Motorcyclists face a high risk of injuries in any accident, but particularly in a collision with a full-sized vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more. According to the National Safety Council, wearing a DOT-approved helmet reduces the chances of death in a motorcycle accident by about 37% for the operator and 41% for a motorcycle passenger. Unfortunately, not all motorcyclists wear helmets, which aren’t required by the Texas helmet law for those over age 21 who pass a motorcycle safety course. Additionally, a helmet cannot protect against all traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A powerful blow, such as one caused by a motorcycle accident, can cause the brain to bump or twist against the bony inside of the skull, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
If you or a close family member has suffered from a brain injury, contact Road Justice to speak to a skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Texas about your right to compensation for your losses.
What are the Most Common Types of Brain Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents?
A motorcyclist lacks the protection of a seatbelt or enclosed metal frame, leaving them vulnerable to severe injuries from direct contact with the road surface, obstacles, and vehicles in accidents. Unfortunately, this can result in brain injuries such as the following:
Concussions
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a chemical reaction inside the brain after it bumps inside the skull. Although a concussion is a mild brain injury, it can cause a loss of consciousness, a week or more of headaches and other symptoms, and potential long-term and cumulative effects.
Contusions
Contusions are bruises that develop inside the brain caused by the rupture of tiny blood vessels that leak into the injured area of the brain after an accident.
Subdural Hematomas
A subdural hematoma occurs when a powerful blow causes bleeding between the brain and the protective subdural layer, with trauma to the brain from pressure and chemical changes resulting from bleeding and cell death.
Epidural Hematomas
An epidural hematoma is a brain injury caused by bleeding between the skull and the subdural layer surrounding the brain, which puts pressure on the brain.
Skull Fractures
When a powerful blow fractures the skull, it exposes the brain to injury from bleeding, swelling, laceration, and infection.
Coup-Contrecoup Injury
When a strong jarring motion causes the brain to bump back and forth or side to side inside the skull, it causes injury in one section of the brain and another injury on the opposite side of the brain.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries
When the brain bumps or twists inside the skull, it can cause blood vessels to tear and bleed throughout the brain, causing diffuse injury throughout multiple portions of the brain with damage to brain function, sometimes resulting in coma, vegetative state, or death. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident, contact Road Justice to speak with a top-rated Texas motorcycle accident brain injury attorney about your legal rights and options.
Symptoms of a Brain Injury After a Motorcycle Accident
It’s critical to seek emergency medical care after a motorcycle accident. Brain injuries can result from a direct blow or from the internal trauma caused by a powerful shake or jar when the brain bumps or twists inside the skull. The signs of a brain injury may take time to develop, as swelling and bleeding inside the brain interfere with function and cause symptoms such as the following:
- Headaches that increase in severity
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Speech problems
- Difficulty with memory and concentration
- Changes in mood and personality
Sometimes, loss of consciousness or confusion occurs immediately after the injury, with additional symptoms developing during the hours or days after the injury.
Recovering Compensation In Motorcycle Accident Brain Injury Cases
A brain injury requires emergency medical treatment and sometimes long-term care, including hospitalization and rehabilitative and occupational therapies. If someone else caused the injury, the injury victim may seek compensation for their economic costs and losses, and additional compensation for their pain, suffering, and catastrophic injury damages. Contact Road Justice so your trusted Texas motorcycle accident brain injury lawyer can take prompt action to protect your best interests.