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Motorcycle Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Many Americans love the freedom of riding their motorcycles. But a leisurely summer joyride can quickly become a nightmare if another driver makes a mistake, causing you to crash. Helmets and riding gear can only help so much in protecting a rider in a collision with a vehicle. Consequently, motorcycle accident injuries can be devastating. Modern helmets can undoubtedly save lives, but even if the rider wears a helmet, head and brain injuries could occur. 

Statistics show that motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to be killed on the road than car occupants. Every year, millions of Americans suffer from TBIs. Over half of these brain injuries originate in motor vehicle accidents. The main cause of death in motorcycle accidents is TBIs.

Signs of a TBI After a Motorcycle Accident

TBIs are one of the most difficult medical emergencies to treat due to the complexity and fragility of the brain. If you believe you or a loved one have suffered from a TBI, it is critical that you receive immediate medical care. TBIs are caused by rapid forward or backward movement, or shaking of the brain, inside the bony skull that results in tearing and bruising of brain tissue and blood vessels. A blow or jolt to the head can cause a TBI, but striking the head is not necessary to cause a TBI. A TBI can also be caused by a penetrating injury, when there is a break in the skull from an impact. Traumatic brain injury symptoms can range from a mild concussion to severe disabling or deadly injury, depending on the mechanism of trauma to the head. The symptoms can also be classified as physical, sensory, and mental/behavioral. 

If you are the victim of a TBI from a motorcycle collision, you should reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

• TBI Symptoms — Physical
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Problems with speech
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Pupil dilation
  • Clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
  • Weakness or numbness in the fingers and toes
• TBI Symptoms — Sensory

   

  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Changes in smell
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Ringing in the ears
• TBI Symptoms — Mental/Behavioral
  • Confusion, dazed, or disoriented
  • Memory and concentration issues
  • Mood swings
  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Slurred speech
  • Agitation or change in demeanor
  • Coma

Types of TBI’s Following a Motorcycle Accident

Just as TBIs can manifest various symptoms, they can result in different types of medical diagnoses. Here are some common diagnoses associated with a motorcycle TBI and the type of events that tend to cause them.

• Concussions are generally associated with mild TBIs and can occur from whiplash or head impact that causes the brain to shake within the skull.
• Contusions sometimes accompany concussions. It occurs when the brain is bruised and bleeding mildly.
• Brain hemorrhages are uncontrolled bleeding in the brain tissue or surface. These are generally localized within an area of the brain and generally cause less severe damage than other TBIs, but they can still be fatal.
• A coup-contrecoup brain injury is a serious TBI that translates to blow-counterblow. It refers to two separate injuries. First is the coup injury, occurring under the impact point. Second is the contrecoup injury, occurring on the opposite side of the brain when the impact jolts the brain to the other side in a rebounding manner.
• Diffuse axonal injuries are connected to severe TBIs. They are a result of the brain shaking or twisting within the skull. This can cause the cerebral tissue to rub along the skull and tear, called axonal shearing. This can disrupt neurons and cause loss of function. More axons torn indicate more serious effects.
• Penetrating brain injuries occur when something penetrates the skull and brain. This can result in seizures and even the onset of epilepsy following the accident.
• Second impact symptom is a recurrent TBI that occurs when you suffer a second TBI soon after the first. The second TBI complicates the original damage and is generally more severe. These TBIs can have profound health implications, which is one reason why it is vital to take extra care until the first TBI is healed. 
• Hematomas can be the next stage if a contusion fails to heal on its own. Doctors may need to remove the hematoma via surgery.

If you have suffered from a motorcycle TBI, whether mild or severe, it is best to discuss your injuries with a traumatic brain injury attorney. They can help you determine your rights and legal options to recover damages associated with your medical costs and loss of income.

Preventing a TBI From a Motorcycle Wreck

If you ride a motorcycle, one of the best ways to help prevent a TBI is to wear a high-quality helmet. Helmets can reduce injuries and save lives. Motorcycle helmets are exceptionally good at preventing fatalities and provide between 37 percent and 41 percent fatality protection to motorcyclists. They also offer a 69 percent reduction in the risk of head injury.

However, there are some motorcycle head injuries no helmet can prevent, but only lessen the severity. A motorcycle accident that would have been fatal can be reduced to a TBI or other injury from the protection of a helmet. 

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, speak with a motorcycle injury attorney who may be able to help you recover damages from the accident.

Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help

Depending on the facts of your case, a motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you recover damages and costs associated with your accident. These are examples of damages and costs from a motorcycle accident:

• Medical bills from your motorcycle accident
• Loss of income
• Property damage, such as to your motorcycle and protective gear
• Ongoing medical bills associated with future treatment
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

If another person was responsible for your motorcycle accident, you might be eligible to recover financial damages in a court of law. The motorcycle injury attorneys at D’Amore Personal Injury Law, LLC may be able to help. Contact us today for your free consultation. There are no fees until we win your case.