The Most Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries in Gainesville, FL

Gainesville motorcycle drivers can enjoy riding year-round in the beautiful sunshine. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to injury in a traffic collision.

Whether you prefer the busy I-75 or the leisurely Old Bellamy Road, it is important to know the most common injuries motorcycle drivers can suffer after a collision.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion occurs when the head hits another object with significant force, like the road or another vehicle, or if the skull is punctured. The brain slams into the side of the skull, leading to bruising, swelling, and bleeding. Without prompt medical attention, a severe TBI can be deadly.

Bikers who don’t wear helmets have a much higher risk of a TBI from a crash. Brain injuries cause memory loss, blackouts, confusion, and disorientation. More severe brain injuries can change a person’s life, affecting their ability for higher reasoning and speech or even causing dementia-like symptoms. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 7% of motorcyclists not wearing a helmet experience serious facial and head injuries after a crash, while about 15% of motorcyclists involved in a crash are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.

Road Rash

“Road rash” refers to the appearance of your skin after you’ve slid along the pavement. Concrete or asphalt scrapes away the top layers of the dermis, sometimes down to the muscle below. While road rash can occur anywhere, it typically affects the legs, back, and arms.

Not only is road rash painful, but it can also lead to serious complications. Removing that much skin can cause infection, and debris from the road can become embedded in your flesh. Some victims are fortunate to have road rash heal naturally, while others could require painful and lengthy skin grafts or have disfiguring scarring after the rash. 

Because road rash can easily become infected, it’s critical to seek immediate medical treatment and follow all wound sanitation and care instructions from your doctor.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Bike drivers are often flung from their vehicle or trapped beneath the other vehicle in a crash. Because of this, broken bones upon landing or when crushed are common in motorcycle accidents, especially broken ribs. Healing can be long and painful, and motorcycle drivers may also break an arm or leg or have multiple fractures. 

Sometimes, surgery is required to set the fracture, and if the break is severe enough, the victim may need weeks or months of painful physical therapy to regain their ability to walk or other range of motion.

Spine and Neck Injuries

The sensitive, vulnerable spinal cord may be permanently harmed in a motorcycle crash. Depending on the area of the injury and the severity, victims may be left partially or completely paralyzed. 

Bruised spinal cords may take months to heal, with no guarantee that the victim will regain the ability to walk. Other, less fortunate spinal injury victims may be unable to live independently anymore.

Less severe neck and spine injuries often include a herniated disc, in which the cushioning discs between the vertebrae are damaged and put pressure on the spine. These injuries can require invasive surgery to repair.

Internal Organ Damage

The force of the vulnerable motorcycle driver and another vehicle or object colliding can also cause internal organ injuries. For example, a ruptured spleen is common, and if the rider has broken ribs, they may also suffer a punctured lung. 

Internal bleeding from organ damage can cause serious problems, including dangerous hemorrhaging or even sepsis.

Seek Medical Care Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash in Gainesville, FL

Because injuries like organ damage and internal bleeding aren’t usually visible, it’s critical to receive prompt medical attention. Emergency medical services personnel are experienced in diagnosing common crash injuries, and prompt medical care can significantly improve your chances for a full recovery.

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, always call 911 for police help and medical attention. And don’t forget to seek the services of an experienced Gainesville personal injury attorney to protect your rights. 

Contact Our Gainesville Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville motorcycle accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258