Types of Head Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face unique risks on North Carolina roads. Without a car’s protective shell, motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries in accidents. Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, are potentially life-altering consequences of motorcycle crashes.
According to the latest data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, more than 3,600 motorcycle crashes occurred in the Tar Heel State in a recent year, resulting in nearly 3,230 non-fatal injuries and over 200 fatalities.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, a critical step to protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries is to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident injury attorney in North Carolina. Whether you’re dealing with a lingering concussion or a traumatic brain injury after a motorcycle accident, a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your legal options and whether you are entitled to claim compensation. Let Hardison & Cochran handle all aspects of your legal case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Head Injuries That Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents
Some of the most common types of head injuries from motorcycle accidents include the following:
Concussions
Concussions are mild brain injuries and one of the most frequent head traumas from motorcycle accidents. They occur when the brain experiences sudden movement or impact that causes temporary dysfunction.
Concussions after a motorcycling accident can produce the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
While a mild traumatic brain injury may resolve on its own with rest, some head injuries may have lasting effects. It’s crucial to seek a medical evaluation after any crash so a doctor can spot symptoms of a concussion or a more serious condition.
Scalp Lacerations
Scalp lacerations are common in motorcycle accidents, especially when riders aren’t wearing motorcycle helmets. These injuries involve cuts or tears in the skin of the scalp, which can bleed profusely due to the scalp’s rich blood supply.
Treatment for scalp lacerations typically involves cleaning the wound and closing it with stitches or staples. While scalp lacerations often are not life-threatening on their own, patients may experience complications such as infection or significant blood loss if not properly treated.
Skull Fractures
High-impact motorcycle accidents may cause serious skull fractures. There are several types of skull fractures:
- Linear fractures – Breaks in the bone without splintering or displacement
- Depressed fractures – Sunken-in portions of the skull caused by blunt force trauma
- Basilar fractures – Fractures at the base of the skull
Symptoms of skull fractures may include:
- Severe pain
- Swelling of brain tissue
- Bruising around the eyes or behind the ears
- Clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears
Treatment for skull fractures depends on the severity and location of the break. Some may heal on their own with careful monitoring, while others may require surgery.
Intracranial Hemorrhage
Intracranial hemorrhage is bleeding within the skull. There are several types:
- Subdural hematoma – Bleeding between the brain and the dura mater
- Epidural hematoma – Bleeding between the skull and dura mater
- Intracerebral hemorrhage – Bleeding within the brain tissue
Symptoms of intracranial hemorrhage include:
- Severe headaches
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Weakness on one side of the body
Intracranial hemorrhages are medical emergencies that require immediate surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the brain and stop the bleeding.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
Diffuse Axonal Injury is a severe traumatic brain injury caused by the brain moving inside the skull and causing widespread damage to nerve fibers (axons). This type of severe head injury is often challenging to diagnose because it may not appear on standard CT scans.
Symptoms of DAI can range from a brief loss of consciousness to a persistent vegetative state in severe cases. The long-term consequences can be significant, potentially affecting cognitive function, motor skills, and even personality.
Warning Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a jolt or blow to the head causes a disruption in normal brain function. After a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to be aware of potential symptoms, which include:
- Persistent headaches
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Balance problems
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Some TBI symptoms may be subtle and mistaken for other conditions. For instance, you may attribute mild confusion or irritability to stress from the accident rather than a brain injury. However, these symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated. Even if you feel fine immediately after a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Some TBI symptoms may not be apparent for hours or even days after the injury.
Risks Associated with Brain Injuries after a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclists are at high risk of head injuries in collisions due to their exposed position. In a crash, a rider’s head may hit the road, another vehicle, or other objects with tremendous force.
The rapid deceleration upon impact can move the brain within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue. This is why all motorcyclists should wear helmets that are properly fitted and approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to minimize the risk of severe injury.
Contact Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in NC
If you’ve experienced head trauma from a motorcycle accident, seek immediate medical attention. Some head injuries may seem minor and worsen over time if left untreated, potentially leading to long-term complications.
Once you have begun medical treatment, you should consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in North Carolina. At Hardison & Cochran, our experienced lawyers understand the complexities of head injury cases. With over 30 years of experience helping North Carolina accident victims with their personal injury claims, our law firm has a proven track record of achieving outstanding results for our clients. Let us put our experience to work for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our motorcycle accident injury attorneys in North Carolina. Let us seek the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
