Although your drive to work today and back—and perhaps a quick stop to the drugstore or grocery store—may have seemed safe enough and completely without complication, there is no doubt that the roads can be a deceptively dangerous place. Traffic injuries and fatalities have been on the rise, with tens of thousands killed each year, and millions injured in car crashes.

Other motorists can be your greatest danger. Although drivers who are inexperienced, impaired, or tired are major concerns, distracted driving is an enormous threat today to everyone on the road. And due to their vulnerability, motorcyclists must practice even greater diligence as they travel the roads and highways of the US. Data available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that nearly 5,000 motorcyclists died in 2016. Of those fatalities 61 percent were wearing their helmets.

In the case of a motorcycle accident, and especially in more violent crashes with cars, all involved—but especially the motorcyclist and any passengers—are at risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is a scenario where all the ingredients are present for catastrophe, and especially if the motorcyclist or their passenger is not wearing a helmet. The impact of hitting the pavement can be severe, even if the motorcyclist is traveling at a relatively slow speed when struck or becoming involved in an accident.

The traumatic brain injury ranges from mild to severe and may even include permanent brain damage or result in fatality. The recuperation time after such an accident can be long-term, and it may be difficult for someone who has experienced a TBI to go back to work either temporarily or permanently. Symptoms vary, to include:

• Mild – drowsiness, headaches, memory loss, sleep issues, anxiety and depression
• Moderate to Severe – loss of consciousness, vomiting, seizures, weakness, lack of coordination, confusion, sleep issues, speech issues, and more

If you have experienced a serious blow to the head after a motorcycle wreck, or due to any other accident, seek medical help as soon as possible. Any state of unconsciousness should raise major concern and be addressed quickly.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz Law. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!