Some people ride motorcycles because they are reckless, however, many motorcyclists take the risks of injury when riding a motorcycle very seriously and work to prevent them. One way that responsible motorcyclists try to stay safe is by wearing all of the recommended safety gear.
Safety gear for motorcyclists can include federally-approved helmets with faceguards, steel-toed boots, long sleeves and long pants made out of leather or another heavy material, gloves, and more. All of this gear can make a motorcyclist feel fairly secure that they will be protected from injury. This is a mistaken feeling, however, as every motorcyclist is vulnerable to injuries no matter how much safety gear they wear.
Crashes Cause Severe Injuries
There is a wide variety of serious and life-changing injuries that a motorcyclist can sustain in a crash. One of the most common is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). You may think that a helmet will be sufficient to protect a motorcyclist from a TBI. However, while a helmet does provide protection for the skull, it cannot keep the brain from shaking inside the skull as a result of an impact. This shaking can damage the brain tissue and result in a TBI with debilitating and lasting symptoms.
Additionally, while the skin may be covered by heavy clothes to protect from road rash, no safety gear thoroughly protects bones from breaking or damage to the back or spinal cord. Some broken bones may heal with minimal treatment and rest, however, other compound fractures may require extensive and painful surgeries and may never fully heal. Back and neck injuries can cause chronic pain and significant limitations for movement, including the inability to work. Spinal cord injuries can leave a victim paralyzed either temporarily or for the rest of their lives - requiring lifelong assistance and care.
In short, no amount of safety gear will fully protect you from motorcycle accidents. If you are injured in a crash, you should immediately contact a personal injury lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accident cases and who can seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Call Our Experienced Hartford Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Assistance
If you have been injured in any type of traffic crash, call our motorcycle and car accident lawyers at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau for help. We will protect your rights, so call today at 860-875-7000 for a free consultation.
