Motorcycle Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Motorcycle accidents are a well-known leading cause of
traumatic brain injury (TBI). Together with auto accidents,
they are the single largest cause of brain injury in the
United States. One out of every five motorcycle accidents
results in head or neck injuries, which account for most
motorcycle fatalities. And partly because drivers often
don't see motorcyclists or yield them the right-of-way,
motorcyclists are at higher risk of an accident than
drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
estimated that, per mile traveled in 2003, a motorcyclist
was 32 times more likely to die in an accident than a
passenger in a car.

Motorcyclists, even those who wear helmets, are most likely
to sustain non-penetrative injuries to the front of the
head, damaging parts of the brain responsible for speech
and higher functions. Those without helmets may also be
susceptible to a penetrating brain injury, in which an
object enters the head and skull, damaging the soft tissue
of the brain itself. Helmets Essential to Prevent Traumatic
Brain Injury

Study after study shows that the best way to prevent a
traumatic brain injury is to wear a helmet approved by the
federal Department of Transportation. (Some also carry
approval from the Snell Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to testing the effectiveness of
commercial helmets.) In January of 2006, only four states
in the U.S. — Colorado, Illinois, New Hampshire and
Iowa — had no law at all requiring motorcyclists to
use helmets. Twenty-six others had limited helmet laws,
usually ones that require helmets for riders who are under
18 or 21.

But even in states without strict helmet laws, riders are
still strongly advised that their chances of death or
serious head injury are seriously reduced by wearing a
helmet. A rider's failure to equip passengers, particularly
passengers who are under 21, with helmets may be considered
negligent. And if the helmet is below state and federal
standards, poorly fitted, old or has been through a
previous accident, that helmet is not safe, may not be
legal and will not prevent death, brain damage or another
traumatic injury. Other Brain Injury Risks for Motorcyclists

Even though proper equipment significantly cuts down a
motorcyclist's chance of a traumatic brain injury, it is
not foolproof. Riders must stay aware of other factors that
could lead to a motorcycle accident involving a traumatic
brain injury. Motorcyclists are advised to check their
bikes and equipment for problems before each ride; adjust
the suspension and tire pressure of the motorcycle when
carrying a passenger; wear boots, gloves and other
protective gear; and adjust for changing road conditions.

The cost of an accident that causes traumatic brain injury
can be severe. A traumatic brain injury causes brain damage
that can range from a mild concussion to severe,
life-changing disabilities such as trouble communicating,
personality changes, schizophrenia, or even a coma. Because
the brain cannot heal itself the way other organs do, these
are often lifelong problems that cost tens of thousands of
dollars to treat. They also place a severe emotional and
financial burden on the injured person's family members. If
you or someone you know is the victim of a motorcycle
accident causing traumatic brain injury, it is essential to
seek out an expert in accidents and TBI who can help
reconstruct the accident and secure compensation.

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