Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

It is approximated that in 2019 alone, there were more than 590,000 registered motorcycles in the Sunshine State. Motorcycles are quite popular in Florida for various reasons. First, motorcycles are popular in Florida because the Sunshine State receives a lot of sunshine throughout the year. Other climatic factors that come into play in some months also make it possible to ride motorcycles comfortably in Florida. Second, the friendly motorcycle legislation makes it easy for Floridians to own and ride motorcycles. Generally, there are not many restrictions in the state of Florida when it comes to owning and riding a motorcycle, though you need to have a “Motorcycle Only” license or motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. Anyone who drives a motorcycle without a license or an endorsement violates the law.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents happen quite often in Florida. For example, in 2020 alone, 8,037 motorcycle crashes occurred in the state of Florida. Florida motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable group of road accident victims. This is because motorcycles don’t offer enough protection to motorcyclists. When involved in a collision, a motorcyclist is most likely to end up severely injured. Because of their vulnerability, motorcycle accident victims usually find themselves suffering from a wide range of injuries. Even though every motorcycle accident is different, certain injuries are noted to be more common for motorcycle accident victims. In this article, we will look at 3 of the most common motorcycle accident injuries.

Head Injuries

Unfortunately, even wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle cannot eliminate the risk of a head injury. Nevertheless, according to the CDC, unhelmeted riders are 40% more likely to die from head injuries than helmeted riders. Also, considering not everyone is required by Florida law to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, you can be sure that quite a number of riders in Florida don’t wear helmets. More than twenty years ago, Florida repealed its universal helmet legislation. Today, only riders below the age of 21 and those with less than $10,000 of medical insurance coverage are legally required to wear helmets.

Indeed, it is better for you to take precautions and prevent a head injury if you can. Generally, as long as you can, always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. But, even if you get involved in a motorcycle accident when you are not wearing a helmet, remember that you can still file a claim against an at-fault party. However, because of Florida’s comparative fault law, you may end up getting a reduced amount of compensation. Even if you were not legally required to wear a helmet at the time of your accident, you might still end up being assigned some percentage of fault if failing to wear your helmet worsened your head injury. However, a skilled and dedicated Florida motorcycle accident attorney can argue your case on your behalf if an at-fault party tries to use your failure to wear a helmet against you.

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries in motorcycle accidents are more common than you may think. Even when in a helmet, a rider can still suffer a neck injury, though a helmet can protect you against neck injuries.

Motorcycle accident victims may suffer different types of neck injuries. Whiplash is one common type of neck injury you can sustain in a motorcycle accident. This type of neck injury can cause tension in the neck and shoulders and ongoing pain. Whiplash can also limit mobility during recovery. Depending on the force of a motorcycle accident, a victim may end up suffering a minor or severe whiplash. Other neck injuries that people suffer in motorcycle accidents include;

• Herniated discs
• Soft tissue damage
• Fractured vertebrae
• Neck injuries that sever the spinal cord and lead to paralysis

Broken Bones

Because motorcycles do not offer riders enough protection, motorcycle accident victims often suffer broken bones due to the force of hitting the pavement or the liable party’s vehicle. Often, broken bones in a victim’s hands occur when they throw their hands out to protect themselves or break their fall. On the other hand, broken bones in the legs may occur when a victim’s motorcycle lands on them. Also, because a rider’s legs are usually in an exposed position, it is no surprise that broken bones in the legs occur quite often in motorcycle accidents. According to research, injuries to the tibia and fibula are quite common in motorcycle accidents.

Contact a Naples Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a person close to you has been in a motorcycle accident in Florida, reach out to a qualified Florida motorcycle accident attorney immediately. Our Naples motorcycle accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. can review your case and work with you to build a strong case that can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Resource:

flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/