery plan. Not only does this improve your chances of recovering from your injuries, but it shows insurance companies that you’re doing what you can to get better.
- Write down what happened while your memory is fresh – Document the details of the accident before they begin to fade. This record can be invaluable when you need to recall precise details for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
- Save bills and invoices – Keep a comprehensive collection of all medical bills, repair invoices, and any other expenses related to the accident. These documents serve as proof of the financial impact the accident has had on you and how much the at-fault parties owe you.
- Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney – Motorcycle accidents involve complex legal and insurance issues that can be tricky to navigate. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can gather evidence, file your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies for you.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Northern New Mexico
Contact Hunt Law Firm today for a free consultation with one of our experienced Santa Fe motorcycle accident attorneys. We look forward to doing everything we can to get you the money you deserve.