Motorcyclists do not have the same protection as other motorists, and so, are more susceptible to injury. If a motorcyclist injures their head in a crash, they may need lifelong rehabilitation and care.

Traumatic Brain Injuries From Motorcycle Crashes
In car accidents, a brain injury occurs due to the sudden change in momentum. The vehicle stops, and the passenger’s body is thrown against the airbag or the seat in front of them. The brain is also affected by the momentum and is thrown against the inside of the skull. In a high impact collision, the brain may rebound and sustain injuries to the front and back. These injuries can cause the person to lose consciousness, and affect their ability to concentrate, remember, speak, or walk.

A motorcyclist does not have the protection of a vehicle around them so they are often thrown to the ground in an accident, said motorcycle accident attorney Brad Nakase. If they hit their head in a fall, the brain injury can be a lot more severe, even with a helmet.

Doctors will check motorcycle accident victims for a concussion, which is a mild and common traumatic brain injury. Even though concussions are generally mild, the effects may last a lifetime. Any delay in medical attention can cause secondary injuries to the brain which can turn a mild concussion into a moderate traumatic brain injury. Other common brain injuries from car accidents are subdural hematoma and a fractured skull. A subdural hematoma is where a vein is damaged, and the brain and skull fill up with blood. The swelling and increased intracranial pressure can cause extreme damage or even death.

How Much Does Treatment Cost For Traumatic Brain Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident?
Every year, the cost for treatment of traumatic brain injuries is $48 billion in the United States. Of that, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle accidents are $13 billion. Over the course of your lifetime, the cost of surgery, treatment, rehabilitation, and care can easily add up to $4 million.

The initial damage from the impact can not be undone, so doctors’ priorities will be to stop any further damage to your brain. They will fix the bleeding and treat any swelling and tearing in the brain to lower your chance of life-long impairments. Once you are stabilized, the doctors will evaluate the extent of your injuries. Depending on the part of your brain that was damaged, your memory, motor skills, behavior, or speech may be affected. It is also common for traumatic brain injury patients to suffer from seizures.

Recovery For People With Traumatic Brain Injuries
Generally, once the doctors have done all they can to reduce the brain damage and you have recovered from surgeries, you will need rehabilitation. Depending on your injuries, you may need several different therapies as part of your rehabilitation. You may need speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counselling. If your injuries are moderate or severe, you may need therapy for years or even for the rest of your life. Therapy is often most effective when combined with at-home stimulation as well.