Motorcycle accident injuries are some of the most severe types of harm that can occur in Houston roadway collisions. What many people do not realize, though, is that these crashes don’t always involve high speeds or careless driving.
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can still cause serious harm, like traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and severe road rash, even if you aren’t traveling at high speeds. Here’s what you need to know.
How Your Body Absorbs Force Differently on a Motorcycle
Unlike drivers inside passenger vehicles, you have no metal frame, seat belt, or airbags to absorb the impact as a biker. That means your body becomes the crumple zone. Even at low speeds, these factors dramatically increase injury risk:
- Direct impact transfer
- Lack of protection alongside you
- High center of gravity
That’s why minor motorcycle accidents often produce injuries more severe than similarly low-speed auto collisions.
The Role of Sudden Deceleration and Momentum in Internal Injuries
Your organs are suspended inside your body by delicate connective tissues. When you stop suddenly, such as when a car cuts you off or you lay down the bike to avoid a crash, your organs don’t instantly stop with you. This internal momentum can lead to:
- Brain trauma
- Abdominal injuries
- Vascular tears from the rapid change in motion
Even if you don’t hit your head, the rapid deceleration can cause a concussion or whiplash.
Common Low-Speed Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Many riders are shocked to find that they suffered major harm after what seemed like a simple tip-over or slow-speed slide. Here are some common injuries associated with low-speed motorcycle accidents:
- Fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Soft-tissue injuries like torn ligaments
- Road rash
The road to recovery can take weeks or months. Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may even need surgery.
Why Road Rash and Infections Can Develop at Modest Speeds
At speeds as low as 15 to 20 mph, the asphalt acts like coarse sandpaper against your skin. Dirt and debris can get embedded in wounds. Your clothing and even some protective gear may tear.
- If bacteria enter the wound, you could experience serious or even life-threatening infections. Some signs and symptoms of road rash infection include:
- Pain
- Changes to skin color around the road rash
- Blistering
- Embedded debris
Any time a foreign object, such as dirt and gravel, is embedded in your body, it can cause infection. Trapped debris can also cause pain and disrupt the healing process. For this reason, road rash requires prompt medical attention, even if it looks minor.
The Heightened Risk of Head and Spinal Trauma
Head injuries occur in 10 to 50% of motorcycle crashes. Even if you are wearing a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation, you’re still at risk for:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Contusions
Helmets can reduce the risk of head injury, but nothing brings that risk to zero.
The Psychological Impact of “Minor” Motorcycle Accidents
These accidents also come with psychological impacts. For instance, you could experience:
- Anxiety returning to riding
- PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes or irritability
Your mental health is every bit as important as your physical recovery. If you file a personal injury claim, psychological trauma can be factored in.
Why You Should Seek Medical Care After a Low-Speed Crash
A crash at any speed can be tough on your body. Don’t assume that your injuries are minor or that you don’t need medical attention.
Be proactive so that you can understand the full extent of the trauma you suffered and take steps to protect your long-term well-being. A medical professional can evaluate you and order diagnostic testing as needed to assess the full extent of your injuries.
FAQ
Can Low-Speed Motorcycle Accident Injuries Show Up Days Later?
Yes. While the actual damage occurs during the accident, you may not notice the full extent of your injuries until a day or two after the crash. The surge of adrenaline and stress of your accident may initially mask the severity of your injuries.
Why Do Motorcycle Accident Injuries Often Seem Worse Than Vehicle Damage?
Visible damage to the motorcycle doesn’t always reflect the seriousness of the forces placed on the body. Even if a bike doesn’t appear to be severely damaged, the rider may have absorbed the full impact. The human body is far more vulnerable than metal or fiberglass, which is why someone can suffer serious injuries even if the amount of property damage appears minor.
Can a Low-Speed Crash Lead to Long-Term or Chronic Pain?
Yes. Back injuries, ligament damage, nerve compression, and soft-tissue trauma can evolve into chronic pain conditions. A seemingly small spinal injury or joint injury can cause long-term stiffness and mobility issues. The sooner these conditions are diagnosed, the better the odds of avoiding long-term complications.
What Signs After a Motorcycle Accident Require Immediate Medical Attention?
You should seek care promptly if you experience severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, numbness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or increasing abdominal pain. When in doubt, get checked out by a medical professional.
Speak With a Lawyer After a Houston Motorcycle Accident
It’s always a good idea to seek legal guidance following a motorcycle accident, even if you think that you may have been partially at fault. The goal is to understand your rights and ensure you have the support necessary to recover.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, the seasoned accident attorneys at Ramsey Law Group can help. We offer our clients the personalized attention they deserve. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.