Quick Answer
The most common motorcycle accident injuries are leg and foot injuries, head injuries including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), road rash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, internal injuries, and facial injuries. Because riders have no frame, airbags, or seatbelts, these injuries are often more severe than car accident injuries and can lead to high medical bills and lost income. In South Carolina, injured riders may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver.
Motorcyclists have almost no protection in a crash. When a car or truck hits a rider, the rider’s body absorbs the force of the impact and then the impact with the road. That is why motorcycle crashes cause some of the most serious injuries we see at The Thumbs Up Guys.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident?
The most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Leg and foot injuries
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Amputations
- Emotional and psychological injuries
Below, we explain each injury, what it involves, and how it can affect your life and your claim.
Leg and Foot Injuries
Legs and feet are the most frequently injured body parts in nonfatal motorcycle crashes. Riders’ legs are often pinned between the bike and another vehicle or the road. Common injuries include fractured tibias and fibulas, crushed feet and ankles, knee damage, and “biker’s leg,” a term for severe muscle, nerve, and bone damage to the lower leg. Many of these injuries require surgery, hardware such as plates and screws, and months of physical therapy.
Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. They range from concussions to skull fractures and severe traumatic brain injuries. A TBI can affect memory, concentration, mood, speech, and the ability to work. Symptoms do not always appear right away, so riders should get evaluated even if they feel fine after a crash. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by about 69 percent, but even helmeted riders can suffer a brain injury.
Road Rash
Road rash happens when a rider’s skin scrapes across the pavement. Mild cases affect the top layer of skin. Severe cases strip away skin, fat, and muscle, and can require skin grafts. Road rash carries a high risk of infection and often leaves permanent scarring.
Broken Bones
Beyond the legs, riders commonly break their arms, wrists, hands, collarbones, ribs, and pelvis. Riders often put their arms out to brace for impact, which leads to wrist and forearm fractures. Pelvic fractures are especially serious and can involve damage to nearby organs and blood vessels.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
A spinal cord injury can cause partial or complete paralysis. Other back injuries include herniated discs and fractured vertebrae, which often do not show up on X-rays and may require an MRI to diagnose. These injuries often require lifelong medical care, home modifications, and assistance with daily activities.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries range from whiplash and strained muscles to fractured cervical vertebrae. Severe neck injuries can damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis.
Internal Injuries
The force of a crash can damage internal organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding may not cause obvious symptoms at first, which makes emergency medical evaluation critical after any motorcycle crash.
Facial Injuries
Riders without full-face helmets are at higher risk of broken jaws, fractured cheekbones, broken noses, lost teeth, and eye injuries. Facial injuries can require reconstructive surgery and may cause permanent disfigurement.
Amputations
Crushing injuries to the arms, hands, legs, or feet sometimes result in amputation, either at the scene or later in surgery. Amputation changes a rider’s ability to work and live independently and requires prosthetics and ongoing care.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Many riders experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious crash. These injuries are real and can be part of an injury claim.
For a free legal consultation, call (843) 380-8350
Why Are Motorcycle Accident Injuries So Severe?
Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more serious than car accident injuries because riders have no enclosed frame, airbags, or seatbelts. Riders are often thrown from the bike, and a motorcycle offers far less visibility to other drivers. Many crashes happen when drivers turn left in front of a rider, change lanes without checking blind spots, or follow too closely.
How Much Do Motorcycle Accident Injuries Cost?
Serious motorcycle injuries often lead to costs that last far beyond the hospital stay. Riders may face:
- Emergency care, surgery, and hospital stays
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical treatment and long-term care
- Lost wages while recovering
- Reduced ability to earn income in the future
- Motorcycle repair or replacement
Insurance companies know these costs add up, and they often try to settle quickly for less than a claim is worth.
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What Compensation Can You Get After a Motorcycle Accident in South Carolina?
If another driver caused your crash, you may be able to recover compensation, also called damages, for:
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
The amount depends on how serious your injuries are, how they affect your life and work, and the insurance coverage available.
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Does Not Wearing a Helmet Affect a Motorcycle Accident Claim in SC?
South Carolina only requires riders under 21 to wear a helmet under S.C. Code § 56-5-3660. Adult riders can legally ride without one. However, insurance companies may argue that not wearing a helmet made your injuries worse. South Carolina uses modified comparative negligence, which means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover if you are more than 50 percent at fault. An attorney can push back when an insurer tries to shift blame onto you.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in South Carolina?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina under S.C. Code § 15-3-530. Waiting can make it harder to gather evidence, find witnesses, and document your injuries, so it is best to act early.
What If a Motorcycle Accident Is Fatal?
When a rider is killed in a crash, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim under South Carolina’s Wrongful Death Act, S.C. Code § 15-51-10. This claim can help cover funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship. Learn more about driver liability in fatal motorcycle accidents.
When Should You Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after a motorcycle crash, especially if you were seriously injured, missed work, or the insurance company is disputing fault. Motorcyclists often face bias from insurers who assume the rider was speeding or reckless. A motorcycle accident lawyer can gather evidence, calculate the full value of your claim, and handle the insurance company for you while you focus on your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- The most common motorcycle accident injuries are leg and foot injuries, head injuries and TBI, road rash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries.
- Motorcycle injuries are often more severe than car accident injuries because riders have little physical protection.
- Injured riders in South Carolina may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- South Carolina’s helmet law only applies to riders under 21, but insurers may still use helmet use against you.
- Most motorcycle injury claims in SC must be filed within three years.
- Families of riders killed in crashes may have a wrongful death claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common injury in a motorcycle accident?
Leg and foot injuries are the most common injuries in nonfatal motorcycle crashes. Head injuries are the most common cause of death.
Can you get a TBI in a motorcycle accident while wearing a helmet?
Yes. Helmets greatly reduce the risk of head injury, but the force of a crash can still cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
Is road rash a serious injury?
It can be. Severe road rash can require skin grafts, lead to infection, and cause permanent scarring.
Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident?
If you were injured and another driver was at fault, a lawyer can help you pursue full compensation and protect you from insurance companies trying to blame you for the crash.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? The Thumbs Up Guys Can Help
The Thumbs Up Guys have helped injured riders across South Carolina stand up to insurance companies and recover the compensation they deserve. Our team offers a free case review, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call (843) 885-8000 today or contact us online to get started.
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