What Are the Most Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents in Texas?

Chad Jones Law > What Are the Most Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents in Texas?
A motorcycle and a car after an accident.

Motorcycle Accidents in Texas: What You Need to Know

Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, offering a sense of freedom and adventure on the open road. However, it also comes with inherent risks, and accidents can lead to severe injuries. At Chad Jones Law, we understand the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists and their families in Texas. We can help make things better. We’ll talk to you during a free case evaluation and help you figure out what to do next. Don’t wait, just give us a call for a free consultation if you need help!

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in West Texas, you can call Chad Jones Law at 979-406-6844

We proudly serve clients throughout West Texas including Midland, Lubbock, and College Station.

Texas Motorcycle Accident Are Increasing

In Texas, more people are getting into motorcycle accidents. Last year, there were 8,636 crashes, a number that was higher than the year before. When we hear about these accidents, we think about the people and their families who are affected. Sadly, more people have died in these accidents too.

During the day, if someone on a motorcycle has an accident, they might get a few scrapes and bruises. But at night, it’s scarier because it’s harder to see, and sometimes people drive when they shouldn’t. Most of the time, these night accidents happen because a car hits the motorcycle.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Some of the Most Common Types of Injuries Due to a Motorcycle Crash include:

A doctor holding up and assessing an x-ray image.
  • Head Injuries- One of the most serious injuries motorcyclists can experience is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even with helmets, riders are vulnerable to head injuries in accidents. TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, impacting cognitive functions, mobility, and quality of life.
  • Road Rash- Road rash occurs when a rider’s skin makes contact with the road during a crash or slide. It can lead to painful abrasions, lacerations, and skin infections. Proper protective gear, including jackets and pants with abrasion-resistant materials, can reduce the risk of road rash but may not prevent it entirely.
  • Bone Fractures- Motorcycle accidents often result in broken bones, including fractures of the arms, legs, hips, and collarbones. These injuries may require surgeries, prolonged rehabilitation, and can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain and limited mobility.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries- The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause spinal cord injuries (SCIs), ranging from mild to severe. SCIs can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting motor and sensory functions below the injury site. Individuals with SCIs often require extensive medical care, adaptive equipment, and ongoing support.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons, are common in motorcycle accidents. These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility, requiring medical treatment and rehabilitative therapy.

Be Careful About Your Head

If you hit your head in a motorcycle accident, it can be serious. You could get a brain injury, which can change your life drastically. That’s why it’s important to wear a helmet. It can protect your head and keep you safe.

Hitting your head can be very dangerous. Sometimes, you might not feel the hurt right away, but later, it can get worse. You might get a really bad headache, feel dizzy, or have trouble remembering things. If you get hit on the head, you need to go see a doctor fast.

Road Rash and Broken Bones 

A road rash is when you slide on the ground and your skin gets scraped off. If you wear the right clothes when you ride a motorcycle, like jackets, pants, gloves, and boots, you can help stop road rash. These clothes are like armor for your body. If you do get road rash, you need to clean it, put a bandage on it, and keep it cool. If it’s really bad, you have to go to a doctor.

Bones can break in crashes too. Your arms and legs can get hurt the most, and sometimes you might need surgery to fix them. After that, you might have to do exercises to get better. It’s not fun, and it takes a long time to heal.

Watch Out for Neck and Back Injuries

Your neck and back are important, and if they get hurt in a motorcycle accident, it can be serious. Hurting your spinal cord can mean you might not be able to move some parts of your body, and that could last forever. Even breaking a bone in your neck can be bad because it might pinch your spinal cord. If it gets hurt, you might not be able to move your arms or legs, and it could be hard to do a lot of things you used to do. Not all motorcycle injuries are from big crashes; even hurting muscles and ligaments in your neck can make it hard to move. 

Understanding Motorcycle Accident Injuries You Can’t See

A motorcycle rider on a downtown street.

When a motorcycle crashes, a rider can get badly hurt. Sometimes, they can be stuck under something heavy like their bike or a car. This can cause very bad injuries inside their body, and they might need a lot of help from doctors.

How to Know if You’re Internally

If you get hurt in a motorcycle crash, you might have bleeding inside where you can’t see it. This is serious and you need to get help from a doctor right away. Here are some signs that you might be bleeding inside:

  • It’s hard to breathe
  • Your stomach or chest hurts a lot
  • You can’t feel parts of your body
  • You start seeing weird or can’t think straight

After a crash, it’s very important to notice these signs. If you have them, you need to get help fast because it means you could be bleeding inside your body. That’s why if you ever get into a motorcycle accident, you need to see a doctor right away.

