What Should You do After Suffering a Concussion in a Motorcycle Accident?
Any motorcyclist involved in an accident is susceptible to a concussion. The reality is that motorcyclists are not as well protected from head injuries as those inside traditional vehicles, and a concussion could lead to significant short and possibly some long-term symptoms. Here, we want to discuss what a motorcyclist needs to do if they sustain a concussion as a result of a motorcycle accident.
Concussions Are Common – But You Need Medical Care
A concussion can occur anytime a person sustains a bump or blow to the head or a jolt to the body. Even though the effects of a concussion are usually temporary, they can still significantly affect a person’s day-to-day activities. Additionally, if a person fails to receive proper medical treatment, a concussion could lead to significant long-term issues, including a more severe traumatic brain injury.
Motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer from a concussion in the event an accident occurs than other types of motorists on the roadway. The simple fact is that motorcyclists are much more vulnerable because they do not have metal frames, airbags, or seatbelts to protect themselves. Additionally, the state of Illinois does not have any motorcycle helmet requirements. Even though studies have shown that helmets significantly reduce the chance of a motorcyclist sustaining a head injury or a fatality, Illinois law does not require any helmet usage for adults or minors on motorcycles.
After a motorcycle collision occurs, it is not uncommon for those involved to not feel any pain right away. However, this should not be used as a guidepost for whether or not an actual injury has occurred. In many cases, individuals sustain head injuries and do not know right away because they cannot see the actual injury. Our bodies can mask the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury for shorter periods of time. However, the signs and symptoms of a concussion tend to crop up within an hour or two after a motorcycle crash occurs.
Some of the most common signs of a concussion include a worsening headache, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, fatigue or drowsiness, and a feeling of confusion.
After any type of motorcycle accident, individuals should go seek medical treatment immediately, even if they do not feel much pain. A trained medical professional will evaluate motorcycle crash victims for signs of a concussion and treat them appropriately. However, if you do not go to the doctor right away after a crash and you begin to experience the signs and symptoms of a concussion, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Not only do you need medical treatment for a concussion, but you need to be sure that you have not sustained a more severe traumatic brain injury such as bleeding on the brain or brain swelling.
Compensation For Concussion Injuries
Individuals who sustain any type of concussion or brain injury caused by the negligence of other drivers should be able to recover compensation. This includes coverage of their medical expenses, lost income if they cannot work while they recover, as well as property damage expenses for their motorcycle. It is important to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer who can negotiate with insurance carriers to recover maximum compensation on behalf of their client.