Head Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident

The most common types of head injuries after a motorcycle accident include: 

• Concussions: Often considered a mild TBI, concussions occur when the brain is jolted inside the skull due to a sudden impact. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and temporary loss of consciousness.
• Skull fractures: These occur when the impact of a motorcycle accident is strong enough to break the skull bone. They can range from simple fractures without skin breakage to compound fractures where bone pierces the skin.
• Contusions: These are bruises on the brain caused by the impact of a motorcycle accident. They can lead to swelling and increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening.
• Coup-contrecoup injuries: These occur when the force of a collision causes the brain to strike the opposite side of the skull. This leads to bruises at both the site of impact and on the opposite side of the brain.
• Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): This type of injury happens when the violent motion of the head stretches and tears the brain's nerve fibers. It can result in widespread brain damage and loss of function.
• Penetrating injuries: These injuries occur when an object, such as a piece of shattered helmet or metal, penetrates the skull and enters the brain tissue.

The long-term consequences of head injuries from motorcycle accidents can be devastating. They can also vary depending on the severity and type of injury. Common long-term effects include:

• Cognitive impairment such as difficulties with memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
• Physical disabilities ranging from chronic headaches to paralysis or loss of motor functions.
• Emotional and behavioral changes such as increased irritability, depression, and anxiety.
• Sensory problems with vision, hearing, or sense of smell and taste.
• Epilepsy and seizures.

The treatment you would need for a head injury after a motorcycle accident depends on the severity and type of injury. The first step is usually emergency medical treatment. A doctor will address any potential life-threatening conditions and conduct a thorough medical evaluation.  This often includes CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of the injury.

Common treatments for head injuries after motorcycle accidents include:

• Medication: For less severe head injuries, a doctor may only recommend rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. In more severe cases, medications could include anti-seizure drugs and coma-inducing drugs.
• Surgery: Surgery might be necessary to remove clotted blood, repair skull fractures, or relieve pressure inside the skull by draining accumulated cerebrospinal fluid or creating a window in the skull.
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is also typically required for head injuries. This can involve the help of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, neuropsychologists, and others.
• Long-term care and monitoring: Some head injuries can lead to long-term or permanent damage. This often requires ongoing care and monitoring, including regular check-ups, medication management, and continued rehabilitation.
• Counseling and support: Psychological counseling and support groups can be beneficial for recovering from a traumatic brain injury. These injuries can have significant emotional and psychological impacts.

Prevention and safety measures to avoid head injuries after a motorcycle accident

While not all head injuries can be prevented, wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe head injuries in a motorcycle accident. Other safety measures include:

• Wearing appropriate riding gear.
• Following traffic rules.
• Avoiding risky behaviors such as speeding.
• Staying alert and being aware of your surroundings.
• Regular motorcycle maintenance.

The settlement amount you can expect for a motorcycle accident head injury claim, depends on how much money you’re eligible for. An experienced attorney will need to determine the value of your claim by the severity of your head injury and how it impacts your life. 

The key factors an attorney will consider include: 

• Current and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity. 
• Property damage or loss. 
• Pain and suffering as a result of your injuries.

Unlike medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, pain and suffering is considered a non-economic loss. Most attorneys calculate pain and suffering by using the multiplier method. This involves taking the actual damages (e.g., medical bills and lost wages) and multiplying them by a number typically between 1.5 and 5, depending on how severe the head injury is.

Some attorneys use the per diem method, which assigns a daily rate for pain and suffering and multiplies it by the number of days you’re affected by your head injury.

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident, it's crucial to consult a Law.com Premier Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in your area immediately. These experienced attorneys will guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit for your motorcycle accident and ensure you understand each step. 

One of the key advantages of working with our verified motorcycle accident lawyers is their contingency fee structure. This approach means you won't face any hidden charges or be required to pay lawyer fees upfront. You only incur a cost if your attorney is successful in obtaining compensation on your behalf. 

To initiate your motorcycle accident claim, simply reach out to a local Premier Lawyer to arrange a free consultation.