What injuries are common in motorcycle crashes?

People who ride motorcycles are at risk of suffering from serious injuries. Because of this, it’s imperative that all drivers, even those who aren’t on these motorcycles, take steps to ensure that everyone remains safe on the roads. The injuries that occur in these crashes can range from road rash and broken bones to head or spinal damage.

Some injuries occur in the lower limbs. These are problematic because they can impact the mobility of the victim. There are some lower limb injuries that are worse than others.

What’s the most common injury to the legs?

Fractures are the most common leg injuries. This can occur in any bone from the hip down to the feet. Even the bones in the knee can be fractured. The amount of time it takes these bones to heal depends on the area in which it’s located. Typically, the tibia will heal faster than the femur because the tibia is a smaller bone.

Hip and pelvic injuries are also common. These often involve fractures, but they also have to the separation of bones at the joint. Serious pain often occurs with these injuries. There might not be any deformity in the area, which makes it harder to determine what’s going on. Because of this, medical care is important after a motorcycle crash.

Anyone who suffers an injury because of a motorcycle crash might opt to pursue a claim for compensation. This can help them recover the financial losses they suffered due to the wreck. There are time limits in Texas for filing these claims. Be sure you act quickly, so this time limit doesn’t pass you by. Once the time limit expires, you won’t be able to take legal action.

Four ways to protect yourself on the road

While you cannot control the traffic around you, you can make sure you are riding as safely as possible. Here are four safety tips from experienced riders:

• Never ride while tired. If you’re going on a long ride, know your limits and stop when you need a break, somewhere around 75-125 miles
• Always give yourself an escape route, even when you are stopped, just in case
• When passing a semi truck, wait until you can do so quickly, and make sure you can be seen in the side mirror
• Make yourself visible with bright or reflective clothing

Following these suggestions will reduce your chances of getting into a motorcycle accident, but they cannot guarantee your safety. Riders must be on alert at all times for speeders, drunk drivers, people turning left, and other potentially dangerous motorists. Even then, they may not have time or room to get out of the way. Sometimes, all a rider can do is ditch or brace for impact.

Later, when they are recovering from their injuries, they can look into their legal options for financial recovery. In San Antonio, negligent drivers are legally responsible for the harm they cause their victims.