Traumatic brain injuries are a serious risk for motorcyclists involved in accidents. Even when wearing a helmet and following traffic laws, riders can suffer devastating head injuries when other drivers are careless.
As a Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience, the team at Pete Olson Injury Law has helped many riders deal with the life-altering consequences of a crash-related TBI. He understands the unique challenges these injuries present and fights hard to protect his clients' rights.
In this article, we'll examine why motorcyclists are so vulnerable to brain injuries, what symptoms to watch for after a crash, and what kind of long-term impact a TBI can have on a rider's life. We'll also discuss how an experienced injury attorney can help TBI survivors seek the care and compensation they need.
The Prevalence of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash. They're also four times more likely to be injured.
Several factors contribute to the high incidence of TBIs in motorcycle accidents:
- Lack of structural protection. Unlike cars or trucks, motorcycles leave riders exposed. They do not have seatbelts, airbags, or crumple zones to absorb impact forces.
- Ejection from the bike. The force of a collision can easily throw a rider from their motorcycle. Striking the ground, other vehicles, or stationary objects is a primary cause of TBIs.
- Rotational forces. Even if a rider is wearing a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet, the rapid acceleration-deceleration forces in a crash can cause the brain to rotate inside the skull. This rotational motion can stretch and tear delicate brain tissue.
- Diffuse axonal injury. A type of brain damage that occurs over a widespread area, diffuse axonal injury is common in high-speed motorcycle accidents. It occurs when the force of impact causes microscopic tears in the connective nerve fibers (axons) within the brain.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a TBI
Brain injuries are often called the "silent epidemic" because the symptoms may not be immediately apparent, even to the injured person. Here are some of the most common physical, cognitive, and behavioral signs that may indicate a TBI:
- Physical: Loss of consciousness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light or sound, altered sleep patterns
- Cognitive: Problems with memory, concentration, or decision-making, feeling "foggy" or slowed down, difficulty finding words
- Behavioral/Emotional: Irritability, anxiety, depression, mood swings, impulsivity, personality changes
Anyone who has been in a motorcycle accident should seek immediate medical attention, even if they "feel fine." Some brain injuries have delayed symptoms that may not appear for hours or days. Prompt diagnosis is key to getting proper treatment.
The Long-Term Impact of Motorcycle Accident TBIs
Depending on the severity, a traumatic brain injury can impact nearly every aspect of a person's life. The long-term costs of motorcycle accidents may include extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
A brain injury can make working, maintaining relationships, and carrying out daily activities difficult or impossible. Injured motorcyclists may face a lifetime of physical pain, cognitive impairments, emotional difficulties, and financial hardship.
Getting Help from an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in a motorcycle crash, it's crucial to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney who understands brain injuries can:
- Thoroughly investigate the crash to determine liability
- Gather evidence and expert testimony to build a strong case
- Ensure you get appropriate medical care and track treatment costs
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Fight for maximum compensation for current and future losses
At Pete Olson Injury Law, we have extensive experience helping TBI survivors and their families put their lives back together after a devastating motorcycle accident. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so there's no cost to you unless we win your case.
If you've suffered a brain injury because of another driver's negligence, you deserve justice and fair compensation.