Traumatic Brain Injuries and Motorcycle Accidents: What You Need to Know

This week, we covered the story of a Harley-Davidson rider who was involved in a Mission Viejo motorcycle accident on Alicia Parkway. The man was rushed to Mission Hospital by emergency responders and is now recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While hospital officials say the rider’s health is improving after his head injury, it is important to understand that even mild TBI cases can be costly, overwhelming, and debilitating. Many motorcycle riders who suffer brain injuries face permanent disabilities, extensive ongoing medical care, and difficulty returning to work.

What is a traumatic brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when the head sustains an excessive amount of force, causing injury to the brain. In some cases, TBI occurs when an object directly strikes the head or brain, but many injuries occur when the force of an accident causes the brain to strike the skull and swell.

Traumatic brain injuries can vary in severity, ranging from a mild concussion (in which the accident victim may not even lose consciousness) to an open head wound (in which the outcome may be fatal). TBI is a leading cause of serious injury and death in children and young adults.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Motorcycle Accidents

Because motorcycle riders are not protected by seatbelts or by the protective “cage” offered by closed vehicles, traumatic brain injuries are extremely common when it comes to motorcycle accidents. Bikers who collide with other vehicles or objects often are thrown from their bike and strike their head.

While motorcycle helmets have been proven to greatly reduce the number of fatalities resulting from bike accidents, and while helmets can minimize the severity of a TBI, it is important to understand that safety equipment does not make riders immune to head injuries.

Orange County Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

The damages caused by a traumatic brain injury can be devastating to you and your family. These injuries often require extended hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. In addition, injury victims often miss weeks, months, or years of work—if they can return to employment at all. Some will continue to suffer from chronic headaches, cognitive issues, or memory problems, while others will require around-the-clock nursing care to live with their severe disabilities.

If you or a loved one have suffered a head injury in a California motorcycle accident, it is imperative to know who was at fault for the crash, and whether they owe you compensation. Call the Newport Beach personal injury attorneys at Russell & Lazarus today for a free case evaluation: (949) 851-0222.