Most Common San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Common motorcycle accident injuries include broken bones, soft tissue damage, damage to bodily systems, and disfigurement.

LA Century Law explains common San Bernardino motorcycle accident injuries and what riders need to know about accident compensation.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries Are Common

There are nearly one million registered motorcycles in California. California ranks third in the number of motorcycle accident deaths in the United States. Many more riders are injured each year.

When a collision occurs, motorcyclists don’t have the built-in protection of a passenger vehicle. That means injuries can be especially serious.

The Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries are:

• Head injury. Concussion, skull fracture and pierced skull injury.
• Spinal cord injury, nerve damage. The victim may suffer paralysis, impaired sensory processing and impairment of major bodily systems.
• Upper extremity. Including broken bones and trauma to the shoulders, arms and hands.
• Lower extremity. Broken femur, tibia or fibula, and disability of the foot.
• Skin trauma. Including friction burns to the skin from road rash, cuts and bruising.
• Neck, thorax. Which may result in nerve compression and destabilization of the neck.
• Fracture. Broken bones may occur throughout the body.
• Dislocation. Commonly in the hips, shoulders, fingers and wrists.
• Organ damage. Impacting vital bodily functions.
• Soft tissue damage. Harm to the tendons and ligaments, including whiplash.
• Disfigurement. Bodily disfigurement may include scars, skeletal structure damage and posture changes.

What Motorcycle Protective Gear Does California Law Require?

California requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets. Helmets must have inner lining and chin straps.

Other types of protective gear aren’t required in California.

Types of Protective Gear and the Injuries They Prevent

Some types of protective gear that prevent motorcycle injuries include:

• Helmets. Helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal motorcycle injuries. In California, helmets must be US DOT approved.
• Goggles and face shields. Goggles and face shields protect motorcyclists from debris, rain, and wind. That way, they can see the road clearly without distractions.
• Windscreens. Some motorcycles have windscreens that protect operators from debris, bugs, and dust.
• Jackets. A leather jacket can be a protective barrier. It protects the skin from burn injury if the person is thrown against the ground.
• Body armor. Motorcycle body armor can absorb impact and distribute the force of a crash.
• Pants. Leather pants can resist friction and heat in a crash, allowing for smooth sliding rather than skin-tearing friction wounds.
• Boots. Boots can protect the feet from crushing injury. A strong grip on the soles can improve stability.
• Gloves. Sturdy gloves can protect the hands, including bones, soft tissues, and skin.
• Reflective gear. Reflective clothing may prevent accidents by making the motorcyclist easier to see.

In addition to protective gear, other safety measures can lower the risk of an accident. Regular vehicle maintenance, working headlights, and sitting properly on the bike are just a few things that can keep you safer on the road.

How Wearing Gear Can Strengthen Your Injury Claim

When you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident, wearing the right gear can strengthen your injury claim. Proper riding gear prevents the other side from claiming your injuries are your fault because you didn’t dress properly. Of course, not wearing the right gear shouldn’t be held against you when you’re in an accident. But insurance companies have biases, and they look for ways to minimize compensation.

Damage to your gear can help prove your injuries and damages from the crash. Wearing the right gear shows that the accident was serious enough to cause injury, despite your doing everything possible to prevent it. Plus, damage to your gear can indicate the crash’s severity and the impact location on the body.

Can Not Wearing Protective Gear Reduce Your Settlement?

California law requires all riders to wear a motorcycle helmet. Not wearing a helmet might reduce your compensation claim, but it’s not clear how. California law doesn’t explain how not wearing a helmet reduces injury compensation. But even the law’s current uncertainty may mean a lower potential settlement value.

If you don’t wear optional riding gear, it shouldn’t reduce the value of your legal claim. The law is that motorcycle accident victims can claim damages for the harm they suffered as a result of the accident. Drivers who cause accidents must accept their victims as they find them. But wearing riding gear still presents an image of care and caution that can bolster your case.

Gear Defects and Product Liability: A Secondary Claim Angle

Our lawyers consider all possibilities for your recovery. One thing to consider is whether your riding gear was faulty. A defective design or manufacturing defect can make your gear unsafe. This can be a path to compensation. We will explore product liability and any other basis for compensation that may apply to your claim.

How an Attorney Uses Gear Evidence to Maximize Your Recovery

At LA Century Law, we maximize compensation for motorcycle accident victims. Maybe you wore the best riding gear. Maybe you didn’t. It’s our job to protect your interests and fight for your claim.

Our lawyers start by proving your right to compensation. We focus on why the accident occurred and who is legally at fault. Then we prove your damages.

Damages for common motorcycle accident injuries

LA Century Law attorneys know common motorcycle accident injuries. We know what to look for when identifying injuries and proving they result from the accident. We know how to value injuries for compensation.

As experienced accident lawyers, we know the biases that motorcyclists face when they suffer motorcycle accident injuries. We fight biases, protect your rights, and advance your claim.

Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? LA Century Law Protects Your Full Recovery

LA Century Law represents people hurt in motorcycle accidents. We represent drivers and riders. Whether your injuries are common or uncommon, you deserve fair compensation. Our lawyers carefully document your injuries. We take all the steps to pursue your compensation.

Don’t wonder about what your case is worth. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call or message us now.