If you ride a motorcycle, you’ve probably already heard the scary statistics. For example, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die and four times more likely to be injured when involved in crashes compared to occupants of passenger vehicles.

What you might not know is the exact types of injuries motorcyclists are most likely to suffer when they crash. Knowing what these injuries are could help you make smarter choices while riding, including in your choices of protective gear. So, let’s look at the most common injuries motorcyclists suffer in accidents.

1. Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of death among motorcyclists. They’re far more likely to occur when motorcyclists aren’t wearing a helmet. These injuries often result in permanent and severe disabilities to injured motorcyclists.

2. Thoracic Injuries

Thoracic injuries include both injuries to the thoracic region of the spine and to the torso, such as broken ribs or blunt chest trauma. Though these injuries happen to all types of motorcyclists, they are most common in riders over the age of 40.

3. Arm and Leg Injuries

Injuries to the upper and lower extremities (arms and legs) are extremely common in cases where injured motorcyclists are hospitalized, often for throwing out their arms or putting down their feet in an attempt to catch themselves in a fall or collision. Often, extensive medical treatment is required for the motorcyclist to have the chance of a full recovery, though it’s not uncommon for lingering effects to last for years after the injury.

4. Abdominal Trauma

Injuries to a motorcyclist’s abdominal region usually involve blunt force trauma or penetration injuries, meaning that the abdomen is struck or pierced by an object. Abdominal trauma can result in death or serious health complications because so many of these injuries are internal. That means extensive bleeding or organ damage is possible.

5. Facial Injuries

Though many helmets are equipped with face guards, facial injuries are still common among motorcyclists involved in crashes. Facial injuries can include fractures, disfigurement, or both. Even if a motorcyclist’s facial injuries heal, there’s a possibility of lifelong disfigurement, which can have an impact on mental health and happiness.

If you or someone you love has suffered any of these injuries in a crash that wasn’t your fault, you deserve compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

Anytime a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, they should seek immediate medical treatment. Even if you think your injuries aren’t severe, it’s best to see a physician to rule out anything serious.

After you’ve received medical care, you should strongly consider reaching out to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Motorcyclists are often given a raw deal by insurance companies. Insurers typically deny motorcyclists’ claims or offer them far less than they’re legally entitled to.

Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company representative at all costs. They’ll try to get you to make a statement on the record, which they’ll try to use against you. Instead, tell that representative to contact your attorney.

Let Fieger Law Fight For You

The Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers at Fieger Law have been fighting for motorcyclists for decades. We know the tricks that insurance companies use to pay less than they should, and we promise to stand up for your rights to compensation.

Fieger Law offers free consultations, so don’t hesitate to contact our team today to learn more about your legal options.