Motorcycle riders face significantly greater risks of serious injury compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. With little to no physical protection beyond their gear, even low-speed crashes can cause lasting harm.
If you’ve been injured in this type of accident, understanding the most common motorcycle accident injuries can help you recognize their seriousness and take the right steps toward recovery and compensation.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we advocate for injured motorcyclists across Texas and New Mexico, helping them pursue fair compensation after someone else’s negligence has changed their lives. Below, we explain the most frequent types of injuries, how they happen, and how they can affect your personal injury claim.
For a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to call (575) 222-1000 or send us an online message today.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in multiple forms of trauma due to the rider’s vulnerability and lack of external protection. The following are among the most common motorcycle accident injuries we handle in claims and lawsuits.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries and Head Trauma
Motorcycle crash injuries often include head trauma, even when the rider wears a helmet.
These injuries can vary in severity and include:
- Concussions,
- Skull fractures, and
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
TBIs are one of the most common motorcycle injuries reported in fatal accidents. According to the CDC, riders without helmets are far more likely to suffer fatal head injuries. Survivors often need extensive rehabilitation and may face permanent disability.
See what our clients have to say about our services:
2. Road Rash
When a rider is thrown from the motorcycle and skids along the pavement, road rash is a common result.
Although it may sound minor, this injury can be severe:
- Minor abrasions may heal on their own but still cause significant pain;
- Deeper wounds can scar or become infected, especially without proper medical care; and
- Severe cases may expose muscle or bone and require surgical grafting.
Protective gear can reduce the likelihood and severity of road rash but cannot prevent it entirely.
3. Bone Fractures
Broken bones are among the most frequent motorcycle accident injuries.
Riders instinctively brace for impact, which often results in:
- Arm or wrist fractures from trying to catch a fall,
- Leg or ankle breaks when the motorcycle lands on the rider, and
- Shoulder or collarbone fractures from being thrown sideways.
Fractures typically require immobilization and, in some cases, surgery or physical therapy. Recovery time and the potential for long-term mobility issues can significantly increase the value of a motorcycle accident injury claim.
4. Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord injuries can range from painful herniated discs to complete paralysis.
These serious injuries affect every part of a person’s life and may result in:
- Limited or lost mobility;
- Nerve damage causing numbness or tingling;
- Long-term medical needs, including wheelchairs or in-home care.
The most severe spinal injuries may involve permanent paralysis, making them among the most financially and emotionally costly motorcycle accident injury types.
5. Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are especially dangerous because they are not always immediately visible. Riders may sustain damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs.
Even in low-speed crashes, the body can sustain blunt force trauma that threatens life and requires emergency care. If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash, always seek medical attention, even if you think you’re okay.
6. Facial and Dental Trauma
Without a full-face helmet, the face is highly exposed during a crash.
Impact with pavement, another vehicle, or debris can lead to:
- Broken facial bones, including the jaw, nose, or orbital socket;
- Damage to the teeth or mouth, including lost or fractured teeth; and
- Eye injuries that may result in temporary or permanent vision loss.
These injuries often require surgery, dental reconstruction, or ongoing treatment. They can also be emotionally traumatic due to scarring or disfigurement.
7. Soft Tissue and Muscular Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common after motorcycle accidents, even when other symptoms are not immediately present.
These injuries may involve:
- Whiplash and neck strain from sudden impact;
- Muscle tears and ligament sprains; and
- Nerve compression leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
These types of motorcycle injuries often require physical therapy and can be challenging to prove without strong medical documentation and legal support.
Why Injury Type Matters in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
The type of injury sustained in a motorcycle accident significantly affects your ability to recover compensation. Some injuries require longer treatment, cause more pain, or affect your life more dramatically than others. Insurance companies often undervalue these effects unless thoroughly documented and aggressively pursued.
Key factors that influence your recovery include:
- Treatment costs, such as hospitalization, surgery, therapy, and follow-up care;
- Lost earnings, including time off work or future income if you’re unable to return to your job;
- Noneconomic losses, like emotional distress, permanent disfigurement, or chronic pain; and
- Long-term needs, including home modifications or in-home assistance for riders with paralysis or mobility issues.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we understand how each injury changes your life, and we know how to fight for compensation that genuinely reflects your losses.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, take these steps immediately:
- Seek prompt medical care;
- Photograph the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage;
- Gather witness information and request the police report;
- Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice; and
- Call a motorcycle accident attorney, especially before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
The earlier you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a serious crash, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we represent injured motorcycle riders in Texas and New Mexico. Our firm focuses on serious injury claims, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and never charge fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Call us at (575) 222-1000 or fill out our online form today to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney who understands what you’re going through and how to protect your future.
Where to find our Albuquerque, NM Office:
Where to find our El Paso, TX Office:
James Tawney
James Tawney is a native of the Southwest dedicated to serving his community. He was born and raised in Arizona, where he attended Northern Arizona University and graduated summa cum laude.
Rate this Post
Loading...