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Common Motorbike Injuries

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Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road than most other road users travelling by motorised transport. Unfortunately, injuries are common, from the relatively mild – bruising and ligament damage for example – to more serious brain or spinal damage.

The most common motorcycling-related injuries

HEAD INJURIESEYE INJURIESHEARING DAMAGESPINE AND NECK INJURIESINTERNAL INJURIES AND BLEEDINGBROKEN BONESGROIN INJURIESROAD RASH

The following list is taken from the Institute of Advanced Motorists and details some of the most common motorcycling-related injuries:

Head injuries: Even though motorcyclists must wear a suitable crash helmet by law, the brain can still be significantly damaged in an accident. Even a low impact crash can cause minor symptoms such as headaches, nausea, short-term memory loss, but a severe impact can cause major brain trauma, life-changing injuries and even loss of life.

Eye injuries: Motorbike riders who do not wear a visored crash helmet can suffer serious eye damage if they are hit by stones or grit from the road. In a collision, the impact of the crash can also cause severe eye damage and loss of sight due to nerve and brain damage as the head is jolted around inside the crash helmet.

Hearing damage: Motorcyclists who ride for a living, for instance police motorcyclists and motorbike couriers, can be at risk of suffering noise-induced hearing loss, especially if they wear an ill-fitting or inappropriate crash helmet. Noise exposure occurs as a result of loud and powerful engines, but also when wind rushes through the helmet past the ears of the rider, creating "wind noise".

Spine and neck injuries: It's pretty obvious how little protection is offered to a motorcyclist in the event of a collision. Contact with the road, other vehicles and road furniture all have the capacity to cause serious spinal injury. High cervical injuries can cause complete paralysis from the neck down, while lower spinal injuries can affect levels of mobility, use of limbs, and bowel and bladder control.

Broken bones: Again, the motorcyclist's skeleton is all too vulnerable in an impact or collision and broken wrists, arms, ankles and legs are some of the most common injuries suffered by motorbike riders. Broken collarbones, shoulders and ribs are also common motorcycle accident injuries, as well as pelvis and spinal fractures, which are some of the most serious injuries suffered. The force of the bike landing on a limb can also cause crush injuries which may result in amputation.

Internal injuries and bleeding: Caused by the significant trauma of a motorcycle accident, internal injuries such as collapsed lungs, blunt cardiac injuries, ruptured diaphragm, perforated spleen, damage to the liver and haematoma are all a significant risk for motorcyclists and, by their very nature, major causes of biker fatality.

Groin injuries: In an impact, motorcyclists often suffer groin injuries because momentum causes them to slide up onto the petrol tank and then into the steering head, handlebars, and light mountings etc. Unless the rider is thrown clear of the motorbike, groin injuries can be severe including fractures to the pubic bones and damage to the bladder and genitals.

Road rash: When a motorcyclist hits the ground, momentum often causes them to slide along the road. If the rider's skin is not covered by adequate protective clothing, it can be badly damaged by the road surface (think sandpaper on a painted door frame). Mild road rash causes red abrasion and discomfort for a few weeks. Severe road rash can mean deep tissue exposure, sometimes as far as the bone. There will be significant pain, lengthy treatment and permanent scarring is almost certain.

The Statistics

Statistically, bikers are more likely to be involved in an accident, and when there is an accident, they are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.

According to figures for 2015 motorcyclists account for 21% of all road fatalities in the United Kingdom. This means that 365 motorcyclists were killed on the nation’s roads – yes, that's an average of one death a day. Despite the efforts of campaigners the fatality figure was up 8% on 2014, and contrasts sharply with the overall trend of a reduction in road traffic accident deaths.

The consequences of a motorcycle accident are often severe, but expert advice - on medical, legal and financial issues - can help to reduce the impact of the accident on the motorcyclist and his family, easing both the practical and monetary burden in the aftermath of an accident.

Thompsons Personal Injury Lawyers in Scotland

Our personal injury claim solicitors can advise on whether you have a compensation claim in respect of a motorbike accident. They will explain the process of making a claim for personal injury, and advise you of the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

As a general rule, this depends on the type and severity of the injury. It is worth speaking to a Thompsons' injury lawyer if you or a loved one have suffered one or more of the following:

You will find more details of the most common types of motor accident injuries in our common injuries section.

If you are not sure whether you have a valid motorcycle accident compensation claim, or would like some advice about making a claim, our compensation claim solicitors will be happy to chat things through. Just give us a call on 0800 0891 331.

Give us a call on 0800 0891 331

 

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We decided to use Thompsons Solicitors for our personal injury claim following a road traffic accident. The service was spot on from beginning to end, with excellent communication, timely responses & cleat advice that was easy to understand. It was evident Corinne was always acting in her clients best interests and she worked hard to ensure we got the compensation we rightfully deserved. We were delighted with our final offer and we would absolutely recommend both Thompsons and Corinne to others. We cannot thank her enough for all her help, support and advice during this experience.

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15 October 2024
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Jordan has been great and kept me informed all the way through and am happy with the outcome he has got me.

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14 October 2024
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Amazing service

Lauren and Scarlett were on the ball constantly, keeping me informed all throughout the process and explaining every detail.

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27 September 2024
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compensation claim

Thompsons was a very professional and approachable firm who ensured I got an appropriate settlement.

Fiona
12 August 2024
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Traffic Accident

I can’t thank Corinne and the Team enough for all their help, support, hard work and perseverance with my case. Their belief in me and not giving up over 2 years won me my case and an out of court settlement. I am extremely grateful to Corinne and the team for providing a first class service at all times and keeping me constantly updated every step of the way over the past 2 years. Thankyou all so much and so glad with your expert advice and knowledge in your field it did not have to go to court and an offer was made which I am extremely happy with.

Anonymous
9 August 2024
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A great company to deal with. The staff were extremely helpful and responsive. A fairly lengthy process but a positive experience after the accident.

Lois
31 July 2024
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Professional and friendly manner. Always willing to go that little extra. Kept well informed throughout claim

Alan Craig
17 July 2024
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First class firm, very helpful and if i ever needed to ask any questions I was always able to get an answer

Jordan
17 July 2024
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