Too many people make the mistake of thinking only of brain and spinal cord injuries when it comes to the severe physical damage done in a motorcycle crash. However, injuries of any kind after a motorcycle crash have the potential to be severe and life changing.
As noted in this report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, injuries affecting a rider’s lower extremities are suffered in nearly half of all motorcycle accidents in which severe injuries occurred. About 47 percent of riders suffered lower extremity injuries, followed by 40 percent with upper extremity injuries and 35 percent with head injuries.
Body parts most often injured
As noted in the study, the following lower-extremity regions are those that riders have a higher likelihood of suffering. In order of most likely to least, the parts most often injured are:
- Leg
- Pelvis
- Knee
- Thigh
- Ankle
- Foot
- Other
- Hip
Why these injuries occur more frequently
There are several reasons why riders often suffer lower extremity injuries in a crash. The lower extremities are very vulnerable to collisions. They are not protected by anything like a helmet, airbags or the structure available in other motor vehicles. These body parts are also commonly the first points of impact when a rider is struck on the side, or if the bike rolls over.
How to manage recovery for these injuries
Lower extremity injuries can be devastating. There is the potential that a rider could be paralyzed or have to have a foot or leg amputated, making recovery a life-long process. In situations involving broken bones or serious lacerations, recovery can still be extremely difficult as a person’s mobility can be impaired for months. Scarring, burns and other deformities can also present serious challenges for a victim.
Considering how emotionally and physically demanding recovery can be when a person has experienced lower extremity injuries after a motorcycle crash, it is crucial that he or she receive all the support and resources available. This includes compensation available through a personal injury claim.
Settlements offered by insurance companies don’t always reflect the extent of damages in these accidents, especially when it comes to the emotional trauma of severe injuries. In order to pursue maximum compensation you need and deserve, it can be crucial to talk to an attorney and explore the options for filing a legal claim.
