Gerard Butler Can Attest to the Horror of a Motorcycle Crash
Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows how vulnerable he or she is to a crash. All sorts of injuries can result, including some you probably have not considered.
Actor Gerard Butler can tell you how traumatic a motorcycle accident can be. Along with other survivors, he sees life in a new light and counts his blessings.
What happened
In the fall of 2017, Gerard Butler was riding his motorcycle when a woman pulled out of a parking spot at the side of the road and made a U-turn directly in front of him. He had no choice but to slam into her car, and the impact sent him flying. He said he did a somersault before hitting the ground and remarked that it “hurt a bit.”
About injuries
The actor sustained cuts, bruises, a torn meniscus and five broken bones in his right foot. The foot is one of those body parts you may not think about in terms of motorcycle accident injuries, but often the lower limbs become trapped under a heavy bike when it goes down. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common injuries in a vehicle-motorcycle collision occur to the rider’s feet and legs. The CDC recommends that motorcyclists wear boots that go above the ankle and long pants that help to prevent road rash. The CDC also notes that the neck and head are the next most common locations for injury, followed by the chest, back and shoulders.
Feeling lucky
Butler reflected on his motorcycle accident, confirming that he was lucky to be alive. He said the experience made him appreciate “how precious life is,” a sentiment that other accident survivors no doubt understand. Many times, the motorcyclist is the victim of a collision. If you find yourself in this position, seek prompt medical care, then explore your legal options. Your injuries may be considerable, and you have a right to expect financial compensation to cover your medical expenses and more. Butler has learned how horrible a motorcycle accident can be—but try not to follow his lead.