Whether you choose to wear a helmet or choose to go without, few would argue that helmets reduce head injuries. We urge all bikers to wear a helmet simply because we have seen the tragic results that can occur when bikers go without this protective equipment. A five-year study performed by the Madison Area Technical College indicates that in addition to protecting the head, helmets also reduce the risk of neck and spinal injuries.
Madison Area Technical College Study Results
The study examined cases involving 1,061 bikers who had been injured in crashes. 738 of those patients were not wearing a helmet, and 343 were wearing a helmet at the time of their crash. Eleven percent of patients who were not wearing a helmet experienced neck or cervical spine injuries. Only four percent of patients wearing a helmet exhibited these injuries. In addition, of those wearing helmets who were injured, their neck and spinal injuries were generally less severe.
The study was intended to further demonstrate the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets. The study was performed as part of the motorcycle safety program run by Madison College. That program seeks to instruct new and advanced riders on motorcycle safety and proper riding techniques.
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Types of Neck and Spine Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Cervical spinal injuries can be particularly devastating for bikers. These injuries affect the eight vertebrae at the top of the spine, C1 through C8. These vertebrae begin at the base of the skull and extend down into the neck. Cervical spine injuries can result in quadriplegia or paralysis from the neck down through the rest of the body. Obviously such injuries are life-changing and devastating for the biker as well as their family. Even less severe cervical spine injuries can result in chronic pain and disability. These disabilities can prevent the injured biker from enjoying their livelihood and even prevent them from working and bringing in an income.
Disc injuries can also occur. The flexible discs that cushion the vertebrae are very sensitive to injury or displacement. If these discs are damaged or moved out of alignment, they can produce intense back pain. You can also experience painful sensations that extend down the legs. Some people complain about a lack of sensation in the legs or lessened bladder or bowel control. Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously.
Neck injuries can also be debilitating. Depending on the severity of the injury, they can result in extensive time in the hospital and a permanent loss of range of motion. Permanent disabilities affect well-being and income earning potential. Not just devastating for the injured party, these disasters impact the entire family.
Some neck and spinal motorcycle injuries can be healed through a combination of surgery, physical therapy, and other medical treatment. But even if a biker is fortunate enough to recover completely, he likely faces time off work and unpaid medical bills, often well into six figures. Affected families sometimes feel their only option is to declare bankruptcy, adding a financial disaster onto the stress of recovery.
Proven: Helmets Reduce Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries
Obviously, anything you can do to prevent or minimize injuries is key. Wearing a helmet has been proven to reduce head injuries significantly. This study has shown it can reduce neck and spinal injuries, as well. Even if the laws in your state or jurisdiction do not require you to wear a helmet, you really shouldn’t ride without one. In addition to a helmet, wear proper protective gear. Gloves, boots or thick shoes, long pants designed for bikers, and a thick jacket with padding on the elbows should be worn at all times. Given all the data that proves that proper gear prevents injuries, going without is simply not wise.
Contact Kass & Moses
If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash and have suffered injuries, you likely face large medical bills, time off work to recover, and possibly the loss of your ability to earn a living. At times like these, it is important to have a professional on your side. When you speak with an insurance agent, their goal is to get you to settle for the least amount of money possible. They often use tactics to attempt to downplay your pain or medication condition. They may make you feel as though you are asking for too much when the truth is, you are the victim. That’s why it is important to have a motorcycle crash lawyer on your side to represent your case and help you get the money you deserve for your injuries.
When you contact the team at Kass & Moses, you will speak with an experienced attorney who has handled many motorcycle crash cases. In fact, we specialize in motorcycle accidents and work diligently to help our clients recover financially. We know that when you can pay your bills, support your family, and feel financially secure, you can focus on healing and recovering from your physical losses. If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision, contact 1-800-MOTORCYCLE today!
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