Suffering a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle crash can have lifelong implications. Wearing a motorcycle helmet can reduce the severity of head injuries incurred in an accident When injuries result from another party’s negligence, a San Antonio, TX motorcycle accident lawyer can help accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. Read on to learn more.
How a Traumatic Brain Injury Occurs
A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain twists, deforms or otherwise collides with the sides of the person’s skull. Under normal conditions, the human brain is able to float relatively freely within the skull. Fluid in the skull surrounds the brain and offers a certain degree of cushioning and protection from low-level impacts. In addition, the soft tissue that comprises the brain itself can compress or mold to a small extent if needed. However, these protective factors cannot keep the brain safe from damage when the head sustains significant impact force such as that which occurs after a motorcycle crash.
When a person hits their head on the pavement or another object after crashing their motorcycle, it can damage the brain tissue and associated nerves. Heavy impacts can even cause a skull fracture which can cause bruising, bleeding, and tearing of brain tissue. When any kind of personal injury occurs to the brain, it can result in loss of critical brain functioning.
Secondary or late-onset injuries and complications can also become present after a head injury suffered from a motorcycle accident. Brain bleeding and swelling can cause pressure to build within the skull, causing further damage. If compression within the skull is great enough it can cut off blood flow to the brain, leading to serious complications and even death.
The Importance of Motorcycle Helmets
In Texas, all motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a helmet. Helmets must meet federal safety standards. If a driver is over the age of 21 and has completed a motorcycle operator training course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety, they may be exempt from the helmet requirement. However, as any experienced texas motorcycle collision attorney can attest, neglecting to wear a helmet may be seen by a personal injury court as a sign of negligent behavior in the event that litigation is pursued after an accident.
Types of Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These types of damages are commonly referred to as compensatory damages because they are intended to compensate accident victims for the economic costs associated with their injuries.
In cases where the other party’s negligence was especially extreme, the court may award the plaintiff punitive damages as well. This form of compensation is intended to send a message to the defendant and the general public that there are consequences for engaging in extremely reckless driving behavior. Punitive damages are typically capped as a multiple of the total amount of compensatory damages awarded.
Professional Legal Counsel in San Antonio
For years, the attorneys at Eric Ramos Law, PLLC in San Antonio, TX have been helping accident victims throughout Texas as they navigate the personal injury process. Contact one of our motorcycle accident lawyers near you for a free consultation about your case.