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Head Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident

Head Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident

When a vehicle accident occurs, Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers report that motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured than passengers in a car. This data is according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA also reports that on a per mile basis, motorcyclists are 16 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries than passengers in a car.

These risks are related to the lack of protection while riding on a motorcycle. They are also related to whether the motorcyclist is wearing a helmet. While many motorcycle riders in Philadelphia opt not to wear a helmet since it is not currently required by law in the state, a helmet can prevent one of the most common injuries suffered by motorcycle riders: a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBIs have received a lot of attention in the media due to injuries related to sports, but they are also very common among motorcyclists. A TBI can range from mild to moderate to severe. A mild TBI is also known as a concussion. A mild or moderate TBI can have similar symptoms, so riders involved in accidents should always be checked by a doctor shortly following any accident. TBIs can cause unconsciousness for hours or minutes, but the amount of time a person remains unconscious does not determine the severity of the injury. Even those who are unconscious for a short amount of time could have a more serious TBI than originally assumed.

Some symptoms of a moderate TBI could be:

  • Cognitive, behavioral or physical impairments
  • Disorientation
  • Confusion

In the event of a severe TBI, the injured person could experience a coma lasting days, weeks, or even longer. Additionally, people with TBIs could present symptoms either only temporarily or for many years to come. TBI survivors could suffer from depression or be at risk of suicide. Mental health assessment and treatment is vital for anyone who has suffered a TBI. Additionally, people with TBIs may require physical or cognitive therapy to regain functions they once had before an accident. Surgery may be required and the injured rider can experience unexpected medical bills as a result.

Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates Can Assess Your Motorcycle Accident Case

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, the Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates can help you. We are familiar with accidents involving motorcycles so we know what questions to ask and how to explore theories of liability. Contact us in our Center City Philadelphia office or in our Voorhees, New Jersey office regarding accidents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us at 215-567-6600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.