The Use of Helmets
Helmets have been shown to help prevent debilitating conditions resulting from a head injury or brain injury and even fatalities in seriously injured motorcyclists. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, severe head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, were lessened by 42%, and fatalities were reduced by 60% in places where helmet laws were introduced. It is partly for this very reason that there has been a strong campaign for the use of helmets nationwide.
In Alabama, a helmet law has already been introduced to mandate motorcyclists to make use of quality crash helmets for their protection. This motorcycle crash helmet law strictly requires motorcyclists to use motorcycle crash helmets in Alabama. The penalty for violating this helmet law is a substantial fine and possibly even imprisonment, depending on the number of violations.
It is also essential to take note that there are state-approved helmets that motorcyclists should use since not all helmets have passed tests conducted by the state of Alabama.
Common Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are exposed to a lot of dangers on the road because they are not encased in a vehicle. Common motorcycle accident injuries range from scrapes and bruises to broken bones and fractures.
This is because motorcycle riders are not nearly as protected from the impact of a motorcycle accident, with no metal frames to surround them. Additionally, there aren’t any airbags or seat belts to protect them.
Should you have sustained any injuries after being involved in a motorcycle accident, you can speak with an experienced Huntsville personal injury attorney at Mama Justice to help you build a motorcycle accident case during a free consultation.
Road Rash
One of the most common injuries motorcycle accident victims suffer is road rash. This term describes abrasions, and lacerations riders experience when flung from their motorcycle during an accident and their body scrapes against gravel and pavement.
Road rash injuries can range in severity depending on the speeds the rider traveled at and the type of accident they were involved in with their motorcycle.
If riders sustain a first-degree road rash, they will likely experience reddened skin that might not require much medical attention. Should a second-degree road rash injury be incurred, a rider could experience broken skin and need more care than a first-degree road rash injury.
However, emergency care is often needed if a rider experiences a third-degree road rash injury. If care is not sought, the injury could become infected, which could be life-threatening.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury is undoubtedly one of the worst injuries a motorcyclist can suffer in an accident. This type of injury is often severe and requires immediate medical attention, with many victims needing to undergo surgery.
Unfortunately, those who suffer spinal cord injuries are often left paralyzed or with multiple vertebrae fractures. This type of injury causes significant time off work for rehabilitation, with many people unable to return to work or the position they once held.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Motorcycle riders who were wearing or not wearing a helmet at the time of their accident frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries that can range from minor to severe. However, those wearing helmets have a decreased chance of sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury.
A mild TBI can be relatively easy to recover from in many instances. Still, moderate and severe TBIs usually leave riders facing long-term consequences because their mental and physical capabilities are often affected.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Other common injuries that many motorcyclists suffer from include broken and fractured bones. When a rider is thrown from their bike or is involved in a collision and becomes trapped, many broken bones and fractures to the hands, legs, ribs, and arms can occur.
Usually, these broken bones and fractures require physical therapy and time off work, with many requiring surgery. Speaking with a Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recoup some of the losses incurred due to your accident.
