Other than a helmet, and leathers, if worn, the motorcyclist has virtually no protection from serious injury. Often, when a vehicle hits a motorcyclist, it sends him or her hurtling through the air, usually landing on hard pavement, or rough gravel. If the motorcyclist is not wearing protective clothing, road rash can occur. Road rash can be very severe, even fatal. Infection can set in, causing many more medical issues. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and serious internal injuries are all common injuries associated with a motorcycle accident. A motorcyclist with any of these serious injuries could spend months, years, or a lifetime undergoing medical interventions and rehabilitative therapies.