Because you are fully exposed on a motorcycle, your largest organ (your skin) may get seriously injured in an accident as it scrapes along the road. Road rash can vary in severity (first, second, and third degree), and the best way to prevent the worst road rash is to wear protective gear designed to take on the harshness of the road in the event of an accident.

During an accident, it is common for motorcyclists to sustain broken femurs, shins, ankles, and bones in the hands and arms due to bracing for the impact and protecting the head and neck. While still painful, these injuries are often less severe than an injury to the head, neck, or spine.

Whether it is just a serious headache or you have sustained a traumatic brain injury, trauma that affects your head should not be taken lightly since it can have long-lasting effects for years to come. Wearing a helmet is required by law in the state of California because doing so can help to prevent the most serious head injuries during an accident.

In the most severe types of accidents, the spinal cord can be damaged which may result in quadriplegia or complete paralysis. In other cases, depending on the location and severity of the injury, the spinal cord can be affected less seriously but still causing pain.

When it comes to your neck, it is one part of the body which tends to be fully exposed while riding. Due to the weight of the helmet pushing down on your neck and the force exerted on you during a crash, the severity of a neck injury can vary greatly.

In addition to spinal cord injuries, other areas of your back can sustain further injuries including bruising, scrapes, broken ribs, and complications from the rib injuries. Much of the damage to your back can leave you unable to move easily or at all. Your back supports the rest of the body, so when it is injured it needs to be taken care of immediately.

Your muscles and nerves can also sustain injuries such as sprains, strains, and tears. While many of these are less severe than other types of injuries, they still may require medical attention and long-lasting physical therapy to fully heal.