The Anatomy of a Motorcycle Crash — A Medical-Legal Perspective

Motorcycle Riders Face Serious Risks on Pennsylvania Roads

Motorcycling offers freedom—but that freedom comes with serious risk. According to the National Safety Council, motorcycle riders account for only 0.6% of total vehicle miles traveled but make up over 15% of all traffic fatalities.

As both an attorney and a former registered nurse, I’ve seen firsthand just how catastrophic motorcycle injuries can be. The absence of a protective frame, airbags, or seatbelt means riders are completely exposed when something goes wrong.

Common Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Here are just a few of the most frequent and severe injuries I’ve encountered in my work with motorcycle accident victims:

• Femur fractures from legs striking handlebars in front-end impacts
• Severe head injuries, even when helmets are worn
• Chest trauma, including fractured ribs and lung injuries
• Pneumothorax or hemothorax (collapsed or blood-filled lungs)
• Road rash and deep abrasions from sliding across pavement
• Bone fractures and amputations from high-speed ejections

These injuries don’t just impact your body—they impact your recovery timeline, your finances, and your family’s future.

Hidden Danger: Infection After a Motorcycle Accident

One of the most overlooked risks following a motorcycle crash is infection.

Injured riders often come into contact with dirty surfaces—roads, guardrails, and vehicle undercarriages. This increases the chance of infection, especially in:

• Compound fractures, where bone breaks through the skin
• Lacerations and abrasions, which are vulnerable to environmental bacteria
• Prophylactic antibiotics are often necessary to prevent complications like sepsis or pneumonia.

Why You Should Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel “okay” after a crash, internal injuries and infections can develop silently over hours or days. Immediate medical evaluation can prevent long-term health issues—and it also helps document your condition if you need to pursue legal action.

We Understand Motorcycle Injuries from Both Sides

At O’Donnell Law Offices, we approach your case with both legal and medical knowledge. As a former RN, I understand what your injuries mean, how they impact your life, and how to advocate for the compensation you’ll need to move forward.