What to Know If You Sustain a Head Injury After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle drivers have very little protection between themselves, the road, and other vehicles. As such, motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic. Even when riders wear protective gear, serious injuries can happen in an instant, especially to the head and neck.

Head injuries from motorcycle accidents can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can affect a person’s mood, cognitive abilities, coordination, and ability to work and care for themselves. If you’re a motorcycle rider, knowing the signs of a head injury and the steps to take if you suspect you’ve sustained one can help you protect your health and your legal rights.

Why are head injuries common in motorcycle accidents?

Unlike a car, motorcycles don’t offer much in the way of structural protection. While most riders enjoy the freedom this allows them, it also creates the perfect environment for serious injuries. During a crash, riders may come in contact with the pavement at high speeds or be thrown from their bike. Striking objects on the road, shoulders, or other cars is not uncommon. Even when riders don’t hit their heads, the brain may move inside the skull, resulting in an injury.

Riders who wear helmets can suffer head injuries, too. The force with which a helmet strikes the pavement or another surface can cause the neck and head to whip and shake violently, resulting in serious head trauma. Sometimes, symptoms of a head injury can be delayed.

Mississippi motorcycle helmet laws

The state of Mississippi requires all motorcycle drivers and riders to wear helmets. Helmets must meet federal safety standards as set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These laws apply to every rider regardless of age or experience level. Helmets reduce the risk of a head injury, but they can’t completely prevent them.

Signs of a head injury after a motorcycle crash

If you have a motorcycle accident, it’s important to assess yourself for symptoms of a head injury. Even if you didn’t hit your head and feel fine, it’s best to have a head-to-toe medical assessment to rule out injuries.

Common symptoms of a head injury can include:

• Headache that may worsen over time
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Trouble concentrating
• Confusion
• Vision issues, like blurry vision or sensitivity to light
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Memory problems
• Mood changes and irritability

More serious symptoms can include loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, or difficulty staying awake. You should have any symptoms checked as soon as possible. If symptoms worsen, seeing a healthcare provider is the best solution.

Why immediate medical attention matters

Even if you don’t have symptoms right after your accident, it’s important to go see a doctor to be assessed. Some head injuries don’t present symptoms for hours or even days after your accident. Getting assessed quickly ensures you get the treatment you need and also helps protect your legal rights should you need to file a claim for your injuries.

Medical professionals can perform imaging tests and neurological examinations, which can tell them whether you’ve sustained head trauma. Early diagnosis is the best way to prevent complications and ensure you get the treatment you need quickly.

In addition, having an established record of your care after the accident is beneficial when filing a claim for your injuries. If you wait to be seen by a healthcare professional, insurers may try to argue that your injury was not related to your motorcycle accident. Head injuries can dramatically change the trajectory of a person’s life, and the medical expenses associated with them can cause a serious financial impact.

Types of head injuries seen in motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle accidents can lead to several different types of head injuries.

Concussions

Concussions occur when a sudden jolt or blow disrupts normal brain function. Concussions are considered a mild TBI and may lead to headaches, dizziness, or confusion. Even though most concussions are considered mild, they can lead to long-term problems.

Skull fractures

Impact with other vehicles or the pavement can lead to fractures in the skull. Fractures in the skull could cause brain swelling and/or bleeding. In some instances, skull fractures may also cause nerve damage.

Brain bleeds

Bleeding inside the skull places dangerous pressure on the brain. Brain bleeds are particularly dangerous because they may not be detectable without imaging. Some people may not have symptoms of a brain bleed until days after their accident.

Severe traumatic brain injury

More serious TBIs may lead to periods of unconsciousness, loss of cognitive function, or long-term disability. These types of injuries may lead to ongoing medical treatment and therapy. Individuals who are severely injured may require specialized care for the rest of their lives.

Because head injuries can vary in seriousness, it is always best practice to get evaluated by a medical professional.

Long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries

The consequences of a head injury can extend far beyond the initial accident. People with brain injuries may face months, years, or even lifetimes of confusion, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep patterns, mood changes, chronic headaches, or difficulty caring for themselves.

These cases can cause significant strain on personal finances and usually involve time away from work or the inability to return to work.

Legal considerations after a motorcycle accident

When a motorcycle accident is caused by another person’s carelessness, the injured rider may be able to collect compensation for their injuries and other damages. A personal injury claim helps injured parties get back on their feet by providing compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that even if the rider was partially at fault for the accident, they may still be able to collect compensation for their injuries. The compensation they are awarded will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Steps to take after a motorcycle accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you. Call for help immediately, and make sure to obtain a police report. If you are able, take photographs of the scene of the accident and collect the names and numbers of any eyewitnesses.

One of the most important steps to take while you are still at the accident scene is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim and help protect your rights.

Protect your rights

The team at Merkel & Cocke, P.A. understands the seriousness of motorcycle accidents. We help victims and their families recover the compensation they need to move forward. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash, even if you think it was your fault, we can help. Contact us today to have your case reviewed.