Though a motorcyclist’s reason to ride is often for the exhilaration of the open road, motorcycle safety should always be a primary concern. The possibility of accidents and injury while riding a motorcycle is all too real and should never be ignored.
Motorcycle accidents are often more costly and damaging than automobile accidents. Every year, there are more than 3,000 individuals killed plus another 50,000 individuals injured by motorcycle accidents.
As precaution and good practice, riders are encouraged to
- wear a helmet,
- wear boots and other protective gear,
- check their motorcycles for mechanical troubles regularly,
- appropriately adjust tire pressure and suspension when carrying a passenger,
- and adjust for changing road conditions.
One potential and very serious consequence of motorcycle accidents is traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries commonly lead to the necessity of continuous medical care or intense rehabilitation. They also frequently result in emotional suffering of the injured and of family members.
Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a harsh impact to the head and can occur whether or not a rider is wearing a helmet during a crash. Traumatic brain injuries are irreversible and can result in loss of memory or speech, loss of thinking and emotional capabilities, permanent physical disability, comatose states, and even death.
As one would expect, studies regularly show that the best prevention for traumatic brain injury is to wear a helmet approved by the Federal Department of Transportation. Helmets may also be approved by the Snell Memorial Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to testing the effectiveness of helmets. Though helmets can improve a motorcyclist’s chances to avoid serious head injury, such injuries can still occur.
If you or a loved one has experienced a serious motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for injuries and medical care. Here at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we will educate you on your options and help you through what can be a trying and life-changing experience.
