Head injuries are a common result of motorcycle accidents in Denver, even when the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. Head injuries are particularly debilitating because of the range of cognitive and neurological impairments they can cause, some of which could be permanent.
If you have suffered a head injury because of a motorcycle accident in Denver that was someone else’s fault, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your losses.
The legal team at the Olson Law Firm, LLC, is ready to fight for you. Our Denver motorcycle accident attorneys have spent more than a decade helping clients in similar positions, getting them the money they need for their treatment and other losses and the accountability they deserve from the people at fault for their injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation and find out what we can do for you.
How TBIs Happen During a Motorcycle Accident
A rider can suffer a TBI in a motorcycle accident in several ways. One is blunt-force trauma from the rider’s head hitting something directly during the crash. It might be the ground if they are ejected from the bike, another vehicle, or a stationary item. Helmets can reduce the force of impact in these cases, though they cannot entirely prevent the chances of a TBI.
A second way a rider could sustain a brain injury during a motorcycle crash is from the sudden change in momentum from the collision itself. The brain is suspended within the skull, which means it can move semi-independently from it. When the skull comes to a sudden stop from crash-related deceleration, the brain continues forward on its trajectory for an instant before colliding with the inside of the skull, potentially causing an injury.
The third principal way a traumatic brain injury can happen during a motorcycle collision is if something penetrates the rider’s skull. A penetrating wound can cause massive damage to the tissues of the brain. If this happens, immediate medical attention is often necessary to prevent death or permanent side effects from the injury.
Signs You May Have a Concussion After a Motorcycle Accident
Concussions are the most common type of TBI. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Blurry vision
- Vomiting or nausea
- Unusual fatigue or drowsiness
- Confusion or “brain fog”
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Having trouble remembering the accident
- Slurred speech
- Temporarily losing consciousness after the accident
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Changes in your sense of smell or taste
Keep in mind that these symptoms are not always immediately apparent. It may take several hours or even days for these symptoms to manifest. See a doctor as soon as they appear.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Some of the common types of brain injuries that can occur in a Denver motorcycle accident are:
- Concussions – A concussion is a bruise on the brain tissue, usually formed when it strikes the inside of the skull after a sharp, sudden change in momentum.
- Edemas – An edema happens when something causes intense, unsafe pressure on the brain as it rests against the skull. An edema injury can be fatal if this pressure is not relieved quickly.
- Hemorrhages and hematomas – Hemorrhages and hematomas are both caused by internal bleeding. Hemorrhages are often the result of a hard blow to the head, while hematomas are usually caused by a burst blood vessel.
- Skull fractures – A hard blow to the head can crack or splinter the skull. A crack in the skull can put dangerous pressure on the brain and cause an edema injury. If the skull splinters, fragments of bone can damage brain tissues and blood vessels.
- Penetration injuries – Penetration injuries are caused by something breaking through the skull and damaging the brain. These injuries are frequently fatal if they are not treated immediately.
- Shear injuries – A shear injury is caused by the brain being shaken or experiencing a severe, sharp rotation. These injuries are sometimes referred to as diffuse-axonal injuries.
- Coup-contrecoup injuries – Coup-contrecoup injuries occur when the brain bounces from side to side within the skull. It causes matching injuries on either side of the brain where it impacts the bone.
Seeking Financial Recovery for a Motorcycle Crash TBI in Denver
Traumatic brain injuries can have an enormous impact on a patient’s ability to work, care for themselves, and enjoy life. Moreover, medical treatment and related care might last a lifetime. As a result, people who’ve suffered a TBI in a motorcycle accident in Denver could need compensation for a wide range of losses. Working with a motorcycle accident lawyer, you may be able to recover compensation for losses such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Damaged personal property
Keep in mind that you need to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit within three years of the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, the court could dismiss your case as untimely, and you could lose your chance to seek compensation through a lawsuit.
Why You Need a Brain Injury Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on Your Side
You should not attempt to handle a Denver motorcycle accident case by yourself. A Denver motorcycle accident lawyer can help you by:
- Investigating the accident to identify all the potentially liable parties
- Documenting all your injuries and other losses to maximize the value of your claim
- Gathering medical records, crash scene photos, and other evidence to support your claim
- Filing an insurance claim and negotiating with the insurers to see that you receive a fair settlement
- Bringing your case to court if the insurance company will not negotiate in good faith
Get Help from an Experienced TBI Lawyer in Denver Now
Have you suffered a brain injury in a motorcycle accident in Denver that was someone else’s fault? Contact the Olson Law Firm, LLC, today. We offer free consultations, so discussing your case with an experienced TBI lawyer in Denver won’t cost you anything.