Motorcycle accidents often leave victims with severe, life-changing injuries. Motorcycles lack the protective structure of a car, and riders can suffer the brunt of an impact in a crash. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the most common and catastrophic injuries in motorcycle crashes.Â
Brain injuries can have lifelong effects on a victim’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. For motorcyclists in Geneva, Illinois, understanding how these injuries occur, their potential consequences, and what legal options are available is critical after a serious crash. Our knowledgable motorcycle accident lawyer in Geneva can help.
How Motorcycle Crashes Lead to Brain Injuries
Even when a rider wears a helmet, the force of a collision can cause the brain to move violently inside the skull. Motorcyclists may suffer brain injuries when:
- They are thrown from their bike and hit their head on the ground.
- Their head strikes a vehicle, guardrail, or other roadside structure during the crash.
- Rapid acceleration and deceleration cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
Even low-speed collisions can cause significant head trauma. Brain injuries require immediate medical attention to improve recovery prospects.
Types of Brain Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes can cause a wide range of traumatic brain injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Concussions can cause headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems. Multiple concussions may lead to lasting cognitive impairment.
- Contusions, or bruises on the brain, result from direct impact and may require surgery if they cause swelling.
- Diffuse axonal injuries are caused by violent shaking or rotational forces. This type of injury damages nerve fibers and can lead to coma or severe brain dysfunction.
- Penetrating brain injuries from debris or sharp objects that penetrate the skull.
No matter the type or severity, all head injuries should be treated as medical emergencies. Even symptoms that seem minor at first can indicate a serious underlying condition.
The Lifelong Impact of Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Victims may face:
- Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
- Speech and language problems
- Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
- Impaired motor skills and coordination
- Seizures or other neurological complications
- Loss of independence and inability to work
The costs associated with a brain injury are often enormous. Medical care may include emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy. Expenses that can quickly reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Pursuing Compensation After a Brain Injury
If another driver’s negligence caused the motorcycle crash that led to your brain injury, you may have the right to seek compensation.
Damages in these cases can include:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term care and rehabilitation costs
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can work with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Contact Rights After a Serious Motorcycle Crash
A brain injury can alter your life, but you have rights if another party was responsible for your injury. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for help.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can guide you through every step of the legal process and help secure the financial support you need for recovery. Contact a Geneva personal injury lawyer from Feagans Law Group today to discuss your case during a free consultation.