A motorcycle accident can and will happen no matter how much experience you have as a motorcyclist. When they do, it’s important to know how to react to minimize the severity of your injuries. For example, you can be thrown from your bike during a collision and land on your head, neck, or back. These are called high-impact injuries because they can cause serious damage to your spine, brain, or other vital organs. So it pays to know common motorcycle injuries and how you can avoid them. Read on to learn about six such injuries and what to do after you have been injured.
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when your skin comes into contact with the pavement or other rough surfaces at high speeds. The friction causes your skin to peel off, exposing the underlying tissue to infection. Road rash can be extremely painful and lead to serious infections if not treated properly.
What to do:
Clean the wound as soon as possible with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound to prevent infection. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage. You may need to take over-the-counter pain medication if the pain is severe. See a doctor if the wound is more than an inch deep or if you develop a fever or other signs of infection.
Broken Bones
A broken bone is one of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents. When bones break, they can puncture the skin and cause bleeding and swelling. They can also lead to serious infections if not treated properly. Moreover, motorcyclist death tolls are on the rise more than ever, so it makes sense to do your best to avoid accidents that lead to broken bones and cracked skulls.
What to do:
Seek medical attention immediately. Splint the injured limb to immobilize it and reduce pain. Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are common injuries when ligaments or muscles are stretched beyond their limits. They can be extremely painful and may limit your range of motion. This is why you must wear the right protective gear to ensure your safety.
What to do:
Rest the injured area and avoid activities that aggravate the injury. Apply ice to the area to reduce inflammation. Wrap the area with an elastic bandage or Ace wrap. Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. See a doctor if the pain is severe or you cannot move the affected area.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are some of the most serious injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident. They can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries can cause long-term complications or even death.
What to do:
Visit a doctor immediately if you suspect you have suffered a head injury. Do not move the injured person unless they are in danger. Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries can range from whiplash – a neck sprain to a broken neck. Neck injuries can be extremely painful and may require surgery to correct.
What to do:
Do not move the injured person unless they are in danger. Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. See a doctor immediately if you suspect you have suffered a neck injury.
Back Injuries
Back injuries include sprains and strains to herniated discs and fractures. Such injuries can be extremely painful and may require surgery to correct.
What to do:
Avoid activities that aggravate the injury. Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.
Any motorcycle accident can be extremely dangerous and will often result in serious injuries. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, follow the above mentioned tips.