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Top 5 Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcyclists are a vulnerable group of drivers on Wisconsin roads. Motorcycles are much smaller than the cars and tractor-trailers with which they share the road, and motorcycles have fewer safety protections.
When a motorcyclist gets into an accident, injuries are likely to result. Moreover, motorcycle accident injuries tend to be severe among cyclists. The same cannot be said for drivers and riders of cars.
About Wisconsin Motorcycle Accidents
Wisconsin has seen an increase in registered cycles over the past 10 years. In 2004, there were about 221,000. In 2013 (the most recent year for which data has been provided), there were nearly 367,000 registered bikes.
In 2013, Wisconsin reported:
- 83 motorcyclist fatalities;
- 1,705 accidents involving injuries; and
- 361 crashes with only property damage.
According to the statistics, helmets play an important role in keeping crash victims alive. In 2013, there were 63 motorcyclists who died while not wearing a helmet. By contrast, 20 cyclists were reported to have died while wearing a helmet.
Common Injuries After Motorcycle Accidents
The Center for Disease Control has reported that motorcycle injuries in non-fatal accidents fall into several types. These include the following:
- 30 percent of all non-fatal injuries were to the lower extremities, such as feet or legs;
- 22 percent of all non-fatal injuries were to the head and neck;
- Upper trunk wounds were the third most common. These are injuries to the chest, shoulder, and back;
- Arms and hands are also at risk; and
- Lower trunk wounds round out the top five types of injuries. These are wounds to the hips and pelvis.
Death is also a common outcome for motorcyclists involved in accidents, even in accidents in which the motorcycle driver is not at fault.
If your loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you must work quickly to file a wrongful death suit, which is a complex claim in which the surviving family can be compensated for his or her loved one’s death.
Contact a Milwaukee, WI, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, significant medical care may be required. Additionally, tremendous pain and suffering may result. An attorney can help you get the treatment and compensation you or your loved one is entitled to under Wisconsin law. Our firm has represented many accident victims and their families who could not otherwise fully advocate for themselves.
Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to handle complex motorcycle accident cases. Call the skilled Milwaukee motorcycle crash attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP at 414-271-1440.
Sources:
http://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/crash-data/motorcyclefacts.pdf
https://rideapart.com/articles/body-parts-will-likely-injure-motorcycle-crash
