What Do You Need to Know About Concussions After a Motorcycle Accident?
Head injuries are common motorcycle accidents, even when the rider is wearing a helmet. When a motorcyclist is hit by another vehicle, the rider’s head can hit the ground, the other vehicle, or other object. If you suffer a slight headache after a motorcycle crash, the headache could be a symptom of a serious head injury. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are serious; however, concussions can also cause long-term consequences for a rider.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you seek medical attention, even if you do not believe you are seriously injured. It is always best to be checked by a physician to ensure you are not suffering from a concussion or other head injury. Below are several things to keep in mind about concussions after Erie motorcycle accidents:
- What can cause a concussion? Any head injury can cause a concussion. In a motorcycle accident, the rider’s head striking another object is usually the most common cause of a concussion. However, you should not assume you have not suffered brain damage if you did not hit your head or the impact was not hard.
- What are the typical symptoms of a concussion? The symptoms of a concussion can vary. Common symptoms of a concussion can include nausea, headaches, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, impaired vision, fatigue, and ringing in the ears. If you have any unexplained symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
- Do I have to be unconscious to have a concussion? No, you do not have to experience a temporary loss of consciousness to have suffered a concussion. Many people suffer concussions without losing consciousness.
- How long to concussion symptoms last? On average, the symptoms of a concussion can last about a week. However, severe concussions can have symptoms that last for a month or longer. In cases of permanent brain damage, the person can suffer long-term consequences from the concussion. Your physician will advise you on how you should monitor symptoms and follow up if symptoms persist.
Long-Term Effects of Concussions
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about three-fourths of the traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year are concussions or mild forms of TBI. TBIs can have long-term consequences that impair a person’s ability to perform normal daily tasks or return to work. Some of the long-term functional changes caused by a TBI include:
- Memory, reasoning, and other cognitive problems.
- Balance, vision, and other sensation impairments.
- Language problems, including issues with expression, communication, and understanding.
- Emotional problems, including depression, aggression, and anxiety.
In addition, a TBI can also increase a person’s risk of developing other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other brain disorders.
When a TBI or concussion causes long-term damage or impairments, you may recover compensation for your future medical expenses and lost wages in addition to the past and current losses. You may also recover compensation for the pain and suffering you have suffered and will suffer because of a concussion or TBI.
Get Help from an Erie Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcyclists are at an increased risk of injuries in a car accident because of the lack of protection from the impact of the collision. When a negligent driver causes a motorcycle crash, the rider may be entitled to compensation for injuries, losses, and damages.
For a free legal consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Erie, contact The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066. We represent motorcycle riders throughout Erie, Edinboro, Warren, Bradford, and the surrounding areas.