Common Bones Broken in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are small and powerful vehicles, but they are also dangerous. Unlike passenger vehicles, they have no seat belts or airbags. There is no enclosure to protect riders. Any impact can cause a person to be ejected and seriously injured or killed.

Broken bones are a common motorcycle accident injury due to blunt force trauma. A study showed that among 3,528 accident victims seen at a hospital emergency room, the most common injuries were to their lower limbs.

While any bone can get broken in a crash, the most commonly broken bones include:

• Clavicle (collarbone): A frequent fracture in falls, often caused by bracing during impact.
• Arms and wrists: Riders instinctively extend their arms during a fall, leading to fractures in the radius, ulna, or wrist bones.
• Legs and ankles: Direct impacts with the road, other vehicles, or the bike itself can break the tibia, fibula, or ankle bones.
• Femur (thigh bone): High-energy collisions can fracture this strong bone, often requiring surgery.
• Ribs: Side impacts or being thrown from the bike can crack or break ribs, which can also lead to internal injuries.
• Hands and fingers: Gripping the handlebars or bracing for impact can result in broken fingers, metacarpals, or hand bones.
• Feet and toes: Crushed or twisted during crashes, especially if the rider’s foot is caught under the bike.

Motorcycle accident fractures often come with serious complications and lengthy recovery periods, depending on the bone broken and the severity of the injury:

Common Complications

• Delayed healing or nonunion: Some fractures, especially in the arms, legs, or clavicle, may fail to heal properly without surgery or prolonged immobilization.
• Infections: Open fractures or surgical interventions carry a risk of infection, which can complicate recovery.
• Nerve or blood vessel damage: Broken bones near joints may injure nearby nerves or arteries, leading to numbness, weakness, or poor circulation.
• Chronic pain and arthritis: Rib, hand, or leg fractures can cause long-term pain or arthritis.
• Loss of mobility or strength: Severe fractures in weight-bearing bones (legs, femur, ankle) may reduce range of motion, strength, or balance.
• Psychological effects: Traumatic accidents can lead to anxiety, PTSD, or fear of riding again.

Recovery

• Initial treatment: Fractures may require casting, splinting, or surgical fixation with plates, screws, or rods.
• Immobilization: Bones typically need 6 to 12 weeks to heal, depending on location and severity.
• Physical therapy: Rehabilitation is critical to restore strength, flexibility, and function. This can last weeks to months after the bone heals.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Riders may need temporary modifications to daily activities and work to prevent re-injury.
• Long-term monitoring: Follow-up X-rays and doctor visits ensure proper bone healing and detect complications early.

Recovery is often gradual, and multiple fractures or severe trauma can extend the healing process for months or even over a year. Protective gear, timely medical care, and adherence to rehabilitation plans are key to minimizing long-term complications.

Contact Us Today

Motorcycles can be fun but unsafe. They offer no protection for riders, making broken bones common.

If you have been affected, the Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers from Wyndham Law Firm, LLC, can help you negotiate a fair settlement or damage award in court. To schedule a consultation with our office, contact us via (843) 279-5312 or online here.