Understanding Brain Damage in Motorcycle Accidents
Even motorcycle riders who are taking all necessary precautions can still be involved in accidents and sustain serious injuries. The size difference between motorcycles and passenger vehicles, combined with a motorcycle’s relative lack of protective features, significantly increases the risk of injury for riders. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), accidents frequently result in unfavorable outcomes for motorcyclists, with 80% either sustaining an injury or losing their lives due to the damage incurred.
If you or a family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, you may have the right to seek compensation. Medical expenses can accumulate rapidly, especially when dealing with a brain injury. It's crucial not to forfeit your opportunity for financial assistance in such situations.
Motorcycle Accidents and Serious Injuries
Helmets provide significant protection for your head in an accident, but high-speed collisions or helmet malfunctions can still result in head injuries. An analysis by the NHTSA of accident data, involving both helmeted and non-helmeted riders, revealed that over 15% of victims suffered head injuries and 17% sustained facial injuries.
When victims of motorcycle accidents endure traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), they often require extensive treatment. Among both helmet-wearers and non-wearers, the injuries predominantly ranged in severity:
- 34% of TBIs were severe,
- 43% were moderate,
- 2% were minor, and
- 22% were categorized as potential injuries.
It is essential to recognize that even mild brain injuries can have long-term effects. Concussion sufferers, for example, might experience headaches, dizziness, vision and hearing difficulties, personality changes, and mood disorders, all of which can disrupt daily life.
Treatment and Recovery
Most treatment plans for moderate to severe brain injuries focus on assisting the patient in regaining independence. This usually involves ongoing rehabilitation, a daily medication routine, and the use of assistive devices. Even after 2 years of treatment following a significant brain injury:
- 30% of patients still require daily assistance,
- 25% develop major depressive disorder, and
- 30% manage to return to work, although possibly not in the same role.
Types of Brain Injury in Motorcycle Accidents
The impact of a motorcyclist’s head against the road or a fixed object can cause substantial damage, but the danger doesn’t stop there. A secondary brain injury may worsen the condition following an initial TBI.
Primary Brain Injury
A primary brain injury in a motorcycle accident results from the initial impact of the brain against the skull. It occurs quickly and may involve:- Skull fracture
- Localized bruising
- Internal hemorrhage (bleeding)
- Diffuse axonal injury (stretching and tearing of neurons and axons)
The Journal of Forensic Biomechanics notes that hemorrhage and diffuse axonal injury often characterize catastrophic and fatal motorcycle accidents. Damage from such injuries is usually irreversible; once an axon or neuron dies, the body cannot replace it. However, bruising and stretching may not destroy a cell, hence allowing for some recovery post-TBI.
Secondary Brain Injury
If the brain's oxygen supply is interrupted, secondary brain injury may occur without any additional trauma and may not be immediately noticeable. These injuries typically result from the body’s immune response, potentially deteriorating conditions for up to five days following the initial injury.
- Edema (brain swelling)
- Hematoma (blood accumulation inside the brain)
- Shock
Shock can be hazardous as it might reduce blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen. Every cell needs oxygen to survive, so even brief deprivation can cause brain cell death. Edema and hematomas obstruct oxygen flow differently: swelling or internal bleeding reduces the space available for the brain within the skull, leading to compression that prevents oxygenated blood from reaching brain tissue.
With adequate medical attention, these complications may be mitigated. However, many accident victims forgo essential medical care due to financial constraints. This is why seeking compensation is crucial after an accident: appropriate treatment can be the difference between recovery and disability or even death.
Legal Assistance for TBI Cases
When pursuing a settlement in a TBI case, having a knowledgeable legal team can be invaluable. Our firm treats each client’s situation as an opportunity to effect a lasting change. We have successfully navigated numerous cases requiring technical understanding, resulting in substantial verdicts and settlements when catastrophic injuries have altered lives.
If you require assistance following a motorcycle accident, contact us at 816.931.4611 for a free evaluation. We can help with complex medical claims involving traumatic brain injuries.
