What are the Most Common Motorbike Injuries?

Motorbike riders enjoy a sense of freedom and excitement that other road users can’t match. However, this thrill comes with an unparalleled risk. Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, with the highest accident and injury rate per mile travelled.

Motorbike accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor road rash to severe brain and spinal trauma that result in lifelong disability. In the most severe cases, they lead to fatal injuries, with an average of 6 motorcyclist deaths per week in the UK.

Read on to learn what the most common motorbike injuries are and what steps you should take if you are injured in a motorcycle accident.

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Table of Contents

• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Biker's arm
• Head injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Psychological injuries
• Fatal injuries
• What should I do if I suffer motorbike injuries?

Road rash

Road rash is a type of skin injury common in motorcycle accidents that occurs when the rider’s skin scrapes against the rough road surface. There are three degrees of severity:

• First-degree: The mildest form, it causes tenderness, redness and minor abrasion.
• Second-degree: It affects the deeper levels of skin, causing a lot of pain and a risk of infection.
• Third-degree: It is the most severe form that involves the tearing of the skin, potentially exposing fat, muscle and even bone.

Severe road rash can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. It can be prevented or minimised by wearing proper protective gear, such as a helmet and abrasion-resistant pants and jacket.

Broken bones

Broken bones are a common injury in motorcycle accidents, caused by the impact of a collision or being thrown from a bike. These injuries can lead to a long recovery time, surgeries, chronic pain and limited mobility. The most commonly fractured bones from motorbike accidents are:

• Broken legs: Femur, tibia, fibula, ankle and foot fractures are particularly common motorcycle injuries, as the legs are often caught beneath the bike or struck by another vehicle.
• Broken arms: Broken arms in motorbike accidents are often due to riders instinctively stretching out their arms to break their fall during a collision. This can cause breaks in the hands, wrists, forearms or upper arm.
• Broken collarbones: Motorcycle accident victims can suffer broken collarbones due to direct impact or falling on an outstretched arm or shoulder. This can be very painful and limit arm movement during recovery.
• Broken ribs: Impact to the chest during motorcycle crashes, either with the bike, road or another vehicle, can cause a broken rib injury. Complications include punctured lungs and damage to internal organs.
• Pelvis fractures: A pelvis fracture is a serious injury often caused by high-impact road traffic accidents. It usually requires surgery and can permanently affect a person’s mobility and walking ability.

Biker’s arm

Biker’s arm or rider’s arm refers to nerve damage in the upper arm, particularly the brachial plexus, after being involved in a motorcycle crash. When extending the arms to protect oneself during an accident, the nerves may stretch, compress or even tear.

This can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms in the affected arm, hand and fingers, such as:

• Tingling, numbness or a burning sensation.
• Weakness or loss of grip strength.
• Difficulty lifting or moving the arm.
• Permanent loss of sensation and motor function.

Protective gear, defensive driving and adherence to traffic laws are essential to keep safe from all motorcycle accident injuries, including biker’s arm.

Head injuries

Head trauma is a common type of injury caused by motorcycle accidents. Head injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can result in long-term complications and permanent disability, such as:

• Loss of fine motor skills and coordination.
• Memory loss and speech issues.
• Difficulty with concentration and problem-solving.
• Personality changes.
• Seizures and chronic headaches.
• Loss of feeling and sensation in various body parts.

Head injuries are among the most devastating outcomes caused by motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle helmets can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic head trauma in case of a crash or collision.

Back and neck injuries

Back and neck injuries are among the most common motorcycle accident injuries. These range from soft tissue damage, such as sprains and whiplash, to herniated discs, fractures and severe spinal injuries.

The severity of back and neck injuries caused by motorbike crashes depends on the speed of the vehicles involved, the impact force and whether the rider was wearing protective gear. Their possible consequences include:

• Chronic pain, stiffness and mobility issues.
• Numbness, tingling and weakness in the limbs.
• Headaches, nausea and dizziness.
• Loss of bowel and bladder control.
• Partial or total paralysis.

Internal organ injuries

Abdominal injuries are also common in motorbike accidents and can lead to severe damage to internal organs. These are often caused by blunt force trauma or the body being crushed between the road and the motorcycle or another heavy object.

Internal injuries can be particularly dangerous because they may not always be immediately apparent and can quickly worsen without prompt medical care. These include:

• Collapsed lungs.
• Ruptured diaphragm.
• Perforated spleen.
• Lacerations and contusions to the liver or kidneys.
• Bowel and bladder injuries.
• Internal bleeding.

Because the symptoms of internal injuries can take hours or even days to appear, immediate medical attention is essential after a motorbike accident, even if you feel fine at first.

Psychological injuries

Motorbike accidents can cause more than just physical harm. Riders can also suffer mild to severe emotional trauma after a crash, depending on its severity and circumstances. Examples of psychological injuries include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causing insomnia and flashbacks.
• Anxiety, panic attacks and a fear of getting near roads or motorcycles.
• Depression and feelings of hopelessness, sadness or loss of interest in daily activities.

The symptoms of emotional trauma can last for many years and impact all aspects of the rider’s life, from work and daily activities to hobbies and relationships.

Fatal injuries

Sadly, motorcycle riders face a higher risk of fatal injuries than any other road user, especially if they are not wearing adequate protective equipment. Even so, high-impact, severe crashes can often result in fatalities.

Fatal motorbike injuries are often caused by:

• Severe head and neck injuries and brain trauma.
• Spinal cord damage.
• Severe organ damage or internal bleeding.
• Multiple fractures and crush injuries.

What should I do if I suffer motorbike injuries?

If you were involved in a motorbike accident, you should:

• Seek immediate medical attention to have your injuries assessed and treated.
• Take photographs of the accident scene from various angles, including any hazards.
• Ask for the names and contact details of witnesses.
• Report the accident to the police.
• Keep a diary of your symptoms, the impact on your life and all related financial losses and expenses.
• Never admit blame or apologise for the accident.
• Contact a specialist solicitor to find out if you may be eligible to make a motorcycle accident claim for compensation.

If you believe you have a valid personal injury claim following a motorbike accident, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back. You will receive a free consultation with a specialist motobike injury lawyer who will assess your case and answer all your questions.

Last edited on 30th Nov 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.