There’s no doubt that driving a motorcycle at 60 mph on the open road is a thrill. Part of the fun comes from the freedom of the ride. You’re on the edge when you’re operating a motorcycle at high speeds, but no matter how skilled you may be, sometimes accidents can happen that are not your fault.
Car and truck drivers often don’t see you, or are not safely checking for motorcycles before making a turn or switching lanes are often the cause of motorcycle accidents and the resulting injuries that come. Although some injuries are minor, many are serious and even fatal. Simply put, a collision between a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, almost always ends up worse for the motorcycle rider.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Arkansas that’s not your fault, you may be owed compensation. Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. Let’s take a look at some of the most common motorcycle injuries that you may be able to receive compensation for, and way to lessen bodily damage.
Nerve Damage or Paralysis
When a biker falls from his or her cycle in a motorcycle accident, the upper arm usually receives most of the impact. “Biker’s Arm,” is a term for the nerve damage and paralysis of the arm from that initial fall. The natural human instinct is to draw your arm in front of your body to brace for impact.
Your arm takes the brunt of the impact and can result in severe and permanent damage. Elbow pads and/or a leather jacket can help protect you from this type of common motorcycle injury.
Head Injury
According to the Highway Traffic Safety Administration, head injuries are the most common cause of fatalities in motorcycle accidents. The majority are connected with riders who are not wearing helmets. Concussions, skull fractures, and brain damage are common outcomes for riders who choose not to wear a helmet. You can reduce your risk of dying by nearly 40% if you wear a motorcycle helmet.
Road Rash
Road rash is the result of your exposed skin sliding across the pavement. It’s as painful as it sounds. Wearing a leather jacket and pants, reinforced denim, or motorcycle-specific clothing can reduce the risk of severe road rash by over 50%. Although it’s not life-threatening, road rash is often described as the most painful type of injury suffered in motorcycle accidents.
Permanent Disfigurement
Over 40% of motorcycle wrecks result in a major impact on the face, causing permanent disfigurement for riders not wearing head and face protection. Permanent disfigurement injuries can be life-altering. Unfortunately, humans judge each other on looks more so than we want to admit, and a permanent disfigurement can result in damage to relationships and work opportunities.
Get a Free Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an Arkansas motorcycle accident because of another driver, poor signage or unsafe pavement, call Daniels Law firm. Arkansas personal injury attorney Shawn Daniels will listen to your story and let you know if you’re case is a good candidate for legal compensation.
CALL (479) 521-7000