Common Leg Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face greater risks on the road compared to other vehicle drivers due to the lack of physical protection. This vulnerability can lead to various injuries, particularly to the legs, which are often exposed during a crash. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident and sustain leg injuries, knowing when to consult a Fresno motorcycle accident lawyer can be crucial in ensuring you receive appropriate compensation and support.

Why Leg Injuries Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in leg injuries, which can range from minor bruises to severe fractures, necessitating immediate medical attention and potentially lengthy recovery periods or even amputation. Here's why leg injuries occur so often:

• Motorcycles offer minimal protection, leaving riders' legs vulnerable in a crash
• In collisions, the rider’s legs might hit the ground or other objects, bending in unusual ways
• Bikes can fall onto riders' legs, causing fractures or severe bruising
• The lack of seatbelts can lead to riders being thrown off, increasing leg injury risk

If you've suffered a leg injury while riding a motorcycle and it was due to someone else's negligence, it's important to work with our Fresno personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Types of Leg Injuries That Occur in Motorcycle Accidents

Understanding the types of leg injuries that can occur during a motorcycle accident can help you prepare and seek the right kind of help. Below are some of the most common:

Fractures

Fractures are one of the most common injuries motorcyclists face. The impact from a crash may break bones in the leg, such as the femur or tibia, leading to severe pain and requiring immediate medical attention to align and secure the bones.

Road Rash

When a rider slides across the pavement during a fall, road rash can occur. This involves layers of skin being scraped away, and it may require cleaning, dressing, and medical treatment to prevent infection and promote healing.

Sprains and Strains

Ligaments and muscles can be stretched or torn in the turmoil of an accident. This can lead to sprains and strains, causing pain, swelling, and limited movement, which might need rest, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery to heal.

Lacerations

Flying debris or sharp objects in an accident may cause cuts or lacerations to the legs. These wounds can range from minor to severe and may require stitches or other treatments to properly close and heal.

Dislocations

Dislocations occur when a joint is forced out of its normal position. This is a painful condition that may happen during high-impact crashes, often requiring doctors to realign the joint and ensure a complete recovery with follow-up care.

Amputations

In severe motorcycle accidents, particularly those involving high speeds or heavy impact, the risk of amputation becomes a serious concern. An amputation may be necessary if the leg is crushed, severely damaged, or if blood supply is compromised beyond repair.

If you’ve suffered severe injuries that were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have legal recourse.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help with Leg Injury Claims

When you've been hurt in a motorcycle accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. They will collect evidence to build a case against the responsible party and then speak with their insurance company to try to come to a settlement agreement.

It's not uncommon for insurance companies - and judges/juries if it gets to that point - to have a bias against motorcyclists, viewing them as reckless or responsible for their own accidents. A competent lawyer will work to counteract this bias, presenting evidence and arguments to show the true cause and impact of the accident.

The best way to get what you're entitled to is to work with a professional. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.