Indianapolis Motorcycle Accidents Can Result in Traumatic Brain Injuries

August 15, 2018 | Motorcycle Accidents

According to Statista, more than 220,000 motorcycles were registered in Indiana in 2016, and it is easy to see why. Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, and nothing else can connect a driver to the open road in the same way. In addition, they’re easy to store, maneuverable, fast, and great on gas. Unfortunately, motorcycles also have a downside—riding one exposes drivers to an extremely high risk of serious injury.

Motorcycle Crashes Can Result in Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are one of the most common types of severe injury is often the result of a motorcycle accident. They can occur when a rider hits his or her head on another object with sufficient force, regardless of whether he or she is wearing a helmet. In many instances, they occur when a motorcyclist is thrown headfirst over the handlebars of his or her bike onto the roadway or into another vehicle.

The Aftermath of a TBI

Many people who suffer traumatic brain injuries in motorcycle accidents experience complications that can last for weeks, months, or even years. In mild cases, victims can experience issues like headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, problems with comprehension, sleep disturbances, and emotional instability. In severe cases, victims can experience significant cognitive impairment, loss of control of their arms or legs, problems with speech and language, and significant emotional problems. In some cases, a severe TBI can leave victims in a long-term vegetative state.

Recovering Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury

Any TBI is a serious injury that can result in significant medical bills, an inability to work, a lowered quality of life, and significant physical and emotional pain and suffering. Fortunately for victims, if someone else’s negligence caused their injuries, they can generally recover compensation for these and any other losses they sustained. Some of the common forms of motorist negligence that can result in a TBI-causing motorcycle accident include:

  • Speeding
  • Drunk or drugged driving
  • Following too closely
  • Driving without headlights
  • Failing to signal a turn or a lane change
  • Distracted driving
  • Failing to properly maintain a vehicle

 

While the negligence of other drivers is often responsible for serious motorcycle accidents, severe road defects can also cause crashes. In certain instances, injured motorcyclists may be able to bring a claim against the government agency or private party responsible for the maintenance of the road. Some examples of road defects that are often caused by negligence include the following:

  • Substantial potholes
  • Overgrown vegetation
  • Inadequate or missing signage
  • Shoulder drop-offs
  • Uneven lanes
  • Missing or faded lane markings
  • Malfunctioning traffic signals

 

Call Indiana Personal Injury Attorney Merry Fountain Today for a Free Consultation

Indianapolis personal injury lawyer Merry Fountain is a skilled injury advocate. If you are looking for a motorcycle accident law attorney in the greater Indy area—Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Avon, Kokomo, Lebanon—she’s here to help. Call her anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878), or simply click Tell Us About Your Case for a free consultation.

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