If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash, you’re likely dealing with more than just a damaged bike. The physical toll can be overwhelming, and the most common injuries after a motorcycle accident are often severe, sometimes life-changing.
From painful road rash to permanent disabilities like traumatic brain injury, knowing what to expect can help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re recovering or supporting someone who is, understanding these injuries and the legal steps ahead is essential.
Here’s what California riders—and their families—need to know.
The Serious Toll of Motorcycle Crashes in California
Motorcycle crashes in California are not only common—they’re often catastrophic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash.
From 2021 to 2022 alone, Bakersfield reported more than 150 motorcycle-related accidents, many involving serious or fatal injuries. These incidents often lead to a complex personal injury claim, lengthy physical therapy, and expensive medical bills.
While wearing motorcycle helmets and protective gear can reduce the risk, they don’t always prevent harm. Below are five of the most common injuries after a motorcycle accident that you should be aware of:
1. Road Rash
One of the most talked-about motorcycle accident injuries, road rash, occurs when the skin scrapes against asphalt or gravel during a slide. Though it might sound minor, it can lead to:
- Skin abrasion and deep wounds
- Nerve damage or infection
- Permanent scarring
Severe cases may require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery. Always seek medical attention, even for what looks like a “simple” scrape.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury can result from a direct impact or violent jolt, even when wearing a helmet. TBI ranges from concussions to more serious outcomes like:
- Brain damage affecting memory or cognition
- Personality changes or emotional instability
- Long-term disability
Symptoms might not appear immediately. That’s why prompt evaluation is vital after any head injury.
3. Spinal Cord and Spine Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe and life-altering consequences of motorcycle crashes. Damage to the spine can result in:
- Partial or full paralysis
- Loss of sensation or motor control
- Ongoing medical care and home modifications
These injuries often come with high lifetime costs. A proper personal injury claim can help cover long-term needs.
4. Rib Fractures and Internal Damage
The impact of a motorcycle crash can crack ribs or cause internal injuries such as:
- Internal bleeding
- Organ perforation
- Neck injuries and chest trauma
Fractured ribs can also lead to secondary complications like punctured lungs. These injuries might be missed in early exams, so insist on thorough diagnostic testing.
5. Lower-Extremity Injuries
Legs and feet are especially vulnerable in motorcycle crashes. Common lower-extremity injuries include:
- Broken bones in the knees, ankles, or hips
- Torn ligaments and soft tissue damage
- Risk of amputation in extreme cases
These injuries affect mobility and employment, making a motorcycle accident attorney in Bakersfield a crucial ally if the crash occurred in Kern County.
Injury Type | Severity | Long-Term Impact |
Road rash | Mild to severe | Scarring, infection |
Traumatic brain injury | Moderate to severe | Cognitive/physical disability |
Spinal cord injury | Severe | Paralysis, loss of function |
Rib fractures | Moderate | Pain, possible lung complications |
Lower-extremity injuries | Moderate to severe | Mobility loss, possible amputation |
What To Do After a Motorcycle Crash
Dealing with motorcycle accident injuries can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Here’s what you can do:
- Seek immediate medical care: Some injuries, like internal bleeding or spinal injuries, aren’t immediately obvious. Document everything.
- Follow your treatment plan: This includes physical therapy, follow-ups, and medication. Your recovery can affect your insurance claim and compensation.
- Preserve evidence: Photos, medical records, and witness statements can support your personal injury claim.
- Contact our motorcycle accident attorney: If your crash occurred in or around Kern County, our trusted Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate local traffic laws, fight for damages, and deal with uncooperative insurers.
Injury Patterns & Legal Responsibility
Many crashes are caused by distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield. When someone else is at fault, California law allows injured riders to recover damages, including:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care costs
Understanding injury patterns helps your attorney demonstrate how the crash occurred and who should be held liable.
Get The Help You Need Today
If you or a loved one is suffering from injuries after a motorcycle accident, don’t face the legal and medical battle alone. A seasoned Bakersfield motorcycle accident lawyer understands local laws, insurance tactics, and how to maximize your claim. You deserve more than just compensation—you deserve justice, peace of mind, and a path to recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s help you get the medical care and financial support you deserve.
FAQs on Motorcycle Accidents in Kern County
The most common injuries after a motorcycle accident in Bakersfield include road rash, traumatic brain injury, rib fractures, lower-extremity injuries, and spinal injuries. Accidents on busy roads like Ming Avenue, California Avenue, and Stockdale Highway often result in serious trauma due to high traffic and speeding vehicles.
Yes. Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet during an accident on streets like Brundage Lane or Oswell Street, a motorcycle accident attorney in Bakersfield can still pursue compensation for your injuries. California’s comparative fault law allows partial recovery based on shared responsibility.
If you were in a motorcycle crash on Chester Avenue or near Union Avenue and are experiencing headaches, dizziness, memory issues, or confusion, seek medical attention right away. These are common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, and early diagnosis is critical.
