Head Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents – Common traumas
Written by Robert E. Cartwright
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Key Takeaways
- Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe head trauma, with approximately one-third of all motorcycle-related fatalities in the U.S. stemming from brain injuries.
- Common traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) sustained in motorcycle crashes include concussions, contusions, penetrating injuries, diffuse axonal injuries (DAI), and coup-contrecoup injuries.
- Seeking immediate medical attention is essential for both your physical recovery and for establishing a documented link between the crash and your injuries.
- To build a strong compensation claim, you must report the accident to the police, gather scene evidence, and meticulously track all related medical expenses and lost wages.
- A specialized motorcycle accident attorney can help you determine liability, accurately calculate your current and future damages, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
It was a beautiful California day. The sun was shining, and the breeze was blowing. All was right in the world as Jack rode his motorcycle down the open road. He felt alive and free, the wind whipping through his hair.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a car pulled out in front of him, and he swerved to avoid it. He lost control of his bike and went flying through the air. He landed hard on the pavement.
He was unconscious for weeks after the accident. When he finally woke up, he could barely move. He had broken nearly every bone in his body and sustained a severe brain injury. He knew his life would never be the same again.
Jane, another motorcycle rider, loved riding her bike – the thrill of danger was exhilarating. While she’d been riding for years, she had never had an accident.
However, one day everything in her life took a sudden turn. She hit a patch of gravel and lost control of her bike. She was thrown from her motorcycle – down into a ravine. When she woke up, she found out she had suffered a grade 3 concussion – a serious head injury.
Instead of feeling free, she now felt limited – and also afraid for her future.
It’s commonplace. Head injuries often happen when motorcyclists lose control or crash their bikes.
In fact, in the U.S., each year, about 4,500 people die in motorcycle accidents, and around one-third of these deaths result from head injuries.
Common Traumas to the Head
A head injury can lead to lifelong complications for the people it affects. Below are some of the most frequent head injuries that motorcyclists in accidents commonly experience.
Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted inside the skull, typically as a result of a sudden impact or change in movement.
Motorcycle riders who receive a concussion may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and difficulties with concentration. While most concussions can heal with proper rest and care, a severe concussion may lead to more significant and long-term damage.
Contusion
A contusion, or bruise on the brain tissue, is another common type of brain injury in motorcycle mishaps. Contusions form when blood vessels within the brain are damaged due to an impact or sudden movement.
Depending on their size and location, contusions can cause various symptoms, such as confusion, agitation, and difficulties with coordination or speech. Severe contusions may require surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the injured area.
Penetrating Injury
In some cases, motorcycle accidents can cause objects – like debris from a damaged vehicle or even a rider’s helmet – to penetrate into the skull and damage the brain. Penetrating brain injuries are particularly dangerous due to their potential for infection and complications.
Complications may take the form of bleeding or swelling in and around the brain tissue. Symptoms of penetrating injuries may include severe headache, extreme drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty in producing coherent thoughts and speech.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
Diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs) occur when there is widespread damage to nerve fibers (axons) throughout the brain. This results from rapid acceleration or deceleration during a motorcycle accident.
In turn, the brain cells can lose their ability to communicate with one another, leading to functional impairments and cognitive deficits.
A DAI can cause symptoms such as unconsciousness, confusion, memory loss, and difficulty moving or speaking. In severe cases, diffuse axonal injuries may lead to a coma or a persistent vegetative state.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury
A coup-contrecoup injury happens when the brain impacts the inside of the skull at the site of the initial impact (the coup) and subsequently impacts the opposite side of the skull (the contrecoup).
This type of injury can cause damage to multiple areas of the brain and may result in a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to severe neurological dysfunction.
Motorcycle accidents that result in brain injuries can have lasting, lifelong effects on victims and their families.
Because of the seriousness of injuries involving riders, it’s imperative for all motorcyclists to exercise caution on the road, wear proper safety gear, and seek immediate medical attention if they sustain a brain injury.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in minimizing potential long-term damage and improving overall recovery outcomes. That is why you need a motorcycle accident lawyer’s help to get fair compensation.
Navigating the Aftermath: How to File a Motorcycle Brain Injury Claim
If you or someone you know has suffered a motorcycle-related traumatic brain injury (TBI), it’s essential to understand how to file a claim and seek compensation for your losses.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
First and foremost, prioritize your health. If you’ve sustained a head injury in a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention right away – even if you believe it’s only minor. A prompt diagnosis and treatment can help minimize long-term effects and strengthen your claim. Also, keep detailed records of all related medical expenses and care plans.
Report the Accident
To file a motorcycle brain injury claim, you must report the accident to law enforcement or the police. When doing so, be sure to provide accurate information regarding the circumstances surrounding your accident. Obtain a copy of the police report, as it will serve as supporting evidence in your claim.
Get the Evidence
Building a strong case is vital for ensuring you receive fair compensation for your losses. Assemble all the evidence related to the accident – including photographs, witness statements, and documentation of injuries or any property damage related to the accident.
Keep track of any pertinent receipts or invoices that demonstrate the financial burden resulting from your injuries.
Consult with an Attorney
Filing a brain injury claim is challenging without professional guidance. By enlisting an attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents, you’re better equipped to fight for your rights and achieve equitable compensation.
Determine Liability
To successfully file a claim, you must establish the liability of another party or parties. Again, your attorney will help by collecting the necessary evidence to substantiate your claim and determine liability. The liability might extend to another motorist, a manufacturer, or even a governing body if the road where you drove was in disrepair.
Calculate the Compensation
Pursuing a motorcycle brain injury claim involves determining a reasonable compensation amount reflecting your losses. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Working with an attorney can help you assess the full extent of your damages and decide on an equitable demand.
Negotiate and Litigate
Once you’ve gathered all necessary documentation and established liability, your attorney will submit your claim to the relevant insurance carrier(s). At this stage, expect the negotiating process to reach a reasonable settlement.
If negotiations fail and the parties cannot agree on the compensation, you may have to litigate your case in court.
Contact a Motorcycle Brain Injury Lawyer Today
Filing a motorcycle brain injury claim is not an easy process, but it is important if you want to make sure you can afford current and future medical care. Contact a brain injury attorney now to review your brain injury compensation claim. Contact the Cartwright Law Firm to schedule a consultation today (415) 433-0444.
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