Motorcyclist Faces Amputation After Crash
A motorcyclist remained in critical condition following a leg amputation after a serious accident, according to recent reports. The accident occurred as the unnamed biker was heading south on Texas Street and entering Interstate 8.
Another motorist apparently failed to see the motorcyclist, who accelerated the bike to avoid being hit. However, this tactic caused the motorcyclist to lose control of the bike. He was then thrown over the ramp and into brush beside the road.
According to the California Highway Patrol, or CHP, the crash caused serious injuries resulting in the loss of a leg for the victim. He remains in critical condition at an area hospital.
Motorcyclists Have A Higher Risk Of Injury
Motorcycles are fast and much smaller than cars and trucks, which makes them difficult to see. This is especially true when everyone is travelling at high speeds on the Interstate. Other than a helmet and leather clothing, a motorcyclist has very little protection in the event of a collision with another vehicle. By contrast, an automobile offers its occupants seatbelts and a protective “shell” in the form of the metallic exterior. This may explain why motorcyclists are so much more likely to be injured or killed in a collision than the occupants of motor vehicles.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Roughly 75 percent of motorcycle accidents involved another vehicle, most often a passenger automobile.
- Approximately 25 percent of motorcycle accidents involved collision with a fixed item.
- A motorcycle’s lack of visibility is a leading cause of collisions with other vehicles.
Common Motorcycle Injuries
Due to the tendency of a crash to throw a motorcyclist off the bike, as well as the high level of physical exposure most riders experience, motorcycle accidents often result in certain types of injuries, including:
Broken Bones – The most common injury for motorcycle accidents is broken bones. Riders often suffer broken legs and arms due high impact after falling or being thrown from the motorcycle.
Brain Injuries – Head injuries are often fatal or result in serious, long-term disability. While a helmet may not provide perfect protection, it can help lessen the severity of head injuries, especially for low-speed crashes.
Spinal Cord injuries – SCIs are often tragic injuries involving paralysis.
Injury to internal organs – Damage to organs such as the spleen or kidneys often require immediate surgery after a motorcycle crash.
Road Rash—An injury particularly associated with motorcycles is road rash. This type of injury occurs when a victim slides along the road, abrading skin from the face, legs, arms or torso.
I Was Badly Injured While Riding My Motorcycle. Can Anyone Help?
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact Dan Gilleon, a personal injury attorney in San Diego. Dan Gilleon has helped many motorcycle accident victims recover damages for their injuries. Call today for a free consultation.