Feeling Scared After a Crash

Even after your cuts and bruises are gone, you might still feel scared or upset because of the motorcycle crash. It’s normal to feel this way. You might feel jumpy, get scared easily, or have trouble sleeping. These feelings are serious and could turn into something called PTSD, where you keep remembering the crash and feel scared over and over again.

Getting better from these feelings might mean you need to talk to someone like a counselor, take care of yourself, and have friends and family who can help you. It takes time to heal from these feelings, and it’s okay to get help when you need it.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Injuries

Common motorcycle injuries are often caused by a combination of factors that make riders more vulnerable on the road compared to occupants of cars and trucks. Here are some key reasons behind these injuries:

  • Lack of Structural Protection- Motorcycles lack the structural protection that cars and trucks provide. Riders are directly exposed to external forces during accidents, leading to more severe injuries.
  • High-Speed Collisions- Motorcycles can reach high speeds quickly, making collisions more forceful and increasing the risk of serious injuries upon impact.
  • Ejection from the Motorcycle- In accidents, riders may be ejected from their motorcycles due to the impact force. This can result in collisions with other vehicles, objects, or the road surface.
  • Vulnerability to Road Hazards- Motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards like potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces. These hazards can cause loss of control and lead to accidents and injuries.
  • Lack of Visibility- Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, making them more prone to being overlooked by other motorists. This increases the risk of collisions, especially at intersections and during lane changes.
  • Rider Behavior- Some motorcycle injuries result from rider behavior, such as speeding, aggressive maneuvers, impaired riding (due to alcohol or drugs), and failure to use proper safety gear.
  • Collisions with Fixed Objects- In accidents, riders may collide with fixed objects such as guardrails, poles, trees, or signposts, leading to impact-related injuries.
  • Vehicle Design and Stability- Factors related to motorcycle design, such as handling characteristics, stability, and braking capabilities, can contribute to accidents and injuries, especially in challenging road conditions.
  • Weather Conditions- Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, ice, and strong winds can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents by reducing traction and visibility.
  • Other Motorists’ Negligence- Many motorcycle accidents occur due to the negligence of other motorists, including distracted driving, failure to yield, sudden lane changes, and rear-end collisions.
  • Determining Liability: In motorcycle accident cases, determining liability is crucial. Factors such as negligent drivers, road conditions, and defective motorcycle parts may contribute to the accident and injuries.
  • Insurance Claims: Navigating insurance claims can be complex, especially when dealing with injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure fair compensation.
  • Statute of Limitations: In Texas, there are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury claims. It’s important to take legal action promptly to protect your rights and pursue compensation for damages.

We Can Help You If You Had a Motorcycle Accident

At Chad Jones Law, we’re committed to advocating for injured motorcyclists and their families. Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll of motorcycle accidents and strives to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. We’ll talk to you and help you figure out what to do.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation at 979-406-6844

We proudly serve clients throughout West Texas including Midland, Lubbock, and College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Texas?

  • Ensure safety by moving to a safe location if possible.
  • Check for injuries and seek medical attention for yourself and others.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the accident.
  • Exchange information with the other parties involved, including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers.
  • Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant factors.

Do I have to wear a helmet when I ride a motorcycle in Texas?

No, you don’t have to wear a helmet every time, but it’s a really good idea to keep your head safe.

Can I still file a lawsuit if I didn’t wear a helmet during the accident?

Yes, you can still file a lawsuit for damages even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. However, not wearing a helmet may impact your case, especially if the lack of a helmet contributed to your injuries.

What do I do if I think I broke a bone in a motorcycle crash?

If you think you broke a bone, you should get help from a doctor right away. Try to keep the hurt part still and make sure it’s not bleeding too much.

What if the other driver is at fault in the motorcycle accident?

You may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Should I talk to the insurance company after a motorcycle accident?

It’s advisable to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies. They can help protect your rights and ensure you don’t inadvertently accept a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages.

What if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to take legal action within this timeframe to protect your rights.

What types of damages can I recover in a motorcycle accident lawsuit?

Damages you may recover include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages for egregious conduct.

Why should I hire a motorcycle accident attorney in Texas?

A skilled attorney can navigate complex legal processes, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.

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