Operating a motorcycle is exhilarating, but it also comes with substantial risks. Motorcyclists in Kentucky are more vulnerable than drivers and passengers inside traditional vehicles. This is especially true when it comes to traumatic brain injuries caused by accidents. Here, a brain injury lawyer in Louisville from Meinheart, Smith, and Manning PLLC discusses the most common types of brain injuries caused by motorcycle accidents, as well as various preventative steps that motorcyclists can take to remain safe on the roadways.

Brain Injuries and Motorcycle Accidents – A Common Theme

Motorcyclists are much more exposed on the roadway than those inside traditional passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, this means that motorcyclists are more likely to sustain various types of traumatic brain injuries in the event an accident occurs. Our bodies were not meant to withstand the force of a vehicle weighing thousands of pounds slamming into them.

When a motorcycle crash occurs, there are various types of head injuries victims can sustain. These injuries can include:

• Concussions
• Epidural hemorrhage (bleeding between the brain outer covering and skull)
• Subdural hemorrhage (bleeding between the brain and its outer covering)
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding between the brain and protective tissues)
• Open head wounds

Depending on the severity of the injury and the effectiveness of treatment, individuals can suffer from a wide range of symptoms as a result of these traumatic brain injuries. This can include:

• Poor concentration
• Memory loss
• Confusion or disorientation
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of motor skills
• Decreased cognitive ability

Traumatic brain injury victims could also suffer from depression, anxiety, and intense mood swings that were not present before an accident occurred. Finally, victims of severe traumatic brain injuries could lose consciousness and slip into a coma for extended periods of time.

How Can a Helmet Protect a Motorcyclist?

There may not be a way to completely prevent all motorcycle accidents, but there is a way to prevent a significant number of motorcycle accident fatalities and severe traumatic brain injuries.

According to data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can see that helmets saved an estimated 1,859 lives during a recent reporting year, and the CDC says that 802 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists wore helmets during that year. The CDC also reports that the US could have saved more than $1 billion in economic costs if every motorcyclist wore a helmet during the year.

• Helmets reduce the risk of motorcycle accident fatalities by 37%.
• Helmets reduce the risk of motorcycle accident head injuries by 69%.

We strongly encourage you to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for information about choosing the right motorcycle helmet for you and your loved ones. It is crucial for motorcyclists to pick the right size motorcycle helmet so they can maximize protection on the roadway. All motorcycle helmets should be DOT and FMVSS No. 218 approved.

DOT-compliant helmets will always have a sticker labeling them as such, but please understand that there are various counterfeit stickers placed on unsafe helmets on the market. We encourage you to only purchase motorcycle helmets from trusted retailers more online sources.

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the actions of another driver in Kentucky, we strongly encourage you to reach out to an accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can use their resources to fully investigate the incident, determine liability, and help recover maximum compensation for your losses.