Why Motorcycle Riders Should Watch Out for Brain Damage

When we examine the information available from the California Office of Traffic Safety, we can see that there were 539 total motorcyclist fatalities across the state during the most recent reporting year. During that same year, there were more than 11,400 total motorcyclist injuries. This may seem like a significant number of fatalities and injuries, but the number would likely be higher if California did not have the requirement that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet.

Here, we want to examine why motorcycle riders need to watch out for brain damage if they have been involved in an accident, even if they were wearing a helmet.

Motorcyclists Face Significant Risks

Each year, thousands of individuals sustain injuries as a result of motorcycle collisions across the state of California. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than others on the roadway. That is not a surprise to anyone. Without the frame of a vehicle, airbags, seat belts, and other safety measures, any type of collision could potentially lead to a motorcyclist sustaining a brain injury.

California mandates that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet for a reason. These helmets are designed to prevent significant head, face, and brain injuries. However, even if a motorcyclist is wearing a helmet, there is still a significant chance that they will sustain brain trauma in the event of a collision with another vehicle or fixed object.

Symptoms of a Brain Injury

Symptoms of a brain injury will vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, a person’s overall physiology and health, and how quickly a person receives medical attention after an incident occurs.

Some symptoms of a brain injury become apparent right away at the scene of a motorcycle crash. This can include headaches, nausea and vomiting, any loss of consciousness, drowsiness or fatigue, problems with balance or speech, etc. However, there are times when these symptoms are delayed, and individuals experience absolutely no symptoms right after the incident occurs.

We strongly encourage all motorcyclists to seek medical care soon after any type of collision occurs. My doctor can take the steps necessary to perform an evaluation to determine if there has been any underlying brain damage. Additionally, if a motorcyclist begins to experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or anything out of the ordinary after a motorcycle collision, they need to call 911 and seek medical care immediately.

The brain is a unique organ in that it is inside of a fixed structure. When the brain sustains an injury, it can begin to swell or bleed, but the skull keeps everything encapsulated in a small area. When the swelling or bleeding begins, the symptoms may not seem like much at first, but this can significantly increase the chances of long-term brain damage if there is no medical intervention.

Do You Need an Attorney?

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of another individual, you should reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Brain injuries can lead to significant medical bills and lost wages if a person is unable to work while they recover. In the event a severe brain injury occurs, a victim may need long-term medical care. We strongly encourage all motorcycle accident victims to reach out to a skilled attorney who can handle every aspect of their claim.