Why Motorcyclists are At Risk from Traumatic Brain Injuries

Motorcycles are a favorite hobby for many people. Whether it is spending time outdoors, feeling the wind flow through the hair, or enjoying views that a rider otherwise would not, riding one provides an exhilarating and unique experience. Despite all this, a motorcycle ride can be dangerous, with motorcycle accidents leading to severe injuries and fatalities in some cases.

Common motorcycle accident injuries include broken bones, penetrating injuries, bruises, and traumatic brain injuries. Below, we explore why motorcyclists are at considerable risk of traumatic brain injuries and how they impact riders involved in motorcycle accidents.

What are Traumatic Brain Injuries?

A traumatic brain injury is an injury that occurs due to a blow, bump, jolt, or other head trauma leading to brain injuries. The violent force can be direct or indirect, with both causing injuries of varying levels of severity.

Penetrating injuries can also cause severe traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries are difficult to treat, with many who get injured in this way receiving therapy and symptomatic treatments to manage their injuries and the resulting conditions.

The National Institutes of Neurological Disorders says that millions of people suffer traumatic brain injuries of varying severity annually in the United States. About half of these cases stem from motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents.

Accident Impacts and Traumatic Brain Injuries

The impact of a motorcycle accident, whether the motorcycle strikes something or is struck by a vehicle, can cause direct injuries to the brain tissue. These injuries happen due to the violent forces the body experiences after a motorcycle accident can cause the brain to rattle and move inside the skull. When it does, it becomes bruised or injured.

These violent movements can also cause nerve damage, leading to long-term complications or incapacitation and the victim requiring long-term care. In such cases, the victim’s life will be permanently altered, with their ability to care for their family, work, or have an adequate quality of life severely reduced or completely severed.

If this happens to you or a loved one, you or they can get compensated for the damage done. You can talk to our injury attorneys so we can help you start the process of filing a lawsuit to seek compensation.

Why Motorcyclists Are at a Higher Risk of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Several factors increase the risk of traumatic brain injuries for motorcyclists singly or in combination. The main factor determining how much risk a motorcycle is at is whether they were wearing their helmet at the time of the accident.

The helmet is a motorcyclist’s primary protection for their skull, which protects their brain. Studies have found that motorcyclists wearing a helmet at the time of an accident are less likely to experience head and facial injuries. They are also less likely to suffer traumatic brain injury.

The significant difference a helmet makes in a motorcycle or car accident is one of the reasons many states have made it illegal to ride a motorcycle without wearing one.

The second reason is the motorcycle’s footprint. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and have a much smaller footprint. This means they are harder to see if they are in a vehicle’s blind spot or at night if the rider has not taken measures to make themselves visible in the dark. This smaller footprint also makes some drivers think they can share a lane with a motorcycle.

This means motorcyclists are at higher risk of being struck by vehicles or forced off-balance. Motorcyclists can get severely injured if they are traveling fast.

Lastly, motorcyclists are more likely to get injured because there is no protection between them and the other road users.

In a vehicle, the driver is protected by the car itself, airbags, and other mandatory safety features. A motorcycle does not have any of these protections, and the motorcyclist can only hope that their protective gear, such as their helmet, can protect them from injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.

Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There are other causes of motorcycle accidents that increase the risk of traumatic brain injuries. One of these is speeding. Speeding remains the most common reason for vehicle and motorcycle accidents.

Speeding makes it difficult to gauge distances, stop in time, swerve to avoid an obstacle that appears suddenly, and stay in control of a vehicle or motorcycle. Hitting an object, obstacle, or vehicle at high speed increases the risk of severe traumatic brain injury and fatality.

Another is hazardous road conditions, especially when combined with a high rate of speed. Being smaller and less stable than vehicles means motorcycles are more susceptible to dangerous road conditions such as uneven pavements, debris, and slippery surfaces.

Alcohol and substance use when riding is another significant contributory factor in serious or fatal motorcycle accidents. Alcohol and substances impair motor skills, decision-making, reaction times, and the ability to judge what is going on. They also make motorcyclists more likely to speed or engage in aggressive or dangerous actions that increase the risk of accidents.

Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries

The human brain is the most complex and delicate organ in the body. For this reason, traumatic brain injuries are among the most difficult medical emergencies to treat. Injuries to different parts of the brain require different types of treatment. Medical doctors also must consider their severity and whether there are ruptured blood vessels or increased intracranial pressure that can be life-threatening.

There are no guarantees with traumatic brain injuries because the ruptured blood vessels and increased pressure can be fatal or cause severe, permanent impairments when they are not.

Motorcycles are fun, but they are also highly dangerous. A motorcycle accident can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, that can cause permanent impairments and changes to the victim’s life. Motorcyclists can protect themselves in various ways, most importantly by wearing a helmet, slowing down, and being aware of what is happening around them.

Even with these precautions, motorcyclists can still get into accidents. You might be entitled to compensation if you get into a motorcycle accident. Our attorneys at Rush Injury Law can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and much more. Visit our office to talk to our attorneys at the following locations:

• 10 Commercial Blvd, #206 Novato, CA 94949
• 75 Broadway #202, San Francisco, CA 94111
• 3558 Round Barn Blvd, Suite 200, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

You can also call us for a free consultation today at (415) 897-4801.