Any accident involving a motorcycle can result in serious injuries. In many cases, these injuries can be fatal. When riding a bike, you are exposed to the elements and must balance on a smaller vehicle with less protection than standard passenger cars, vans, and trucks. Additionally, being more exposed to the road and other drivers around you, the maneuverability of motorcycles makes them more prone to accidents in general.
This exposure and vulnerability make head injury a prevalent complication of motorcycle accidents. In addition, helmetless riders are much more likely to require hospitalization after an accident than those who wear helmets consistently. The protective quality of helmets is well-documented, but not every rider chooses to wear one for whatever reason.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents Causing Head Injuries
Various types of accidents and collisions can lead to head injuries in a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-ender collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Side swiping
- Rollovers
Accidents on the road are hazardous because they are already at high speed when the impact happens. Accidents at a stop sign or light are usually much less severe because the acceleration is significantly lower. However, any accident is still likely to result in severe injuries if the motorcycle doesn’t have the protection of a helmet.
Helmet Protection in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle helmets are a must-have for a reason; they protect the head from the external impact that can cause injury. Before you ride your bike in the city or on the open road, check the helmet laws in place. You don’t want to get into trouble with the authorities.
In a motorcycle accident, the helmet should cover the skull from impact. Many helmets also have a specialized system that protects the head from internal pressure at high speeds. The quality of the helmet can make a significant difference. While some standard helmets may provide little more than the comfort of an inner lining, others may be customized to fit snugly around the head and protect from external impact. Helmets come in many different styles, so it’s easy to choose the one that suits your needs.
How Does a Head Injury Happen?
When a motorcycle crashes with a car or another surface, it often results in the head contacting the ground. This impact can cause serious injury to the head and brain. The weight of the motorcyclist’s helmet makes the situation much worse because it adds additional pressure on the skull. The added weight can be dangerous when the helmet is pushed into the head rather than keeping it away from the ground. The effect of the head against a surface can cause several types of head injuries. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury brought by the acceleration of the brain against the skull.
The Consequences of Head Injury in Motorcycle Accidents
When a person suffers a head injury, the initial pain and swelling can be the least of their worries. A severe head injury can be critical and even life-threatening, depending on the circumstances. Some of the consequences of a severe head injury include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Coma
- Brain damage
- Death
A person who suffers a severe head injury may need to stay in the hospital for several weeks or months to recuperate. Unfortunately, these injuries also often result in long-term disabilities or even death.
Help for Victims of Head Injuries After an Accident
Receiving urgent medical assistance is crucial if you are injured in a motorbike accident. At the scene, it’s best to stay calm and let the paramedics know of any head injury or pain. Thus, this will help them treat your injuries more appropriately and avoid confusion about your medical history.
After receiving an appropriate diagnosis for your injuries, you may want to speak to a lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate a claim for compensation if you cannot work again due to your injuries. Brain injury lawyers in Indianapolis can help you recover compensation for lost wages and medical bills from your accident. In addition, consulting with an attorney experienced in brain injury cases can help you understand your legal rights and options.
How to Stay Safe on a Motorbike
Protecting yourself from head injuries is important, but it’s also essential to protect your entire body while biking. Wearing a helmet is the ideal way to protect your head. You can also wear protective body gear, like gloves and knee pads. Be mindful of your surroundings when biking and drive defensively to avoid collisions. If you do get into an accident, get immediate medical attention. Follow all traffic laws, wear protective gear, and be mindful of how other drivers may interact with you on the road.
Conclusion
Having a motorcycle comes with many benefits and joys. On the other hand, motorcycle accidents can lead to many injuries beyond simple cuts and bruises, so you must be very careful each time you ride. One of the most common injuries is a head injury, which can cause severe damage to the brain. When driving a motorcycle, wearing a helmet is easy and a must to protect your head from external impact. It’s also necessary to drive defensively to avoid collisions with other vehicles.
When it comes to educating the public on legal matters, few people are as determined as Michael Hawkins. From discovering issues of interest that concern all of us to offering actionable articles and guides to those in need, Michael is relentless in his journey of helping people make sense of the legal system. With dozens of pieces published in magazines, news outlets, and online journals, Michael is here to translate legalese into plain English so you can understand your rights and make the system work in your benefit.