Even though motorcycles can be safe vehicles, there are times when motorcyclists or other drivers make mistakes on the roadway and when accidents occur. Unfortunately, motorcyclists do not have as much protection as those inside traditional passenger vehicles, and this can lead to significant neck and back injuries when an accident does occur. Here, we want to review the most common neck and back injuries that motorcyclists are likely to sustain in a crash.
Most Common Motorcycle Neck and Back Injuries
There are various types of injuries that can occur to the neck and spinal area of the body when a motorcycle accident occurs. Unfortunately, the very mechanism of these accidents and the fact that motorcyclists do not have much protection means that these injuries are more likely to occur:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is one of the most common motorcycle accident injuries that can occur, and these injuries happen during a sudden impact, such as a rear-end collision or a collision with a fixed object. The force of the collision can suddenly stretch the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the upper back and neck area beyond their normal limits, and this type of injury can lead to a sore or stiff neck, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, and more.
- Herniated discs. The discs in our spine act as a cushion between each vertebra. They are responsible for holding not only the neck in place, but also the entire spinal column. These vertebral discs are responsible for ensuring we can move properly, and any herniated disc caused by a motorcycle accident can result in significant pain.
- Fractured vertebrae. There are 33 vertebrae that make up our spinal column, and these vertebrae run from the top of our neck all the way through to the bottom of our spine. Any type of crack or minor fracture in one vertebra can place the whole spine at risk and require surgery for a person to regain mobility.
- Soft tissue injuries. There are various types of soft tissue that can be damaged as a result of a motorcycle accident, including neck, shoulder, and back muscles, as well as tendons, ligaments, and nerves. An injury to any of these soft tissues anywhere along the neck or back can significantly limit a person’s movement and cause major suffering.
- Paralysis. The most severe type of neck or back injury is one that results in partial or complete paralysis. Depending on the severity of the injury, paralysis can be temporary or permanent. There are various types of paralysis that can affect a person, depending on the severity of the injury and where the injury occurs, including:
- Monoplegia. This is the paralysis of one leg or one arm.
- Hemiplegia. This is a paralysis that affects both an arm and a leg, usually on the same side of the body.
- Paraplegia. This type of paralysis affects both legs.
- Quadriplegia. This type of paralysis results in a loss of motor function in all four limbs.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help
If you or somebody you love has sustained a neck or back injury in a motorcycle accident caused by the actions of another driver, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Newport Beach will have the resources necessary to fully investigate the incident, ensure you are evaluated by trusted medical professionals, and vigorously negotiate with insurance carriers to recover the compensation you are entitled to.