Did you know that traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death for motorcycle riders? In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TBIs account for more than 60% of all fatalities among motorcyclists. If you ride a motorcycle, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with TBIs and know what to do if involved in an accident. It’s critical to understand the causes of TBIs and how to protect yourself from them.
What Is The Common Injury In A Motorcycle Accident?
TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury is the most common injury in motorcycle accidents. It occurs when an external force injures your brain, and it can happen with any impact to the head or neck area. Brain injuries are often fatal, and even if you do survive, they can cause long-term damage.
What Are The Symptoms Of A TBI?
The symptoms of a TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but some common symptoms include
- Headaches,
- Dizziness,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Blurred vision,
- Ringing in the ears,
- Problems with balance,
- Problems with memory or concentration,
- Mood swings, and
- Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms after a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention right away. You can also speak to a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer to assist you in filing a lawsuit to ensure you are compensated for your injuries.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of A TBI?
A TBI can have long-term effects on a person’s health, including physical, cognitive, and emotional problems. Some common long-term effects of a TBI include:
- Physical disabilities,
- Memory loss,
- Mental issues, such as problems with attention span and decision-making skills,
- Behavioral changes like aggression or irritability, and
- Depression.
What Are The Risks Of A TBI?
The risks of a TBI are high, especially for motorcyclists. TBI is the leading cause of death for those under 45 years old. The risk factors for a TBI include:
- The age of the victim (younger people are more at risk),
- Gender (men are more likely than women to suffer from a TBI), and
- The severity of the injury. For example, if you have a mild concussion, your risk is low; your risk is high if you have a severe brain injury.
People who ride motorcycles are at an increased risk of suffering from TBIs because they are not protected by the surrounding structure of a car or truck. When riding bikes, people only wear helmets for protection, and even then, there’s a risk of the helmet coming off in an accident.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you have been injured. TBIs often go undiagnosed, so it’s necessary to get checked out by a doctor. You may also want to speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure that your injuries are covered by insurance, and you receive compensation for any damages.
How To Prevent A TBI?
The only way to prevent a TBI is by wearing protective gear, such as helmets and other safety equipment. Wearing these items can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent, depending on the severity of impact. Wearing protective gear also reduces other injuries such as fractures and road rash by nearly 50 percent.
What’s More Serious: A Broken Bone Or TBI?
A broken bone will heal eventually. But if you sustain a TBI, the healing process is a lot more complicated. The injury can cause long-term cognitive function, memory, vision, and movement problems. In some cases, it can even be fatal.
What Happens To Your Brain After A Bike Crash?
Your brain is very delicate and easily damaged in a motorcycle accident. When you hit your head, the impact can cause the brain to move around inside your skull. This can lead to bruising, swelling, and bleeding on or around the brain. These injuries can have long-term effects on your health. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.
If You’re In A Motorcycle Accident, What Do You Do First?
The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think anything is wrong with you, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor and make sure that nothing has been missed. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene and get the contact information of any witnesses. You may also want to speak to an accident lawyer.
When To Seek Legal Help?
It’s best to speak with a brain injury lawyer as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you have a case. The sooner you get in touch with them, the faster they can start working on your case and helping you get compensated for your injuries and other damages.
Sometimes the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury are not realized until much later. If you have been in a motorcycle accident and think you may have suffered a TBI, it is essential to seek medical attention and legal help right away.
While there is no need to file an immediate claim if there are no brain injury symptoms, motorcycle accident victims should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. Time is of the essence when it comes to building a successful case. The sooner you have legal representation and start gathering evidence, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Final Words
If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact experienced personal injury lawyers. Brain injuries are a common outcome of motorcycle accidents. Unlike drivers or passengers in cars or trucks, motorcyclists lack significant protection if they’re involved in a crash. This can lead to severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
