Although motorcyclists may enjoy the thrill and freedom of riding a motorcycle, they must be aware of the unique dangers they may face on the road. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities because riders have minimal protection.
In this blog, our Harrisburg motorcycle accident lawyers discuss the most dangerous types of motorcycle crashes, how they occur, the injuries they can cause and what to do if you or your loved one were involved in this type of crash.
Schmidt Kramer has many years of experience handling motorcycle crash claims. Whether you have already filed a claim or are still considering your legal options, we may be able to assist you. Our attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of motor vehicle injury victims. We charge no upfront fees and there is no legal obligation for an initial consultation.
Call Schmidt Kramer to discuss your case: (717) 727-2089.
Dangerous Motorcycle Collisions
These are some of the most dangerous kinds of motorcycle collisions that may result in life-threatening injuries:
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of motorcycle crashes. These occur when the front end of a motorcycle collides with the front end of another vehicle, usually much larger, such as a car, SUV or even a semi-truck.
The difference in size and weight significantly increases motorcyclists’ risk of suffering serious and often life-threatening injuries. For example, if a motorcyclist is involved in a head-on collision with an SUV, he or she could be tossed from the bike and hit the ground with extreme force.
Speeding Accidents
Speeding is a common factor in many motorcycle crashes, which directly contributes to how severe these crashes can become. Speeding reduces a motorcycle rider’s reaction time and increases the force of impact during a crash, which can lead to serious or even deadly consequences.
Should a motorcyclist attempt a sharp turn or maneuver through a curve in the road while speeding down a highway, the bike could lose traction or skid on the road, causing the rider to lose control. This could also result in a deadly crash.
However, drivers are often the ones at fault for motorcycle collisions because they were the ones speeding. This increases the force of impact, raising the risk of severe injuries.
Turning or Intersection Accidents
Motorcycle collisions often occur at intersections because other motorists in larger vehicles do not notice the motorcyclist approaching. These situations where drivers overlook motorcycles can easily lead to crashes during turns or lane changes.
While drivers owe a duty of care to exercise caution, motorcyclists should be extra careful in intersections.
Lane-Change Accidents
Lane-change accidents occur when drivers do not check whether it is safe before making this maneuver. Drivers can miss a motorcyclist in their blind spots, especially without checking twice. These incidents can lead to sideswipe or rear-end collisions, posing serious risks to motorcyclists.
Additional Dangers on the Roads for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists face several other road hazards that may lead to single-vehicle accidents, which can be just as deadly as multiple-vehicle accidents. Some of these often unpredictable hazards include:
- Wildlife: If you are trying to prevent a collision with a deer on the road, you could lose control of your motorcycle and potentially crash, leading to severe injuries.
- Weather changes: Sudden, heavy rain can make roads slippery and drastically reduce visibility. If you hit a patch of wet pavement while turning, you may skid and lose control, leading to a potentially severe accident.
- Debris: Gravel, fallen branches or items that fell from another vehicle on the road can be dangerous. If you ride over large debris, your bike may wobble or tip over, resulting in a crash and injuries such as road rash.
Types of Injuries Sustained After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to severe injuries and fatalities compared to crash victims in sedans or SUVs. Depending on the events of the crash, some motorcyclists may sustain these types of injuries:
Muscle Damage
The human body has over 600 muscles. Any of these muscles may experience various injuries from strains and sprains during a motorcycle accident.
Biker’s Arm
Biker’s arm refers to arm injuries that could have happened from a motorcycle fall or accident. During an accident, a rider instinctively extends their arms to break a fall and, as a result, may have minor or severe arm injuries. Some of these injuries could include nerve damage or paralysis of the arms.
Foot and Leg Injuries
These injuries can include bruises, cuts, sprains, muscle injuries or fractures. These injuries are more likely because motorcyclists do not have much to protect them.
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant concern for motorcyclists. Although helmets are used for protection, these injuries could still happen in some circumstances.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries are common in a motorcycle accident. The force of impact can directly affect the face, leading to injuries like broken bones, abrasions and lacerations. Other types of injuries could be eye injuries, dental and jaw injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal injuries could become severe and permanent. In some cases, it could result in paralysis or other long-term complications.
Emotional Trauma
After an accident, some motorcyclists may suffer from emotional trauma like anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is common for emotional trauma to go unnoticed. However, it can be just as dangerous as physical injuries.
Call Schmidt Kramer Today for Help Filing Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be able to file a claim for injuries and damages. However, seeking help from an experienced lawyer is crucial. The legal process can be complicated, especially if you decide to go through it without an experienced lawyer.
At Schmidt Kramer, our experienced lawyers are dedicated to helping crash victims recover compensation. We have decades of experience handling motorcycle accidents and helping our clients understand their rights.
Call us today to discuss and learn how we can help you seek justice. We only get paid if you receive compensation.
Speak with our legal team about your legal options: (717) 727-2089.