Motorcyclists lack the same protections as a driver inside of a passenger vehicle. Since cars are so much larger and heavier than motorcycles, collisions between the two vehicles can be catastrophic—leading to severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and brain injury.
Even with proper headgear, motorcyclists are at an especially high risk of brain injuries. If you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a motorcycle accident, you could experience long-term physical symptoms, require intensive medical care, and be unable to return to work.
A TBI refers to any damage that occurs to the brain, which serves as the command system for the rest of our body. TBIs often occur due to a blow to the head, a violent jolt, or an object that penetrates the skull. All of these events can occur during a motorcycle accident, often leading to long-term brain damage without proper treatment.
Symptoms of a TBI vary based on the severity and cause of the injury. These may include loss of consciousness, headache, nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. Several complications can arise after a brain injury, including the following.
Since TBIs are severe and life-threatening injuries, they always require immediate medical attention. After any head injury or motorcycle accident, you should always go to the emergency room and receive treatment. You may require surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and prescription medications, depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury.
After you receive treatment, you may require long-term medical care, follow-up surgeries to minimize brain damage, and occupational therapies. You may also need to visit specialists, such as neuropsychologists, recreational therapists, and physiatrists. The rehabilitation process can take months or years to complete, and it is possible that you will not be able to fully recover.
This treatment can cost thousands and even millions of dollars; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a severe TBI could have a lifetime cost of over $7 billion. Not only is medical care expensive, but you may be unable to return to work or receive the same salary or benefits you once earned. The physical and emotional impact of the injury can also take a toll.
If you suffer a TBI in a motorcycle accident, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim against the at-fault driver. Through this process, you can recover compensation to pay for your medical expenses, disability accommodations, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, you are only eligible for a motorcycle accident claim if you can prove that the other driver caused your accident.
Motorcyclists are often subject to unfair bias during the claims process, which is why you need an attorney on your side. A San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer will advocate for your best interests and craft a compelling case for your right to compensation. After seeking treatment for your injuries, contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
