There are two types of motorcycle riders—those who have crashed and those who will. Experienced riders often share this expression with beginners to illustrate not just the dangers of riding, but also the inevitability of being involved in an accident over the course of a lifetime of riding.

Almost everyone will be involved in at least one car accident in their lives as well, but the difference is that many people walk away from car crashes with minor or no injuries. But motorcyclists almost always suffer moderate to severe injuries when they’re involved in crashes—and those injuries can affect them psychologically just as much, if not more, than they affect them physically.

If you’re a motorcyclist, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of crashing not just from a physical standpoint, but also from a mental standpoint. In this blog, we explore the psychological impact of crashing and share tips for managing the stress, fear, and uncertainty that often follow.

Crashes Can Result in Serious Mental Health Issues

Motorcycle accidents are more violent and jarring than most passenger vehicle accidents. Because motorcycles are two-wheel vehicles that don’t have seat belts or air bags, riders almost always fall off or are thrown from their bikes during crashes.

The trauma of this experience combined with the severity of injuries can result in profound psychological difficulties, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Motorcyclists with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about their accidents. PTSD can significantly affect daily life, making it difficult for sufferers to return to normal activities or even ride a motorcycle again.
• Anxiety and Depression: These disorders can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, excessive worry, and fear. Anxiety and depression can lead to withdrawal from social activities, difficulty in maintaining employment, and strained relationships.
• Phobias and Avoidant Behavior: The trauma of a motorcycle accident can result in intense fear of riding or being near motorcycles and avoidance of the area where the accident occurred. This can severely limit a rider’s daily life and willingness to engage in activities they once enjoyed.
• Cognitive Impairment: People who survive traumatic motorcycle accidents, especially crashes in which they suffered head injuries, may experience difficulty with their memory, concentration, and decision-making skills. These impairments can affect personal and professional life, making it challenging to perform daily tasks.
• Psychosomatic Symptoms: Motorcycle accidents result in painful physical injuries, but some injured riders develop psychosomatic pain that doesn’t have easily explained or diagnosed causes. This may include headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and general fatigue.

5 Ways Riders Can Overcome the Psychological Trauma of a Crash

It can be difficult to move forward mentally after a motorcycle accident, especially when you’re also in severe physical pain from your injuries. However, there are some steps you can take to accelerate the mental healing process and improve your coping skills.

If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a motorcycle crash from a psychological standpoint, utilizing any or all of these resources may be helpful in the days, weeks, and months to come:

1. Therapeutic Interventions: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you address negative thought patterns and develop effective coping strategies. Exposure Therapy involves gradually exposing you to riding or accident-related stimuli again to help reduce your fear following the crash. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be used to help process and alleviate your trauma symptoms.
2. Motorcycle Accident and Trauma Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar accidents and traumatic events can provide you with emotional support and help reduce your feelings of isolation.
3. Medication: Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to help you manage your symptoms.
4. Physical Rehabilitation: Physical therapy can assist with pain management and improve your overall well-being, which can positively impact your mental health after a motorcycle accident.
5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation and mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help you manage your post-accident stress and anxiety.

No matter which method you choose to help you during your journey to recovery, it’s important to take your mental health just as seriously as your physical health. The mind-body connection is powerful, and no physical recovery is complete without also taking steps towards overcoming the psychological trauma of a motorcycle accident.

Contact Our Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we know that many injured riders heal from their physical injuries long before they heal from their psychological injuries. Your accident shouldn’t take your love of riding from you, too. That’s why we work hard to ensure our clients get full compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering so they have the resources they need to fully recover both physically and mentally.

After an accident, contact our Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorneys anytime for a free case review. We’ll review the facts of your crash, collect evidence to prove you weren’t at fault, and negotiate with the insurance company to get you the money you deserve. And with our No Fee Guarantee®, you don’t owe us a penny unless we get money for you.