Motorcycles have come to represent freedom in contemporary culture. They are inexpensive and can be parked virtually anywhere. When you drive them, you are not cooped up in a box and you can feel the wind in your hair. Unfortunately, if you ride without a helmet, there is a good chance that an accident could result in permanent injury or death. Even if you do wear a helmet, a motorcycle crash is one of the most dangerous types of accidents.
In 2017 alone, 5,172 motorcyclists died in crashes. When you are on a motorcycle your arms are your doors, your head is your roof and your face is your windshield. Every other kind of motorized vehicle on the road outweighs you and, if a car is changing lanes, there is a really strong possibility that they won’t see you.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious injuries a biker can suffer. Around 15 percent of helmeted riders suffer from traumatic head injuries. Spinal cord injuries are also a common occurrence in motorcycle accidents. Such injuries can cause permanent disability. Injury to the legs is the most common motorcycle accident. If you do not sustain a broken leg from simply being thrown off of your bike, your bike might very well land on you.
Internal injuries are often common when you have a bike accident. If you suffer a blunt force trauma, it can damage your internal organs or cause internal bleeding. Even if a motorcyclist does not die at the scene, damage to an organ can ultimately be fatal.
At the very least a motorcycle accident may result in road rash. When a person’s body makes contact with the asphalt, skin abrasions can occur. Road rash can be mild or very severe depending on such factors as speed and impact.
How to Protect Yourself On a Bike
The National Highway Safety Administration estimates that 1,872 motorcyclists were saved in 2017 because they wore a helmet. Wearing protective clothing and eyewear will also help you to shield yourself from accidents. You can find great helmet options like ones with a low profile.
Although it may kill the romance of the open road, you should never speed when you are on a bike. If you have an accident, traveling at high speeds can increase the impact considerably. Don’t make any sudden turns. A biker’s life may be carefree and spur of the moment, but you should always let other drivers know when you are going to turn in front of them.
It is very important to have insurance when you are a motorcyclist, although it may be hard to get. Be sure to get a motorcycle endorsement on your license, they only cost $7 in Florida.
What to do if You are in an Accident
If you are involved in an accident, call the police and wait at the scene for an officer to arrive. Make sure to ask for an accident report and get the names of witnesses if you can. Be sure to save copies of all your medical bills and receipts from any medications you may take.
Insurance companies hate motorcycles and if you are in an accident, they may try to get out of paying you what you are really owed. You will need a good personal injury attorney to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Contact the law office of Abercrombie for more information.