Motorcycle accidents are particularly dangerous for riders, and substantial injuries are commonplace. Among the injuries riders often face, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some that occur most frequently.
A traumatic brain injury can cause extensive damage to the brain and change a person’s life forever. If you or a loved one have suffered a TBI in a motorcycle collision, it’s best to discuss your case with a qualified lawyer.
Motorcycle Accident Brain Injuries
A motorcycle accident can result in several different types of brain injuries, depending on the circumstances and severity of the impact. Below are some of the most common TBIs suffered by motorcycle riders.
Concussions
When your head is struck by an item or collides with an object, your brain moves around in your skull. The movement causes the brain to hit the skull, producing an injury.
Concussions can range in severity. Minor concussions usually only require rest and over-the-counter painkillers, but more severe concussions need more extensive medical intervention.
Brain Hemorrhages
A hemorrhage refers to uncontrolled bleeding. When you suffer a brain hemorrhage, it means there is extensive bleeding either on the surface of the brain or within the brain.
These injuries are usually localized to one area. While they can cause less long-term damage than other types of TBIs, they can still cause significant harm if they are not treated correctly and timely.
Intracranial Hematomas
A hematoma refers to a collection of blood outside of the affected blood vessels. There are several hematomas concerning the brain, including:
- Subdural Hematoma: A hematoma under the layer of protection that surrounds the brain
- Epidural Hematoma: A hematoma between the skull and the brain
- Intracerebral Hematoma: A hematoma within the brain
Hematomas are dangerous, as symptoms often don’t appear until several days after an accident. Signs of a hematoma in or around the brain can include persistent headache, dizziness, and slurred speech.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
A diffuse axonal injury is one of the most severe kinds of traumatic brain injury.
When the brain is twisted or shaken inside the skull, the connecting fibers in the brain, called axons, tear. Neurons affected by the DAI can no longer communicate, causing a loss of function.
These tears in the axons, even though tiny, can cause extensive damage. Symptoms of a DAI depend on the location of the injury and the number of tears.
Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury
The name coup-contrecoup is French and refers to two injuries in one. The “coup” injury is the one at the location of the impact, and the “contrecoup” injury is on the opposite side of the brain.
Usually, these injuries result when the head slams against a stationary object, like the ground. These injuries are usually extensive and require much medical care.
Long-Term Consequences of TBIs
The brain is critical to the body’s function, and it is very delicate. Therefore, injury to the brain often results in long-term effects.
Some of the common kinds of lasting consequences related to TBIs include:
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Paralysis
- Visual changes
- Problems with balance
- Issues communicating
- Hearing loss
- Behavioral changes
- Depression and anxiety
Additionally, when a traumatic brain injury is particularly serious, victims can remain in a coma or vegetative state for extended periods.
While recovery from a brain injury is possible, a serious TBI can affect a person’s life forever.
Consult With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have sustained a brain injury in a motorcycle collision, don’t wait to discuss your case with a motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can provide valuable guidance and advice and determine how to proceed with your case.
Talk to a personal injury attorney at Hunt Law. We serve clients throughout Northern New Mexico. Contact our firm today to request your consultation.