Most Vulnerable Body Parts During a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle accidents are some of the most serious types of accidents that we treat at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel. Because motorcyclists are not physically protected as they would be if they were in a vehicle, they are especially vulnerable to being seriously injured or killed during an accident. 

Our team at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel discusses the vulnerability of the body during a motorcycle crash and what to do if you are in one.

Vulnerable Body Parts During a Motorcycle Crash

Here are some of the most vulnerable body parts that can be injured during a motorcycle accident:

The Neck and Head

Even if you are wearing a helmet, you can sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or whiplash during a motorcycle accident.

Brain injuries happen when the skull slams into a hard surface like a car or the pavement. Even if the bones in the skull aren’t fractured, the delicate tissues inside the brain can get jostled around the skull, causing a concussion or even bleeding inside the brain causing permanent brain damage or death. 

Brain injuries can also be attributed to whiplash where your head whips back and forth dramatically. Even if you don’t sustain a brain injury in a motorcycle accident, you could have a neck injury like whiplash to contend with.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, visit a doctor as soon as possible, especially if you suspect a concussion or brain injury.

Bones

Because of the severity of motorcycle accidents, there is a good chance that you will have some broken bones during a crash. Since there is nothing between you and the road, bones can often crack, split, or shatter.

While broken bones will heal over time, they can leave you with long-term consequences. Some patients may need to have surgery after a motorcycle accident where they may get temporary or permanent pins, rods, or screws, to help reset shattered bones.

Further, if your vertebrae were damaged you may suffer from chronic pain or disability.

Arms, Hands, and Fingers

It is common for motorcyclists to extend their arms and hands out to brace themselves for a fall off of their motorcycle. This rarely ends well. Common injuries include broken radius and ulna bones, and fractures to the dozens of small bones in the hand.

To prevent these kinds of injuries, it is important to wear arm and hand protection when riding a motorcycle. Heavy-duty gloves can offer protection around the hands and fingers, while palm sliders can alleviate the pressure on the arms by allowing the body to slide against the pavement in an accident.

Soft Tissues

Muscles, tendons, skin, and other soft tissues can heal themselves after an accident, but they can be harder to diagnose than broken bones.

Depending on your soft tissue injury, your doctor may refer you to a manual therapist, chiropractor, or physical therapy to help you manage your symptoms and recover your strength and mobility after a motorcycle accident.

Other Common Motorcycle Injuries

A few other types of injuries sustained in a motorcycle include:

• Crack teeth
• Damaged joints in the jaw
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neurological injuries
• Internal bruising or bleeding
• Road rash
• Scarring
• Lacerations
• Facial injuries
• Vascular injuries
• PTSD

Motorcycle Accident Care

Motorcycle accidents can become serious quickly depending on the severity of the impact and injuries sustained. If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle accident, come visit our accident clinic at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel. Our team of physical therapists, chiropractors, doctors, and manual therapists can help you heal and recover.

Call Impact Medical Wesley Chapel today for a consultation; (813) 953-1002!