Common Injuries From Motorcycle Crashes in New Mexico
Motorcycles can provide a feeling of weightlessness and freedom that so many New Mexico residents crave. However, motorcycles can be extremely dangerous and increase your chances of an injury on the roads significantly. Luckily, most motorcycles are equipped with a number of safety tools necessary to avoid a collision including outstanding handling, open visuals without obstruction, and strong brakes and tires that provide powerful traction. Unfortunately, most motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcyclist, rather another motorist in a car or truck who simply was not paying attention. Although motorcycle accidents happen less frequently than truck and car accidents in New Mexico, they result in death or serious injury far more frequently than other types of vehicle accidents.
Road Rash
The most common type of motorcycle accident injury is road rash. Road rash is also most likely the first injury that comes to mind when you think of motorcycle accident injuries due to the most accidents forcing the rider to slide across the pavement after ejection. However, road rash is much more serious than a few scrapes and bruises. The force and speed of this type of accident can cause multiple layers of skin to be peeled away and expose muscles beneath. A motorcyclist will fly over the handlebars in most motorcycle accidents upon impact. Of course, it’s crucial to wear as much protective gear and safety equipment as possible when riding in New Mexico
Bikers Arm
Biker’s arm is a general term for a motorcycle accident that causes serious nerve damage in the arm after the motorcycle lands on the rider’s arm. Nerve damage is often very serious and can result in partial or total paralysis of the arm and hand as a result. This injury is severe and most likely we require extensive medical treatment and ongoing rehab to regain function of the arm. Biker’s arm can also limit the motorcyclist’s ability to provide for themselves without a steady job and struggle to learn how to do simple everyday tasks. Biker’s arm generally involves damage to one of the following nerves, although most cases of biker’s arm show damage in more than one nerve.
- Median nerve – This nerve sends signals to the front of the forearm and to muscles in the palm of the hand. It’s also often referred to as the “laborer’s nerve.”
- Radial nerve – This nerve controls most movement of muscles located at the back of the upper arm or tricep. The radial nerve also controls mobility in the wrists, fingers, and a significant part of the hand.
- Ulnar nerve – This nerve runs behind the elbow and controls specific movements of the fingers. The ulnar nerve is often referred to as the “musician’s nerve.”
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A new study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that of the 104,472 motorcyclists injured in motorcycle accidents, 15%of helmeted and 21% of unhelmeted riders suffered a traumatic brain injury or TBI. Traumatic brain injuries accounted for 54% of the riders within this group of motorcyclists who did not survive the crash.
Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information spinal cord injuries occur in roughly 11% of motorcycle accidents. When your spinal cord is injured, you may lose feeling in your limbs or even be completely paralyzed. If you or a loved one have suffered this type of motorcycle accident injury, it would be wise to speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately.
Contact the #1 Albuquerque Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in New Mexico, your first move should be to contact a personal injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents. At Garcia Legal, we see these types of cases frequently and understand the best way to approach them in order to grant you maximum compensation after a serious injury due to the negligence of another driver. Call Jonathan Garcia today for a free case review and to begin planning the next steps in the legal process.
