Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are not uncommon when motorcyclists strike their heads in motorcycle accidents in Baltimore. Motorcyclists usually risk TBI in an accident because of inadequate protection due to the open design of the bike. This is why the law enforcement and traffic agencies advised riders to wear helmets and safety gear.
When a motorcycle rider suffers a traumatic brain injury, what follows is extensive treatment, high medical bills, lost wages, or even death. Therefore, as a motorcyclist in Baltimore, you should know the associated risks involved in riding.
Suppose you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident. You can receive compensation from the at-fault party. So consult a Baltimore motorcycle accident lawyer immediately after the occurrence.
What Is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when an abrupt or forceful trauma causes damage to the brain. It results from a sudden and violent shake of the head or an object hitting or piercing the skull. As earlier stated, motorcyclists are more at risk of sustaining TBI from an accident.
This is because they have little protection and cushioning against metal frames. Other conditions that can increase the risk include distracted vehicle drivers, poor weather, potholes, etc.
There are three degrees of TBI’s suffered after a motorcycle accident. They are:
- Mild TBI: Mild TBI or concussion is usually minor, which may or may not include loss of consciousness.
- Moderate TBI: With moderate TBI, the injured motorcyclist may suffer loss of consciousness for several minutes or a few hours.
- Severe TBI: In severe TBI, the victim may slip into a coma for days, weeks, or months.
Common Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury After Motorcycle Accidents
The symptoms experienced vary depending on which location of the brain was damaged. Some common signs of TBI include:
- Severe headache
- Early-onset dementia
- Short or long-term memory loss
- Seizures
- Physical or behavioral impairments
- Bruising of the eyes
- Increased irritability
- Increased pressure in the head
- Heavy bleeding
- Loss of speech, etc.
Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, it is advisable to seek medical and mental evaluation and treatment immediately. Treatment of TBI will depend on the severity of the injury sustained. Treatment could range from medications, physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, surgery, etc
Preventive Measures for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Motorcycle Accidents
There are preventive measures to lower the risk of sustaining traumatic brain injuries in a motorcycle accident. These include:
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The Use of Motorcycle Helmets
The single best way to reduce the risk of TBI is to wear a motorcycle helmet. Helmets protect the motorcyclist’s head or brain by decreasing the force caused by a blow or impact during a crash. Motorcyclists who wear helmets are less likely to sustain TBI than those who choose not to wear one.
In Baltimore, Maryland, motorcyclists must wear a helmet. The helmet must meet the standards of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Also, it must have a DOT label on it, which shows the manufacturer’s compliance with federal standards.
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Practice Safe Riding
Safe riding is also a preventive measure against traumatic brain injuries in motorcycle accidents. For example, avoid excessive speeding, following another vehicle closely, driving defensively and not aggressively, etc.
While some motorcyclists observe this principle, accidents are still unavoidable as there are several negligent drivers on the road. Thankfully, Maryland’s at-fault accident system allows you to claim financial compensation from the negligent party.
Recovering Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident and were not at fault, you have a right to recover compensation. You can institute a personal injury claim for the injuries and losses suffered. Damages you can recover include:
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Lost wages/loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Partial or permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage, etc.
If the motorcyclist dies, their legal beneficiaries can commence a wrongful death action to get compensation from the at-fault party.
Contact a Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!
The damages associated with brain injuries are enormous. It can be life-altering for the victim and their loved ones. As such, they deserve the type of compensation that helps to make their post-accident life easier.
At Pinder Plotkin LLC, we help motorcyclists get justice for injuries sustained in an accident. We will aggressively pursue your personal injury claim and recover maximum settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid when we win.
