Motorcyclists enjoy a sense of freedom typically not found when driving a car. But that freedom also comes with risks that drivers of passenger vehicles may not face. When a motorcycle collides with another object, the rider may be left with serious injuries that require months of treatment or lead to permanent disabilities.
Motorcyclists share busy roads, highways and intersections with other vehicles, and when collisions occur, the consequences can be devastating. Understanding why those on a motorcycle are often more seriously injured than vehicle passengers in crashes can help riders recognize the risks.
Lack of protection
One of the primary reasons motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic is the lack of physical protection around the rider(s). Passenger vehicles have safety features such as seat belts, airbags, reinforced frames and crumple zones designed to absorb some of a collision’s force. Motorcycles don’t have that protective structure. As a result, riders are more likely to suffer direct injuries when they hit another vehicle or the pavement.
Additionally, a motorcyclist may be thrown from the bike and land on the road or strike another vehicle, guardrail or another object. These secondary impacts can cause additional injuries, including broken bones, severe abrasions or a traumatic brain injury. In more serious crashes, the impact can damage the spinal cord or internal organs.
Because motorcyclists have less protection than those in enclosed vehicles, they face an increased risk of serious injuries in collisions. While some injuries heal with treatment and rehabilitation, others can affect a person’s health for years.
Traumatic brain injuries can be especially serious. Although helmets reduce the risk of severe head injuries, a rider can still suffer a concussion or more serious brain trauma. Spinal cord injuries can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility or paralysis. Broken bones may require surgery and extensive therapy.
The high cost of serious motorcycle injuries
Beyond medical expenses, an injured rider may miss weeks or months of work. If the injuries cause permanent limitations, the rider may be unable to return to the same job or earn the same income. Depending on the circumstances, a motorcycle accident victim may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, and an injured person may be barred from recovering compensation if they contributed to their own accident. Therefore, it’s essential to work with a legal representative who can explain your legal rights and protect your personal injury claim.