Exploring the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Houston motorcycle accidents are more likely to cause severe injuries because riders have less protection than people in cars or trucks. This fact raises the stakes for injured motorcyclists, but insurance companies often dispute motorcycle accident claims or blame the rider for their injuries. Riders who don’t have legal help struggle to recover fair compensation and get proper medical care.

At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we understand the devastating impact of motorcycle accident injuries and your need for legal support. Our team includes board-certified trial attorneys, and their in-depth knowledge and courtroom experience have helped us recover over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. We stand up to insurance companies and aren’t afraid to take your case to trial to enforce your rights. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

1. Head and Brain Injuries

Motorcycle riders face a high risk of traumatic brain injuries because the head often takes the brunt of an impact during a crash. A sudden blow can cause a concussion, skull fracture, or other severe brain injury. Helmets can help reduce the severity of these head injuries from motorcycle accidents, but they cannot prevent every form of brain trauma. A concussion may leave motorcycle accident victims with chronic headaches, dizziness, or short-term memory issues, while more serious brain injuries can permanently affect coordination, speech, and problem-solving abilities.

The recovery process for a head or brain injury may take months or even years. Many victims need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy to regain lost skills after a severe traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, families often notice mood swings, changes in personality, and other mental or emotional changes after accidents.

Brain injuries also carry substantial financial consequences. Treatment costs can increase rapidly when ongoing rehabilitation or specialized care is required. Riders may lose months of income if they cannot return to their jobs, and some face permanent limitations that make working again difficult or impossible.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The spinal cord is the main pathway for signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When a motorcycle accident damages this delicate structure, the results can be life-changing. A partial spinal injury may leave some ability to move or feel below the injury site, while a complete severing of the spinal cord can cause partial or full paralysis.

The impact of spinal cord injuries can extend well beyond mobility issues, though. Victims often face challenges with bladder or bowel control, breathing difficulties, or chronic pain. Many individuals require wheelchairs, home modifications, and assistance with daily activities.

Medical care for spinal cord injuries usually involves emergency stabilization, surgery to repair fractures or relieve pressure, and long-term rehabilitation. Even with advanced treatment, most victims do not regain full mobility. The financial costs are also significant and can range from repeated hospital stays to lifelong care expenses. The emotional impact on families is also profound, as family members must adjust to providing daily support for an injured rider.

3. Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones occur frequently in motorcycle accidents because riders often hit the ground with significant force or become trapped under a vehicle. Common fractures include broken arms, wrists, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Many crashes involve multiple fractures at once, which complicates a rider’s treatment and lengthens their recovery time. Recovery can take several months, during which time the injured rider may need physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion.

Rib fractures create their own dangers because they can puncture organs or make breathing painful. Multiple rib fractures may lead to collapsed lungs or internal bleeding, which require immediate medical care.

Additionally, broken bones may result in prolonged work absences, limited mobility, and persistent stiffness or weakness. Many riders find that the injured area remains vulnerable to future pain or reinjury even after healing.

4. Road Rash and Severe Skin Abrasions

Sliding across pavement after a crash often leads to road rash. Mild cases resemble severe scrapes, but serious cases remove several layers of skin and expose underlying muscle or bone. These deep abrasions can cause infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.

The healing process can be excruciating, as victims may need frequent dressing changes and follow-up visits. Even after the wounds close, scars may remain highly visible and impact a rider’s confidence and quality of life. Riders who suffer severe abrasions often describe the injury as one of the most painful aspects of their accident, and many need physical therapy to address lingering nerve damage or restricted movement resulting from tough scar tissue.

5. Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

Motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries that are not immediately visible. Blunt force trauma from striking another vehicle, the handlebars, or the ground can damage organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal bleeding may not show obvious symptoms at first, but it can become fatal without quick treatment.

The danger of internal injuries lies in their delayed symptoms. A rider may feel only mild pain at first, then suddenly develop severe complications. For this reason, immediate medical evaluation after a crash is critical, even if no obvious injuries appear on the surface. Victims may also face long recovery periods due to complications such as infections, fluid buildup, or the need for additional procedures.

6. Leg and Knee Injuries

Leg injuries from motorcycle accidents can include crushed bones, torn ligaments, or deep lacerations. Recovery can be slow, and many riders struggle with pain, stiffness, or a limited range of motion long after the collision.

Moreover, leg and knee injuries often prevent victims from walking or standing for long periods. This creates challenges in returning to work, especially for jobs that require physical activity. Some riders may need mobility aids such as crutches, canes, or wheelchairs, while others live with permanent discomfort.

7. Amputations and Permanent Disabilities

In the most severe motorcycle accidents, riders may lose a limb during the crash or require surgical amputation afterward. Crushed bones, severe infections, or irreparable tissue damage often leave doctors with no choice but to amputate.

Adjusting to life after an amputation involves extensive rehabilitation, prosthetics, and therapy. Prosthetic limbs can restore some function, but training on how to use them and regular adjustments are required. Victims often face phantom limb pain, ongoing medical appointments, and significant lifestyle changes.

Beyond amputations, motorcycle crashes can cause other permanent disabilities, such as severe brain damage, chronic pain syndromes, or paralysis. These conditions reshape every part of life, from employment to personal relationships.

How Can an Attorney Help After a Serious Motorcycle Accident?

Your job after a motorcycle accident is to focus on healing while your lawyer protects your interests and fights for the compensation you deserve. A Houston motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover the money you need by:

Investigating the accident – An attorney can gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a clear picture of what happened. This investigation also helps your lawyer identify who caused the collision so you can take legal action against them.

Dealing with insurance companies – Insurance adjusters often try to settle claims for less than they are worth. An attorney can handle these conversations, counter any attempts to blame you or minimize your injuries, and push for fair compensation.

Calculating damages – Many injured motorcycle riders settle for less than their claim’s full value because they don’t know how to evaluate their losses properly. A lawyer can make sure your claim includes your current and future medical needs, lost income, pain and suffering, damaged property, and more.

Negotiating settlements – An out-of-court settlement can provide a faster, less risky outcome to your claim. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf and determine whether any settlement offers you receive are fair.

Taking the case to court if necessary – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, an attorney can file a lawsuit and handle complex courtroom procedures. When the time comes, they’ll present your case to a judge or jury.

Why Choose Our Firm?

At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we know how much a motorcycle crash can change your life. Our firm has fought for injured clients across Texas for decades, and we’re committed to fighting for positive outcomes for our clients. We have recovered over $1 billion for accident victims, and we continue to represent those who need skilled legal support after a severe injury.

When you choose our firm, you do not just get one lawyer. You get an entire team working together on your case. Tommy Fibich, our founding partner, has more than 50 years of trial experience, and three of our attorneys are certified specialists according to the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. That level of training and recognition sets us apart, equipping us with the tools to handle even the most challenging cases.

Furthermore, you can count on us to provide clear communication and direct guidance at every step. We offer free in-person or virtual consultations, and you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case. We know the tactics insurance companies use, and we will not back down from taking your case to trial when necessary.

Contact Our Houston Motorcycle Injury Attorneys to Learn More

Don’t let an insurance company push you around or keep you from recovering the resources you need to heal after a Houston motorcycle crash. Call Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.