A motorcycle rider can do everything right, follow the rules of the road, wear a helmet and still be involved in a traumatic accident that leads to a spinal cord injury. For example, research shows that being rear-ended while on a motorcycle has one of the highest chances of causing motorcycle-related spinal cord trauma.

Most motorcycle accidents happen on weekends during daylight hours. While the greatest percentage of motorcycle accidents happen to males under 29 year old, there has been a 300% increase in accidents for individuals who are 59 years old and older in the past 10 years.

Types of Injuries

According to research, damage to the human spinal column during a motorcycle accident most frequently impacts the thoracic spine, which runs from the top of the back to the lower back. The lumbar spine, lower back, is the second most common area of injury with the cervical spine, the neck, following.

Research demonstrates that riders who wear helmets are at a lower risk of suffering from spinal cord trauma to the neck, than those who do not wear helmets. Neck injuries cause the most serious spinal cord injury outcomes such as losing the ability to breathe and quadriplegia. Despite helmet use, cervical spine injuries still represent about 27% of total spine injures from a motorcycle accident.

An injury to the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral areas of the spine can cause permanent paralysis and will have long term complications. Spinal cord injury symptoms include breathing difficulties which lead to pneumonia; bowel and bladder dysfunction or incontinence; sexual dysfunction; irregular heart rate and abnormal blood pressure; spastic muscles; pressure ulcers on the skin and depression. Many victims will need personal attendant care for the rest of their lives.

Help After an Accident

Lifecare planning is essential after a motorcycle accident. As a rehabilitation physician, Dr. Greg Vigna has cared for many motorcycle accident victims and knows how to plan for life-long spinal cord injury health care needs. As a lawyer he applies his medical expertise to getting you a doctor recommended settlement after your accident, for best possible outcomes.