Motorcycle accidents tend to cause massive destruction and severe injuries because the rider is not protected by a metal barrier, and data shows the disproportionate effect. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PA DOT) reports that there are almost 3,600 motorcycle collisions every year, causing 226 fatalities and injuries to 3,360 victims. You can expect that riders and passengers will suffer the most intense impact, considering the size of the vehicle that strikes you. Plus, there will almost always be a secondary impact when the motorcyclist is tossed from the bike.
These risk factors cause many different types of trauma, but head injuries are among the most common in motorcycle crashes. Even when a rider is wearing a helmet, it may not be sufficient to protect against the violence of a collision. The consequences of brain damage can be life-changing, so you should consult with a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer about legal remedies. It is also helpful to review some background about brain damage from a crash.
Head Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
The brain is a complicated machine, and medical professionals have different ways of classifying trauma. The umbrella term is traumatic brain injury (TBI), which occurs when a sudden, violent assault causes damage to delicate brain tissue. TBI can range from a mild bump on the head to a coma or death. Some examples of TBI include:
- A concussion is when the impact of an accident causes the brain to move within the skull.
- Coup-contrecoup brain damage may occur when the brain jolts forward and then backward, causing a bruise on the backside.
- Penetrating brain injury, in which an object is forced through the skull and into the brain.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI), is the tearing of brain tissue that occurs when the brain rotates inside the skull.
Long-Term Medical Complications from Brain Damage
Because the severity of head injuries varies, the consequences of brain damage will be different for each victim. There are three categories of medical complications:
1. Physical: Headache, dizziness, fluids draining from the nose or ears, seizures, inability to control muscles and bodily systems.
2. Cognitive: Depression, anxiety, memory loss, difficulty sleeping.
3. Sensory: Blurred vision, changes to smell and taste, sensitivity to sound.
Damages for Victims of Motorcycle Collisions
Victims of motorcycle accidents have legal remedies against negligent drivers, so you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you sustain because of your injuries. A large portion of your damages will be medical costs since you could incur astronomical bills for treating brain damage. If you are unable to work, you could also obtain amounts for lost wages and future earning capacity. You may also seek compensation for pain and suffering, and other losses that affect quality of life.
Get Legal Help from a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered brain damage in a crash, please contact the Quinn Law Group right away to discuss your legal remedies. You can set up a free case evaluation by calling (215) 360-3666 or visiting us online. After reviewing your situation, a Philadelphia motorcycle collision lawyer will advise you on options.
