The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Milwaukee, WI

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In 2018, 82,000 motorcyclists were injured on the road. That’s about 944 injuries for every 100,000 riders.

If you are gearing up to hop on your motorcycle, it’s important to take precautions in order to stay safe. By understanding the risks of riding and how to prevent injuries, you can keep not only yourself but all other riders on Milwaukee roads safe.

What are the most common motorcycle accident injuries? Keep reading to find out what you need to know.

Spinal Cord Motorcycle Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are severe and can result in permanent paralysis. And unfortunately for riders, they are one of the most common motorcycle injuries.

During a collision, a motorcyclist experiences a traumatic blow to the spine. The force breaks the vertebrae and tears the bones. While some spinal cord injuries can heal, most result in paralysis.

The type of paralysis that occurs depends on what area of the spinal cord was impacted. Quadriplegia, paralysis of the arms and legs, stems from neck trauma. Paraplegia, paralysis of the legs, is the result of blunt trauma to the lower back.

Head Trauma

Motorcycle fatalities occur 26 times more often than passenger car fatalities. This is largely due to the high risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during a motorcycle crash.

Riders thrown from their motorcycles can hit their heads on concrete or other vehicles. The force can cause a concussion, cracked skull, or TBI. Concussions range from mild to severe, but the brain damage can be fatal.

To prevent a critical motorcycle accident, it is recommended to wear a helmet even if it is not required by Wisconsin law. Motorcycle helmets are 67% effective in reducing TBIs. Riders without helmets are three times more likely to experience severe head trauma than cyclists who do wear them.

Fractured Extremities

Many first-time riders can injure themselves in a motorcycle accident simply because their bike falls on their body.

If a motorcycle is not properly secured and stable, it can have the potential to fall. The motorcycle can crush anything in its way, including a rider’s arm, wrist, or leg.

The blunt force from the motorcycle can cause broken bones or fractures. Many cyclists experience complete or partial fractures during an accident. Both types of injuries require medical attention and lead to wearing a cast or brace around the fractured body part.

Road Rash

Vehicle drivers may experience road rage, but motorcyclists deal with road rash.

When riders get thrown from their bikes, they usually slide across the pavement or gravel. The scratches and injuries left behind are known as road rash.

Road rash most commonly occurs on the:

  • Face
  • Knees
  • Lower legs
  • Palms
  • Shoulders
  • Thighs

Most road rash is treatable. Bikers must clean their wounds immediately and apply antibacterial creams (like Neosporin) to the infected areas. Riders should seek medical attention if they experience deep cuts or excessive bleeding.

Are You Suffering From A Motorcycle Accident Injury? We Can Help.

Motorcycle accident injuries are common but there are ways to prevent risks and take measures to protect yourself on the road.

Looking for compensation after a motorcycle accident? Milwaukee’s top motorcycle accident lawyers are just a phone call away.

Call (414) 409-0114 to learn more about how our experienced motorcycle attorneys can help you.

Get in touch with us today to get started with your FREE case review. We’re only a call, click, or short drive away.