One of the biggest differences between driving a car and riding a motorcycle is what behind the wheel needs to do in preparation to hit the road. For the driver of the car, this preparation is practically non-existent. An automobile driver simply hops in his or her vehicle, fastens the safety belt, and he or she is pretty much ready to go. Motorcycle riders, on the other hand, need to put careful consideration into what they will wear. Not just to protect themselves from the elements, like the sun and precipitation, but what they need to protect themselves in case of an accident. The difference between a motorcyclist suffering fatal injuries or being able to survive a crash often depend on the gear choices he or she made before they even got onto their bike.
Unlike other motorists, bikers cannot rely on their motorcycles to provide them with any form of protection in the event they are involved in a crash. Even a minor accident, the equivalent of a vehicle fender bender, can have serious and life-threatening consequences for its rider. Quality gear can help protect the rider from the most common motorcycle injuries, including road rash.
Road rash is the informal term used to describe skin abrasions suffered by a motorcyclist after he or she has skidded across the pavement of the road. Road rash cases vary in severity much like burns, from first degree to third degree. A first-degree road rash looks similar to rug burn and usually does not require medical treatment. A third-degree road rash, which is the most severe, impacts all layers of the skin and can expose tendons and bone. Ask any seasoned bike, and they will tell you road rash is not just a cosmetic concern. Road rash can be extremely painful and can result in significant loss of significant tissue, damage to muscles, and permanent scarring.
It is estimated that a biker loses a millimeter of skin for every mile per hour he or she is going over 30 mph. So that means if you are going over 55 mph at the time of a crash, you could expect to lose an inch of flesh. This is why bikers need to carefully consider what they put on each and every time they go for a ride. Protective gear, like leather and other high-tech performance wear, is the only barrier between a rider and the asphalt in the event of a crash.
Most bikers strive to cover every square inch of their body with some sort type of quality gear before heading out. This strategy is best because all skin should be covered and not just by regular street wear. Some bikers make the mistake of wearing a protective coat, gloves, helmet and boots, but only wear a pair of regular jeans to protect their lower half. In a crash, even the sturdiest pair of jeans can be shredded after as little as three seconds of road contact. If you are unsure of what gear you need, talk to a professional before your next ride.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a motorcycle collision, the seasoned Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help. Our experienced team of Kansas City Injury Attorneys will make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Trust the Kansas City Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. to help you as they have helped countless motorcycle injury victims around the area, in both Kansas and Missouri. To schedule a consultation with one of our skilled injury attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673.