Motorcycles are extremely popular for many reasons, including the thrill of riding in the open air, using less gas, agility in heavy traffic, and being easier to park. The single downside for these two-wheeled freedom machines is the high death rate of riders involved in traffic accidents.
It seems that every few days, another biker is seriously injured or killed after either being hit by a passenger or other type of vehicle or by colliding with a left-turning vehicle. Motorcycle riders and their passengers have no way of truly protecting themselves as the vehicle they are riding does not offer the same level of protection that a car or truck does.
Each year, there are thousands of deaths and injuries to motorcyclists across the nation and in Arkansas involved in crashes, with over 5,500 motorcyclists dying in 2020. More than 180,000 bikers were treated in emergency departments for crash injuries.
Statistics for Motorcycle Accidents Nationwide and in Arkansas
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recorded 6,084 motorcyclist deaths nationwide in 2021 – the highest number recorded and a 21 percent increase since 2019. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2021.
In recent Arkansas media reports, a 30-year-old Fayetteville man on a 2002 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 slammed into the side of a 2007 Nissan Maxima, making a left turn from Scottsdale Road. Although he did make it to a nearby medical center and was then life-flighted to a trauma center, he died from his injuries the next day.
In another incident, a 52-year-old biker from Hope was killed. The motorcyclist was heading north on Hempstead County Road 21. He did not stop at the intersection with Highway 278 and collided with an eastbound Ford.
Motorcycle accidents are far more serious and deadly than car wrecks. This is due to the fact they are lighter and smaller, more difficult to operate safely, and they cannot be easily seen or heard.
Common Injuries Motorcyclists Can Sustain from a Car Accident
The most common injury in a motorcycle accident is road rash, ranging from minor to severe. This happens when a rider skids along the road after being ejected from the bike. The consequences can include nerve damage and skin infections.
Other injuries that may happen in a motorcycle accident include:
- Broken bones
- Fractured bones, including ribs, shoulders, pelvis, legs, and arms
- Leg and foot injuries – as much as 30 percent of non-fatal accidents result in injuries to the rider’s feet and legs.
- Neck and head injuries are common as the rider usually makes contact with the ground on ejection, and the neck is bent in the process as the head hits the ground. If the biker is not wearing a helmet, there may also be brain damage, serious concussion, facial disfigurement, and possibly death.
- Thoracic spine injuries are also quite common, but this includes all of the spine and not portions. Often, the injuries sustained by the spine are permanent and cause paralysis, pain, nerve damage, and/or death.
- Chest injuries – lacerated lungs, heart, and other vascular injuries, and fractured ribs. Chest injuries are more common in older riders but can happen in younger riders.
- Biker Arm Injuries – this happens when the motorcycle lands on a rider’s arm, causing nerve damage and possible arm paralysis.
- Hand, arm, and wrist injuries – these occur as most riders throw their arms out instinctively when they are about to fall to the ground.
- Burns – this can happen when the gas tank spills. Burns require skin grafts.
- Brain injuries – these can range from severe concussion to traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is the leading cause of death for bikers. It can also result in paralysis. Helmets do make a difference.
- Injured muscles – this is usually the result of severe road rash and happens more frequently to riders who do not wear protective clothing.
- Back injuries – can result in total or partial paralysis, ruptured discs, fractured discs, or herniated discs.
- Internal injuries – these are dangerous and need to be identified and dealt with quickly. They can result in a motorcycle accident survivor bleeding internally.
At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, we intimately understand the types of injuries you can experience in a motorcycle crash. We know all about helmet laws, traffic laws, defective parts, and manufacturer recalls. We’re here to help you recover compensation for your injuries. We’re here to help you get your life back on track.
Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield Today
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash, reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield by calling 479-361-3575. Our dedicated team of motorcycle accident lawyers is here for you. Call us today for a free initial consultation and to find out what you can expect should you file a personal injury lawsuit. We know you have questions, and we can answer them for you. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is just one quick call away: 479-361-3575.