April 4, 2025 | 
Riding a motorcycle is all about experiencing the freedom of the open road — the wind in your face, the warmth of the sun, and the thrill of the ride. But, unfortunately, motorcycle accidents in New York are a common occurrence during peak riding months. Since motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than those in cars, the injuries from an accident can be severe.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and have experienced any of the injuries outlined below, contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries are some of the most common injuries in motorcycle crashes, but they can also be the most serious if not properly treated. Even though riding with a DOT-approved helmet significantly decreases your risk for head injuries, there is still a chance of a TBI in an accident.
Common types of TBIs include:
- Concussions
- Contusions (bruising of the brain)
- Coup-contrecoup injuries (damage to both sides of the brain)
- Skull fractures
TBIs can be difficult to spot right away, with some symptoms taking hours or even days after the accident to appear. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to see a medical professional for an evaluation, as untreated TBIs can have serious, long-lasting effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries
In the event of a motorcycle crash, the spinal cord is at risk for injury. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles offer no external protection for the spine, which means serious injuries can occur upon impact.
Some common spinal cord injuries in motorcycle accidents include:
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Loss of sensation or motor function
- Partial or full paralysis
Recovering from a spinal cord injury can be a long and arduous road, as your recovery plan may include visits to specialists, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
Whiplash & Soft Tissue Injuries
Much like in a car accident, whiplash occurs when the rider is thrown or jolted forward from the impact of a collision. The head snaps back and forth rapidly, which strains the muscles and ligaments in the neck.
Signs of whiplash or soft tissue injuries after a motorcycle accident include:
- Neck or head stiffness
- Persistent headaches
- Limited mobility or range of motion in the neck
- Pain in the shoulders and upper back
Due to the adrenaline rush that happens after an accident, you may not feel the effects of these injuries immediately. If you suspect you have whiplash or soft tissue injuries, even after a seemingly minor collision, it’s important to see a doctor for an assessment.
Internal Injuries
Unlike external injuries like broken bones and fractures, internal injuries are not always immediately apparent. Blunt force trauma or impact with objects like handlebars, debris, or other vehicles can cause serious internal harm.
Commonly seen internal injuries include:
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage, particularly to the kidneys, spleen, or liver
- Punctured lungs
Symptoms can be delayed, and in some cases, life-threatening if not caught in time. If you feel dizzy, faint, or have abdominal pain after a crash, go to the ER immediately.
Lower Extremity Injuries
Leg and pelvic injuries are some of the most — if not THE most — common injuries sustained in the event of a motorcycle accident. Despite wearing protective gear like knee and shin guards, the force of a crash can cause significant injuries, especially if you are pinned under the bike.
The most commonly seen lower body injuries are:
- Broken legs or ankles
- Knee injuries
- Hip fractures
- Pelvic injuries
Recovery from these injuries can be long, requiring surgery, physical therapy, and extensive rehabilitation. Taking steps to prevent these injuries, like wearing high-quality protective gear, is important, but if an accident does happen, getting immediate medical treatment will give you the best chance of recovery.
Upper Extremity Injuries
When riders are thrown from their bikes, the natural instinct is often to try to catch themselves with their hands, arms, or shoulders. While this reflex may be an attempt to protect the body, it can often lead to serious injuries.
Some of the common upper body injuries include:
- Arm, wrist, shoulder, and rib fractures
- Shoulder dislocations
- Broken fingers or hands
Depending on the severity, these injuries may require surgery and physical therapy to fully recover. They can severely limit a rider’s mobility and ability to perform everyday tasks.
Fractures
Motorcycle crashes often result in fractures, sometimes multiple. Since the body is exposed on a motorcycle in comparison to a passenger vehicle, the likelihood of multiple fractures from a collision increases.
The most commonly broken bones include:
- Wrists
- Arms
- Legs
- Ribs
These fractures can range from simple to complex. Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury, but some fractures may take months to heal fully. Surgery or physical therapy may be needed to help regain full function.
Road Rash
Road rash is a term often used to describe skin abrasions and friction burns that are caused by sliding or scraping against a hard surface, like asphalt or concrete. While road rash may not seem serious, it can lead to serious injuries that involve deep tissue damage and scarring.
There are three degrees of road rash:
- First-degree: Surface-level redness and irritation
- Second-degree: Deeper abrasion, sometimes with bleeding
- Third-degree: Skin is completely removed, exposing muscle or bone
Severe cases of road rash carry a high risk of infection, which can make healing more difficult. In some cases, skin grafts may be needed to repair the damage, and scarring can be permanent. Proper medical care is important for preventing complications.
When to Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, and someone else is at fault, you may be dealing with significant pain, medical expenses, and lost income. Since New York’s no-fault insurance law doesn’t cover motorcyclists, you can’t rely on it to pay for medical bills or lost wages. Instead, your own health insurance or med-pay coverage will help to cover your medical expenses after an accident.
However, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the other party’s liability insurance if they are at fault for the accident. In New York, you typically have three years from the accident to file a claim, but seeking legal counsel as soon as possible is important to ensure that your rights are protected.
Cellino Law Is Here to Help
At Cellino Law, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys are committed to helping injured motorcyclists understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motorcycle accident, don’t navigate this challenging time alone.
We’re here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free case consultation at 888-888-8888 or fill out our web form to get in touch.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.