In Georgia, only 2% of registered vehicles are motorcycles. But motorcyclists are 11% of traffic fatalities in the state. Motorcycle crashes in Georgia cost the economy more than $220 million per year. Nationwide, 15% of all traffic fatalities are motorcyclists.

The experienced Athens motorcycle accident lawyers at Larrison Law Firm explain 10 common motorcycle accident injuries.

What Are Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?

• Common motorcycle accident injuries include broken bones, paralysis, and nervous system damage.
• Because a motorcyclist is not protected by a vehicle, they may be more likely to suffer skin damage and burns from contact with the road.
• All types of injuries should be evaluated, identified, and treated following a motorcycle accident.
• A victim may claim compensation for the losses they sustain.
• Georgia is an at-fault state for car accidents, including motorcycle accidents.
• You may claim the cost of care, other financial losses, and pain and suffering.
• Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence law, setting a cutoff for compensation at 50% or more at fault. (If you are 50% or more at fault, you are not entitled to compensation.)
• You may have a lawyer represent you as a motorcyclist or passenger in a claim for payment.
• The surviving family may bring a claim under Georgia wrongful death law. They may have legal representation.

Athens-Clarke County, GA accident statistics

In Athens-Clarke County, in 2021, there were 5,433 motor vehicle crashes. 1,759 people were hurt. 25 fatalities occurred. Victims include motorcyclists and their passengers.

10 Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Athens, GA

     1. Traumatic brain injury, concussion

A motorcycle accident can result in traumatic brain injury. There are multiple types of brain injury that may occur, including skull fracture, concussion, grey matter damage, and penetrating wound. Although helmets are effective in reducing and preventing brain injury in some motorcycle crashes, TBI can occur whether or not a rider wears a helmet.

Brain injury can impact a person in the short term and long term. They may experience a loss of consciousness, disorientation, and a lack of function. Brain trauma may impact a person’s bodily functions, including breathing, feeling, voluntary muscle movements, and the excretory system.

Treatment may include rest and the prevention of secondary trauma. A person may benefit from therapies to maximize independence. However, trauma may not fully heal, even with therapy.

     2. Paralysis, spinal cord injury

Trauma from a motorcycle accident can sever, compress, or tear the spinal cord. A person may experience a loss of feeling and voluntary motor movement.

Spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident may be complete or it may be partial. In addition, where on the spinal cord the injury occurs impacts the amount of function that remains.

One study reports that 11.2% of motorcyclists in traffic accidents suffered a spinal cord injury. Injuries were both isolated and involved multiple vertebral levels in significant numbers. The study warns to use caution when evaluating cervical spinal injuries, because injury may be missed in routine evaluations.

     3. Broken bones, dislocation

Broken bones in a motorcycle accident can occur throughout the body. Common places for broken bones are the arms, legs, pelvis, ribs, clavicle, and skull. Broken bones may accompany other injuries. They may be disfiguring and require surgery. A person may suffer significant pain and immobilization.

A bone is dislocated when it is forced from its normal position. A person may feel pain and experience a loss of range of motion. The joint may be unstable.

     4. Road rash, lacerations

In a motorcycle accident, a person may be thrown against the ground. Abrasive contact with the ground can wear, tear and burn the skin. This can cause a minor cut or significant abrasion. Exposed underlying tissue poses a risk of infection.

     5. Foot, leg, hand, wrist injuries

When a motorcyclist is thrown from their vehicle, arms and legs may be the first to strike the ground. Force and trauma can injure the extremities, including broken bones, muscle, nerve, and joint damage. A person may experience long-term complications and chronic pain.

     6. Internal organ damage, abdominal injury

Blunt trauma from a car accident can harm internal organs. Organs may suffer lacerations, collapse, or rupture. They may bleed.

Internal organ damage can inhibit vital bodily functions. They may be life-threatening.

     7. Burns

Burns from a motorcycle accident may result from friction or a heat source. Treatment depends on the thickness and area affected by the burn. A person may need dressings and skin grafting. Scars may result.

     8. Muscle injury, soft tissue damage

A common motorcycle accident injury in Athens, GA is muscle injury. Soft muscle tissue may be pulled and strained. A person may experience whiplash or bruising. Muscle injuries may require rest and rehabilitation. A person may have limited mobility and pain.

Surgery may be required to restore torn muscles, tendons and ligaments.

     9. Mental health injury

A motorcycle accident can cause mental as well as physical injuries. A person may be left with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. They may avoid upsetting situations like riding a motorcycle or being in a motor vehicle. They may have guilt or depression.

     10. Chronic pain

Chronic pain after a motorcycle accident can impair daily life. Disfigurement and inflammation can contribute to long-term pain.

There may be psychological factors.

Wrongful death from motorcycle accidents

When wrongful death results from a motorcycle accident, survivors may have a compensation claim. Damages may include medical expenses prior to death, funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, financial support, and emotional distress.

How an attorney can help

If you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may deserve compensation for your injuries.

At Larrison Law Firm, we know the common motorcycle accident injuries in Athens. We can guide you in making sure that your losses are fully identified for compensation. You can have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer handle the steps to receive the monetary award you may deserve.

Talk to a lawyer

Whether your injuries are common or uncommon, you deserve fair compensation for your motorcycle accident in Athens, GA. You don’t have to fight alone. Contact Larrison Law Firm for a legal consultation. Call or message us now.