If you’re a motorcyclist, you have a much greater risk of suffering a head injury in an accident. Even if you wear a helmet, you may still suffer a traumatic brain injury. This kind of injury can have a lasting impact on the rest of your life.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be mild or severe. Concussions are typically mild, though they can have lasting consequences. Moderate TBIs can result in a loss of consciousness that could potentially last for hours, while a severe TBI can lead to permanent impairment.
Surviving a traumatic brain injury after a motorcycle accident could leave you struggling to complete basic tasks. You may suffer memory loss, changes in personality, and other complications. On top of that, you may experience psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.
Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injuries
After a motorcycle crash, you may experience memory loss and might be unable to control your behavior, emotions, and impulses. Many people in motorcycle accidents also have difficulties communicating and a decrease in motor functions.
Complications can arise soon after the accident and last for the rest of your life. Hence, urgent care for concussion is a must. Here are some of the more common problems:
Seizures
Whether mild, moderate, or severe in nature, if you suffer from a TBI, you may begin to experience seizures. For some, this may only happen shortly after the accident. However, others will endure ongoing seizures for a lifetime.
Hydrocephalus
Those in motorcycle accidents are more prone to hydrocephalus when fluid buildup occurs in the brain. It puts more pressure on the brain and can lead to further damages.
Coma
If someone you love was in a motorcycle accident, they could end up in a coma that lasts for days, weeks, months, or even years. This prolonged loss of consciousness is never easy to cope with and will require extensive medical care.
Blood Clots and Stroke
When the blood vessels in the brain are damaged, blood clots can form, creating the potential for a stroke. Additionally, blood clots can move from the brain to elsewhere in the body, especially if you are immobile for a long time after the injury.
These potential complications can become extremely severe and result in lasting damage. It’s expensive to treat traumatic brain injuries, resulting in very high medical bills.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you or someone you love was in a motorcycle accident, you will no doubt wonder what you should do next. The stress that you feel as you attempt to get through the aftermath may present new issues for you to deal with.
This is why Fasig | Brooks states that it’s imperative you speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. You can find out more about recovering compensation to cover your traumatic brain injuries in both the short and long term.
Look for a specialist in personal injury law with experience in car accident cases, as this ensures familiarity with the specific nuances of these situations. Research the lawyer’s reputation through online reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences with personal injury lawyers.
Prioritize lawyers with a significant track record in handling car accident cases, assessing settlements and verdicts achieved for clients, as a successful track record is a good indicator of capabilities. Choose a lawyer with effective communication skills, ensuring they keep you informed throughout the legal process.
Consider accessibility and availability, seeking someone responsive to inquiries and capable of providing prompt case updates. Discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during the initial consultation, being clear about the percentage they will take and any additional costs.
Additionally, psychological support through counseling or therapy helps address emotional challenges, and joining support groups provides a sense of community. Family counseling is essential to help family members cope with the changes. Educational support, such as special education services and vocational rehabilitation, assists in returning to school or work.
Adaptive technology, including assistive devices and smart home technology, enhances independence. Lifestyle adjustments involve modifying living spaces for safety, managing fatigue through routines and rest, and avoiding overstimulation.