How Common are Motorcycle Accidents in Houston?
Motorcycle accidents are relatively common in Houston, Texas. According to statistics, there have been 671 motorcycle accidents in Houston, with 130 of them causing severe injuries. These accidents often result in injuries; in a recent year, 85% of Houston motorcycle wrecks resulted in at least a “possible” injury, and over half caused known injuries.
Motorcycles constitute about 2% of vehicles on Texas roadways but account for 13.46% of the number of deaths. In 2020, there were 7,481 motorcycle crashes in Texas, resulting in 482 fatalities and 1,856 serious injuries. The high number of accidents highlights the importance of safe riding practices and awareness of the dangers of riding a motorcycle in Houston.
It’s crucial for riders to be aware of the risks and for motorists to share the road safely with motorcyclists. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident in Houston, it’s advisable to seek legal assistance from a qualified Houston motorcycle accident lawyer.
Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries in Houston?
Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries or death than car accidents. This is because motorcyclists are not protected by the same safety features as car drivers, such as airbags and seatbelts.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in Houston motorcycle accidents include:
- Head injuries: Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. They can be caused by hitting your head on the ground, the handlebars, or another object. Even if the rider is wearing a helmet, the impact of the accident can still cause severe head injuries. Symptoms of head injuries after a motorcycle accident can include loss of consciousness, headaches, confusion, and coordination problems. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial as it can reduce the risk of permanent disabilities
- Brain injuries: Brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries can lead to long-term impairments and disabilities including memory loss, cognitive impairments, seizures, emotional and behavioral changes, and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: The spinal cord is a crucial part of the central nervous system, and damage to it can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation in various parts of the body. Motorcycle accidents often involve high speeds and impacts that can cause trauma to the spine. It is essential for riders to wear protective gear, such as helmets and body armor, to minimize the risk of spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can occur when the spine is forcibly flexed, extended, or rotated. They can cause paralysis or other significant disabilities.
- Fractures: Fractures are a common type of injury in motorcycle accidents. They can occur in various parts of the body, including the femur, wrist, shoulder, elbow, hands, fingers, forearm, and legs. The severity of the fractures depends on the force applied and the bones or joints involved. Types of fractures include stable fractures, open compound fractures, transverse fractures, oblique fractures, and comminuted fractures. Treatment and prognosis vary depending on the seriousness of the break and the victim’s overall health. Leg fractures are the most common lower extremity injuries, followed by upper extremity injuries. Displaced fractures often require surgery, while pelvic fractures may necessitate surgery due to excessive bleeding. Knee injuries such as patellar fractures or dislocations may also require surgical intervention.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries can occur when the organs in the body are bruised, crushed, or torn. They can range from mild to severe and may include internal bleeding in the abdomen or head. Some of the most common internal injuries include liver lacerations, spleen injuries, and kidney injuries. The forceful impact during a motorcycle accident can cause internal organs to be damaged, resulting in bleeding or other complications. Signs of internal injuries may include loss of consciousness, headache, swelling or pain in the abdomen, discolored skin, and light-headedness or fainting
The severity of a motorcycle injury can depend on a number of factors, including the speed of the motorcycle, the type of collision, and the rider’s protective gear. Wearing a helmet is the single most important thing a motorcyclist can do to protect themselves from head injuries. Other protective gear, such as a jacket, gloves, and boots, can also help to prevent injuries.
Upper Extremity Motorcycle Injuries vs. Lower Extremity Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in various types of injuries, including both upper extremity and lower extremity injuries.
- Upper extremity injuries refer to injuries that occur in the arms, hands, and shoulders, while lower extremity injuries involve the legs, knees, and feet. In motorcycle accidents, it is common for riders to use their arms and hands to break their fall, leading to fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries in the upper extremities. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries such as fractures or nerve damage.
- Similarly, lower extremity injuries are also prevalent in motorcycle accidents. When a rider is involved in a crash, their legs and feet are exposed to significant impact and can get trapped or crushed under the motorcycle. This can result in fractures, ligament tears, muscle strains, and road rash.
The severity of upper and lower extremity injuries can vary depending on factors such as the speed of the motorcycle, the angle of impact, and the use of protective gear.
How Protective Gear Can Reduce Chances of Injury in Motorcycle Accidents?
Helmet use plays a crucial role in head injury prevention. About 24% of helmeted motorcyclists suffer head injuries, while unhelmeted riders face a higher risk, with approximately 38% experiencing head injuries. While helmets are well-known for their effectiveness in preventing head injuries, motorcycle protective clothing plays a crucial role in reducing injuries to other parts of the body.
Protective gear plays a vital role in reducing the chances of injury in motorcycle accidents. Here’s how it can help:
- Helmets: Motorcycle helmets are essential for head protection. They significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and fatalities in accidents by providing a cushioning effect if you fall from your bike.
- Overall Body Protection: Proper safety gear includes items like armored jackets, pants, gloves, and boots. These protect against abrasions, fractures, and severe injuries by providing a barrier between the rider and the road surface. Research suggests that effective protective clothing, including pants and boots, can potentially prevent relatively minor soft tissue injuries and reduce the risk of fatigue and distraction while riding. Although protective clothing may not be able to prevent injuries in high-impact crashes, it can still greatly reduce the risk of injuries in most motorcycle accidents, which typically do not occur at high speeds.
- Reduced Severity: Research has shown that motorcycle protective clothing is associated with a reduced risk and severity of crash-related injuries and hospitalization. This is especially true when the gear is well-fitted.
- Saving Lives: Wearing protective gear, including helmets and full-body protection, can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries in motorcycle accidents. While accidents can still result in medical bills and damages, the use of gear significantly improves the odds of survival and lessens the impact of injuries.
- Defensive Riding: Personal protective gear complements defensive riding practices. By wearing the right gear, riders add an extra layer of safety to their responsible riding habits, reducing the risk of injury in accidents.
Wearing motorcycle protective gear, including helmets and body armor, is crucial for reducing the chances of injury and increasing the odds of survival in motorcycle accidents. Wearing proper protective gear not only protects riders from injuries but also contributes to shorter hospital stays and earlier return to work for those who wear leathers, impact protectors, and high boots.
It is important for riders to ensure that their protective clothing meets mandatory standards and objective tests to ensure its effectiveness. By wearing protective gear, riders can greatly reduce the chances of injuries in motorcycle accidents and increase their overall safety on the road.
It’s a combination of both safe riding practices and proper gear that can make a significant difference in rider safety.
Why Should You Consult with our Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Consulting with a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer is essential for several compelling reasons:
- Legal Expertise: Motorcycle accident cases can be legally complex. Our skilled attorney specializes in this area of law and understands the intricacies of such cases, ensuring you have expert guidance throughout the legal process.
- Maximizing Compensation: Our attorney will work to maximize the compensation you deserve. They know how to assess the true value of your case, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Legal Protection: We will protect your rights and interests during negotiations and, if necessary, in court. They can help you avoid common pitfalls and legal traps that could harm your case.
- Evidence Gathering: Our lawyer can collect and preserve crucial evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiation Skills: Our experienced lawyers are skilled negotiators. They can engage with insurance companies and at-fault parties to secure a fair settlement, sparing you the stress of dealing with these entities directly.
- Focus on Recovery: While our attorney handles the legal aspects, you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery without the added burden of navigating a complex legal system.
When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, the consequences can be devastating both physically and financially. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer by your side. Our team of skilled attorneys understands the complexities of motorcycle accident cases and is dedicated to fighting for your rights.
Call our offices today and schedule your free consultation with our Houston motorcycle accident lawyer who can patiently listen to your plight and give you the best case-specific advice about how to proceed.