As fun as riding a motorcycle is, an unfortunate reality is that motorcyclists are more likely to be injured if they are involved in an accident than someone in a car or truck. That is because motorcycles provide little physical protection from the elements, road hazards, or other vehicles.

While the number of injurious motorcycle accidents is on the decline, it is still vital for motorcyclists to be aware of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accident injuries can range in severity depending on how severe the accident was and the type of protective gear the motorcyclist was wearing at the time. Generally, the most common injuries reported in motorcycle accidents include:

•          Road Rash: If the motorcyclist slides across the pavement after an accident, skin that comes in contact with the pavement may be scraped or burned. Mild road rash generally heals without incident. More severe cases may require skin grafts to repair the damage.
•          Brain Injuries: Most motorcyclists wear helmets, even if they are not legally required to do so. This is important because helmets significantly reduce the risk of brain injuries. Unfortunately, helmets do not guarantee that you will not suffer a head injury. Brain injuries can still occur when wearing a helmet, but they may be less severe.
•          Leg Injuries: A motorcyclist's legs and feet are particularly vulnerable if an accident occurs. The CDC estimates that nearly 30% of motorcycle injuries are to the lower extremities. Even something as simple as the bike falling over can cause a leg injury after an accident. In accidents, the lower extremities are the first points of contact with the pavement.
•          Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are among the most traumatic injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents. Helmets do not protect against spinal cord injuries, and impacts during a collision can still affect the neck and spine.

What are my rights as a motorcycle passenger if I'm injured?

Los Angeles is a beautiful place to go for a motorcycle ride on sunny days. The climate of our city is attractive for both motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to go for a ride in their free time. On a good day, we can see some motorcyclists riding through the city, and many of these times, they are accompanied by another passenger. Being accompanied by another person is a common practice. However, if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, what rights will the passenger have?

We know that motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable drivers that we can find on the road due to the lack of protection that is normal to other vehicles. Well, your passengers are in a much more vulnerable position because they can't even have control over the motorcycle. For this reason, these people should be the most protected when it comes to defending their rights and obtaining compensation for damages.

First of all, it is essential to note that any passenger must wear the same safety equipment as the driver, both a suitable full helmet and safety clothing.

Like the motorcyclist, if the collision was due to another driver's negligence, the passenger will also have the right to obtain compensation from the other person involved. Be it a car, a truck, or any other motorized vehicle.

In the case of defective parts, in the same way, he will be entitled to the same compensation as the motorcyclist against the manufacturers, either of the vehicle or the parts, as the case may be.

However, if the case was due to the rider's negligence, then the passenger has every right to file a lawsuit against the rider and obtain compensation for damages from the rider.

Remember, these are only examples of the most common types of motorcycle accident injuries. There are numerous possible injuries – mild to severe – that can impact a motorcyclist and/or passengers. If you suffer a motorcycle accident and require legal representation, at Vaziri Law, we can help. Call us!

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Brain injuries after a car accident