Head injuries from motorcycle accidents are more common than you might think.
Unfortunately, they also tend to be deadly.
Even those who survive live with constant complications, such as memory loss, reductions in cognitive ability, and even paralysis.
Here are some statistics about motorcycle accident head injuries and the consequences of those injuries.
Motorcycle Accident Head Injury Statistics
Since they don’t have as much protection, motorcyclists are always at higher risk of brain damage or other head injuries when involved in an accident.
According to a 2021 study by Syracuse University, around 37% of motorcycle accident fatalities involve a head injury.
In addition, states with a law requiring helmet use had 33% fewer head injury-related deaths between 1999 and 2019.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also suggest that helmets reduce the risk of head injury in motorcycle accidents by 69%.
However, even with these safety measures in place, the chance of receiving an injury when falling off a motorcycle is quite high.
Unfortunately, fatalities in motorcycle accidents during 2019 were nearly 29 times higher than all other car accidents.
This makes motorcycle accidents the most deadly of all accident types on the road.
Common Symptoms of Brain Injury
Whether you sustain a direct or indirect brain injury, the impact may cause severe damage to brain tissue.
When this tissue becomes damaged, there are several signs and symptoms, including but not limited to:
- Loss of consciousness,
- Difficulties with speech,
- Numbness or weakness,
- Mood swings,
- Motor issues,
- Headaches,
- Insomnia,
- Amnesia,
- Fatigue, and
- Paralysis.
While some of these symptoms may appear immediately, others may not present until days or even weeks after the accident.
As such, we strongly encourage you to seek medical attention immediately after a motorcycle accident.
Why Head Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents Are So Serious
Compared to other classes of injuries, head trauma is often much more severe.
There are several financial, emotional, and physical costs associated with traumatic brain injuries, and they come with a difficult recovery.
Reduced Quality of Life
The quality of life costs of a head injury are far-reaching. Many of those costs are intangible and often change the way that the victim thinks, perceives, and feels.
Paralysis, mental illness, and cognitive issues are serious and usually result in lifelong struggles.
Victims may have chronic pain and mental anguish that limits their participation in their favorite activities.
They might even struggle with relationships with their loved ones.
Whatever the case may be, head injuries from motorcycle accidents are life-changing and devastating for victims and their families.
High Medical and Rehabilitation Costs
Since the brain is a vital organ, head injuries often require immediate medical care and hospitalization.
After treatment, victims may need additional physical or mental rehabilitation depending on the symptoms they experience.
For some, this may last a few months. However, more serious brain injuries may require years of rehabilitation.
This greatly increases the cost of treatment, putting financial stress on the victim.
Our Alabama Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
At the Fob James Law Firm, we understand the consequences of head injuries from motorcycle accidents.
With 40+ years of experience representing victims of injury, we give every client personalized attention and always provide the utmost care.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, give us a call at 205-407-6009 or contact us online.
We proudly serve clients throughout Alabama from our offices in Birmingham and Montgomery.
Fob James
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large regional firm for several years where he obtained awards for both individual and corporate clients, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society.