Because of the lack of protection offered to motorcycle riders, they can experience serious and life-threatening injuries if they are involved in a motorcycle accident.

With decades of experience handling a variety of motor vehicle accidents throughout Maryland, our trusted auto accident lawyers in Silver Spring have seen firsthand how devastating these injuries can be. For this reason, we are committed to helping accident victims and their families recover the compensation they need to cover the damages and losses they have experienced because of a motorcycle accident.

If you or someone you love has suffered from any of the serious motorcycle accident injuries listed below, or others not listed here, do not hesitate to contact the Silver Spring motorcycle accident attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan for a free, no obligation consultation.

1. Road Rash

Because motorcycles are not enclosed like other vehicles, riders are exposed to the elements. If the motorcycle hits a rough patch in the road or collides with another object or vehicle, the rider may be thrown from the bike, often leading to serious injuries.

Road rash is a common injury that can occur if a motorcyclist is thrown from a bike and slides across the pavement. If the concrete rubs on exposed skin or thin fabric, the pavement can scrape the skin and cause significant cuts, scrapes and bruises.

Road rash can vary in severity and, like burns, is classified by degrees:

First degree – The surface of the skin looks red
Second degree – The skin’s surface is broken, but the inner layers are intact
Third degree – The skin is completely removed and the inner layers of tissue and fat are exposed
These injuries can lead to serious infections if not treated properly and can also cause nerve damage and permanent disfigurement.

2. Head Injuries

One of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries is head injuries. Although Maryland’s motorcycle laws require all motorcyclists to wear helmets, injuries to the skull and brain are still common. If the brain swells or comes into contact with the skull, or if the skull is cracked or something protrudes through the skull, serious damage can result. These injuries can range from a mild concussion to a more serious traumatic brain injury that can be fatal.

Motorcyclists should always seek immediate medical attention after an accident, and any contact with the skull during an accident should be closely monitored.

3. Bone Fractures

Bone fractures are another common motorcycle accident injury that most often includes broken legs, arms and wrists.

With one leg on either side of a motorcycle, a rider’s legs are vulnerable to being crushed or broken if the bike falls to one side or is struck from the side by another vehicle or object. This can lead to severe injuries to the legs.

Similarly, biker’s arms and hands are exposed and vulnerable to injury. It is also instinct for bikers to attempt to break a fall by throwing their arms out to catch themselves or brace for impact.

4. Spinal Cord Injuries

According to the Mayo Clinic, auto and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for more than 35 percent of spinal cord injuries every year.

These injuries are often a result of a traumatic blow to the spine that causes fractures or dislocates, compresses or crushes the vertebrae. They can lead to serious complications, such as loss of sensation, muscle strength or motor function in parts of the body below where the injury occurred.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers if You Are Injured

If you or someone you love has been severely injured in a motorcycle accident, you should not hesitate to contact our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. You may be entitled to compensation that could help cover the medical expenses and other damages you have experienced because of your injury.

Our attorneys only work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not charge legal fees unless you recover compensation. Schedule a free, no obligation consultation to learn more.