Houston Motorcycle Injuries

During the past ten years the number of motorcycle crash fatalities has more than doubled, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Injuries and deaths from Texas motorcycle wrecks are an important public health concern. They are a significant economic liability as well. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has published a pamphlet titled “Motorcycle Safety—How to Save Lives and Save Money.” Its purpose was to identify ways to prevent injuries and fatalities in motorcycle crashes.

Why the sudden increase in motorcycle crashes? It could be because more people are riding them. Gas prices continue to rise. Motorcycles get better gas mileage than cars. And in addition to the economic factors, motorcycles are simply fun to ride.

In addition to the emotional tragedy there is also a tremendous economic burden to our health care system. Costs of response by emergency technicians and police, emergency room/trauma care expenses and loss of job productivity on the part of the injured affect us all. The CDC estimates the cost from motorcycle crash-related deaths and injuries to be $12 billion in just a single year.

Becoming aware of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents may help lower the risk of crashing. Causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

• The number one cause of motorcycle accidents is cars or trucks making left-hand turns into the paths of motorcycles.
• Motorcycles are not as visible as cars and trucks. Always have your headlight on, wear bright clothing or neon patches on your clothing, and ride where other motorists can see you.
• Motorcycle accidents are often caused by lane splitting. Lane splitting means creating a lane for your bike where one does not really exist. Leave space between your bike and other bikes or vehicles. The more space, the more time you will have to react.
• Motorcyclists sometimes do not leave enough distance between their bikes and vehicles in front of them. Motorcycles need just as much space to stop as cars do. Leave at least two seconds between yourself and the car in front of you.
• Speeding is a major cause of motorcycle accidents.
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol causes motorcycle crashes. Nearly 1,000 people lost their lives in Texas motorcycle accidents involving rider impairment in 2009.
• Road hazards can cause motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles have small wheels and narrow tires. They are not as stable as cars. They are therefore more likely to be involved in crashes when they come into contact with road hazards, including dead animals, fallen rocks, potholes, or uneven pavement.

Becoming aware of the primary causes of motorcycle crashes may make you or a loved one safer the next time you ride. Too often motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers who fail to check their mirrors and blind spots before making lane changes. Other motorists may not be aware of the possibility of a motorcycle pulling out or approaching as they would be of cars and trucks.

Those involved in motorcycle crashes have a much higher risk of severe injuries or death. Riders involved in motorcycle crashes are at high risk for the following:

• Road rash—road rash is serious damage to the skin, not just cuts and scrapes. Road rash can cause permanent damage due to infections and damages to the nerves.
• Facial fractures
• Disfigurement
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Injuries to the spinal cord—survivors with spinal cord injuries often face life-altering circumstances. Christopher Reeve up until his death was the most famous example of one who suffered paralysis from the neck down due to a spinal cord injury. He was injured when he fell from a horse.
• Traumatic brain injuries—TBI’s are the leading cause of death in motorcycle wrecks. TBI’s are caused by a severe blow to the head. Skull fracture may occur. This may lead to neurological complications. If you suffer a traumatic blow to the head, you must seek medical attention even if you believe yourself to be uninjured. Symptoms to look for include dizziness, nausea, and instability or balance disorder. You may feel dizzy or experience blurred vision. Quick response to head injury is vital and will affect your survival and recovery.

CDC research shows that the most effective way to lower the number of traumatic brain injuries and fatalities is to adopt universal helmet laws. Four out of five Americans support motorcycle helmet laws requiring helmet use.

If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has died in a motorcycle wreck, contact a qualified personal injury attorney today.

These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.