Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Common Injuries
Motorcycles are not as stable as cars, they’re less visible to other road users and that’s why accidents involving motorcycles are usually severe. Also, the safety features of motorcycles are inferior compared to cars hence, exposing riders to the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident.
Research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that the chances of motorcyclists surviving a traffic collision are minimal. Most of those who survive to suffer permanent injuries or disabilities and that’s why you might need to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Alaska or hire a car accident lawyer in Alaska if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Statistics
In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 4,900 accidents, a 7% increase compared to the previous year (2019). Motorcycle accidents in 2020 were around 97,000 and they accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. Also, motorcyclists had a fatality rate of 23.41 per 100 M miles traveled by vehicles while the fatality rate for motorists was 0.90.
Motorcycle accident injuries are catastrophic in most cases and any part of the body is exposed to motorcycle accident injuries. Another study conducted by the NHTSA showed that most motorcycle injuries that cause fatalities or disabilities occur when the point of impact involves the front part of a motorcycle. The common motorbike accident injuries can include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
21% of riders who do not wear helmets suffer a traumatic brain injury in the event of an accident. Also, of the riders who suffer a traumatic brain injury, only 46 percent survive.
Spine Injuries
The spinal cord can be injured following the high impact of a motorcycle crash and high impact can cause paralysis, also known as paraplegia or quadriplegia. Unfortunately, spine injury is typically catastrophic injury and can cause permanent disability if the injury is severe.
Lower-extremity Injuries
An NHTSA study showed that lower-extremity injuries are the common type of injuries sustained by riders and such injuries usually involve broken and fractured legs, and soft-tissue injuries.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries result from blunt-force trauma (a hard strike that does not break or penetrate the skin). Blunt trauma can be caused by broken glass or flying debris, which is common in accidents.
Fractures
Motorcycles are not as stable and upright as cars hence, they’re likely to fall over in the event of an accident. The rider’s leg can be trapped under the motorbike when it falls. That said, wrists and arms will likely be injured when the bike falls and the rider tries to balance themselves to break the fall.
Road Rash
Road rash injuries result from friction when the rider’s body and the road surface make contact, causing serious skin abrasion. Road rash injuries can be mild or serious injuries but they all require prompt medical attention because skin abrasions are highly susceptible to infection.
The above statistics show that motorcycle accidents are more common than we think. Fortunately, you can contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you pursue an injury claim.