Ejection Injuries

Being ejected from a motorcycle can cause serious injuries or death. Since motorcycles have no seatbelts, roof, or doors to contain occupants, nearly any motorcycle accident can result in ejection injuries. Riders without helmets are much more likely to sustain fatal injuries during accidents that result in ejection than riders that wear helmets.

Causes of Motorcycle Ejection

The proportions of some motorcycles add a greater risk of ejection than others. If a rider attempts to stop too quickly, the bike may do a “brake dive,” and eject the driver and possibly passengers over the handlebars. This is somewhat common with inexperienced riders, and should be thoroughly explained to beginners before the first ride is ever taken. Coming suddenly to a halt to avoid hitting objects in the road or other vehicles may also cause motorcyclists of all experience levels to be ejected from motorcycles.

Other scenarios that may result in a rider being ejected from a motorcycle include:

• A car or truck pulling out in front of a fast moving motorcycle
• A driver opening a door in front of a moving motorcycle
• Adverse weather conditions throwing off the balance of the motorcycle
• Potholes or debris on the road
• Uneven pavement and loose asphalt
• Being rear-ended by a larger truck in which the driver cannot see the motorcycle

Motorcycle Ejection Injuries

When drivers and passengers are ejected from a motorcycle, it is unfortunately the head and neck that usually bear the brunt of the impact. If there are objects in the way such as telephone poles or other vehicles, motorcyclists may collide with these objects and sustain serious ejection injuries. Back and spinal cord trauma are also common ejection injuries, as the spine often becomes compressed during the ejection impact. Any part of the body may become injured during a motorcycle ejection, depending upon the way that the rider falls.

Injuries that may be sustained during a motorcycle ejection include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations of varying degrees
• Severe foot and leg injuries
• Amputations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis injuries
• Concussions
• Eye and facial injuries

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Many ejection injuries are the result of negligence on the part of other drivers that fail to see motorcycles and make sudden moves. If ejection injuries were caused by the negligence of another driver, motorcycle accident attorneys may be able to assist patients or their loved ones in recovering compensation from the driver that caused the accident. Motorcycle accident attorneys may assist in recovering compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Sources:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/PEOPLE/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/safebike/anatomy.html

http://www.sbes.vt.edu/gabler/publications/TRB-13-2184-Daniello-Gabler.pdf