What Are Some of the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Lack of visibility is the single biggest cause of motorcycle crashes in Michigan. In some cases, the motorcyclist hasn’t gone the extra mile to make him/herself seen. But in other cases, the vehicle driver just wasn’t paying attention.

In both the case of the motorcyclist and the vehicle driver, speeding can lead to disastrous results. And since a motorcycle is considerably smaller than a car or truck, the heightened force of impact increases the odds of a catastrophic injury.

Of course, any sort of reckless driving or driving under the influence is particularly dangerous for both parties. Alcohol and other drugs can cause altered vision and perception. This, in turn, will delay reaction time.

Distracted driving and inattention can also be injurious (or even fatal) for motorcyclists and drivers alike. Motorcycles are less visible to other motorists and when drivers fail to check their mirrors and blind spots, it can easily result in a crash.

One cause that is purely the fault of the motorcyclist is lane splitting. This is when a motorcyclist decides to ride between two lanes of slowed or stopped traffic. In Michigan, this is illegal. A motorcyclist can easily be struck when a vehicle attempts to make a lane change in this situation.

Finally, dangerous road conditions, nasty weather, or even mechanical problems due to improper maintenance or a faulty part can all be culprits, at least partially, in a motorcycle accident.

The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle injuries fall into two primary categories: lower body injuries and upper body injuries.

The most common types of motorcycle accident injuries tend to occur in the lower body. Even so, many riders suffer a range of injuries involving both the upper and lower body when struck or thrown from a bike. Below is a (far from exhaustive) list of most common types of motorcycle injuries that occur in Michigan.

1. Lower-Extremity Injuries

As we mentioned above, lower body injuries tend to be among the most common. On a surface level, you may have cuts or lacerations when your skin was penetrated by glass or other sharp objects. If these aren’t serious enough, you may have knee damage, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries in the legs that could require surgery and long-term treatment to recover.

2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Although lower-extremity injuries are the most common overall, they can be further exacerbated by a traumatic brain injury, or TBI.

TBIs often result from a head-on collision with another vehicle or a fixed object such as a pole or a tree. When a motorcyclist is thrown onto pavement or another hard surface, it can also result in a TBI. Other head injuries, such as skull fractures and concussions, can cause brain injuries that can be lifelong. There is also the chance of neurological damage and spinal paralysis.

TBIs are very common following a motorcycle accident. This is particularly unfortunate given that wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the chances of a serious TBI and is proven to save lives.

3. Other Bodily Injuries

Fractures are also common. While many of these heal over time, some can cause permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, or other disabling conditions.

Meanwhile, injuries to the neck and spine can cause paralysis that could result in a permanent disability that will change the course of a motorcyclist’s entire life.

In addition, the impact of a motorcycle crash can cause internal bleeding and serious damage to internal organs. It’s these hidden injuries that lead motorcycle accident injury attorneys to always advise getting medical attention, even if you think you’re not seriously injured.

Finally, road rash, as innocent as it might seem, can become infected and cause surface nerve damage if the victim doesn’t receive prompt medical care.

Do You Have a Motorcycle Accident Injury Case?

If you’re struggling with any combination of the common types of motorcycle accident injuries, you need the right legal help now to find out if you have a case.

It’s time to reach out to the skilled motorcycle accident injury attorneys at Kajy Law. Once they determine that you have a case, they will ensure that the facts are not lost and that your claim is presented effectively.

So don’t hesitate to fill out our online form. Or call us at 877-KAJYCARES to speak with caring attorneys who understand the seriousness of your situation.