Common motorcycle accident injuries include arm and leg injuries, head and brain injuries, spinal injuries, chest and abdominal injuries, and skin injuries such as road rash. Riders have less physical protection than car occupants, so a crash can cause serious harm. The type of injury can shape the evidence and the damages in a Nevada claim.
This guide gives a general overview of eight injury types and what each may mean for a claim. It is not medical guidance, and only a qualified medical professional can diagnose an injury.
Key Takeaways
- One Maryland trauma center study found upper and lower extremities were the most frequently injured body regions.
- That same study found about 25% of the riders admitted had a head injury.
- Medical records connect an injury to the crash and show how it was treated.
- Damages are claimed by category, based on documented losses.
- Nevada generally allows 2 years to sue for personal injury under NRS 11.190(4)(e).
What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
National ranking data is limited. In a study co-authored by an NHTSA researcher of 517 motorcycle operators admitted to one Maryland trauma center in 2007 and 2008, upper and lower extremities were the most frequently injured regions, and about 25% had a head injury. Those figures reflect one hospital’s admitted patients, so they may not reflect all crashes.
| Injury type | What it can involve | What it can mean for a claim |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Leg and foot injuries | Fractures and soft-tissue damage | Surgery, therapy, and time off work may be documented |
| 2. Arm and hand injuries | Fractures and wrist or shoulder injuries | Limits on work and daily tasks may matter |
| 3. Head and brain injuries | Concussion and other TBI | Symptoms may be disputed, and testing may help |
| 4. Neck and spine injuries | Disc, nerve, or spinal cord injury | Future care can be a central issue |
| 5. Chest injuries | Rib or internal chest injury | Emergency care records may be important |
| 6. Abdominal injuries | Internal organ injury | Symptoms may need prompt evaluation |
| 7. Road rash and skin injuries | Abrasions and wounds from road contact | Scarring and treatment may be part of the claim |
| 8. Facial injuries | Fractures or dental injury | Scarring and reconstructive care may be part of the claim |
Why Can Head Injuries Be Hard to See?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says current imaging tools cannot always detect damage from mild, concussive injuries. The CDC says some symptoms can take hours or days to show up. See car accident head injuries in Nevada.
Does Helmet Use Affect Injuries?
Nevada requires protective headgear on a highway under NRS 486.231. NHTSA says a helmet is a rider’s best hope for protecting the brain in a serious crash. That statute does not address civil recovery, so a lawyer can explain how helmet use may be treated in a head injury claim.
What Damages Can Be Claimed for a Motorcycle Injury?
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Rehabilitation and care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including scarring or disfigurement, where supported
- Damage to the motorcycle and gear
See economic damages.
What Evidence Helps Connect an Injury to a Crash?
- Prompt medical records
- Photos of injuries over time
- Follow-up care and therapy notes
- Damaged gear, including a helmet
- Records of missed work and changed duties
How Do Fault and Deadlines Apply?
Under NRS 41.141, a plaintiff’s comparative negligence does not bar recovery unless it is greater than the negligence of the defendant or defendants combined. Otherwise, damages are reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of negligence. Nevada generally allows 2 years to sue for personal injury under NRS 11.190(4)(e), and exceptions can apply. Learn more about Nevada motorcycle accident claims.
Talk With a Nevada Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Vaksman Khalfin, PC handles Nevada motorcycle accident claims and has an office in Las Vegas. A lawyer can review your situation and explain the options that may be available. Contact us or visit our Nevada motorcycle accident page to learn more.
General information, not legal advice. This page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this page or contacting the firm. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reviewed by Robert B. Vaksman, Partner, Vaksman Khalfin, PC (admitted in Nevada). Last reviewed: 11/09/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
In a study of riders admitted to one Maryland trauma center, upper and lower extremities were the most frequently injured body regions. Findings can differ by study and setting.
Some injuries are not obvious right away. A medical professional can evaluate symptoms that develop after a crash, and those records can matter to a claim.
You may be able to, depending on the facts. Treatment costs and scarring may be part of a claim, with medical records and photos as support.
There is no standard amount. A claim depends on the injury, treatment, lost income, fault, and available insurance.
