Motorcyclists are at an especially high risk of suffering head injuries in an accident because of the relative lack of protection compared to drivers of passenger vehicles. Accidents can result in brain injuries and can require extensive treatment, including hospitalization. For some victims, a head injury from a motorcycle accident can have lasting and severe effects.
On a per mile basis, motorcyclists are approximately 16 times more likely than the occupants of a passenger car to suffer fatal injuries in an accident, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Motorcyclists also have a four times higher risk of suffering injuries. Head injury is the leading cause of disability or fatality in motorcycle accidents, highlighting the importance of wearing a helmet while riding.
Consequences of a Head Injury from a Motorcycle Accident
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are not uncommon when a motorcyclist strikes his or her head in an accident on a Dallas roadway or highway. Those injuries can include minor brain injuries lik
e concussions, or more severe or devastating injuries that can leave a person dependent on long-term care.
There are three degrees of traumatic brain injury after a motorcycle accident. These include mild, moderate and severe. A mild traumatic brain injury – or concussion – may or may not include loss of consciousness. In a moderate TBI, the patient loses consciousness for up to a few hours, though in other cases it lasts only for several minutes.
Other signs of a moderate TBI are as follows.
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Cognitive, physical and behavioral impairments
In some cases, those impairments are permanent. In a severe traumatic brain injury, the motorcyclist may slip into a coma lasting days, weeks, or longer.
Survivors of a brain injury may struggle with the loss of basic functions. Significant impairments in motor function can even lead to symptoms of depression and other mental impairments. A person’s suicide risk might increase after a head injury from a motorcycle accident. Thus, it’s important to seek not only physical care, but any necessary mental health care as well.
Treatment for a Head Injury from a Motorcycle Accident
Treatment after an accident will depend on severity of the injury. Any motorcyclist involved in an accident should seek analysis with a doctor. In minor head injury cases, rest and medication might be required. But in more severe brain injury cases, the patient might require surgery, cognitive rehabilitation and physical therapy.
The therapy process can continue for months or even years. Even with years of rehabilitation, a patient may never be able to return to his or her level of health prior to the accident and could require nursing care.
All of these are expensive measures, which is one of the reasons why traumatic brain injuries are also some of the most expensive injuries. Costs of care can run into the tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of dollars. Some might require millions of dollars worth of care, especially if they are young at the time of injury and suffer permanent and severe effects.
Prevention of Traumatic Brain Injury in Motorcycle Accidents
Wearing a helmet is the single best way to reduce the risk of a head injury from a motorcycle accident. Helmeted motorcyclists are more likely to survive a motorcycle accident. A helmet can also reduce the severity of injury that might occur compared to non-helmeted motorcyclists.
Safe riding is also an obvious preventative measure against a motorcycle accident in the first place. Unfortunately, some motorcyclists follow the rules of the road and observe safe riding behavior, only to be involved in an accident because of another party’s negligent behavior.
If you or a loved one suffered a head injury from a motorcycle accident in Dallas, discuss your claim with an attorney. You may recover damages that can help cover treatment and other costs. It’s important to consider both the short and the long-term costs associated with the injury.
