Motorcycle Accidents and Brain Injury
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than other motorists on the road. This is the simple reality of the situation given how exposed they are to potential harm. The Sugar Land, TX attorneys at Reed & Terry, LLP have helped countless clients who’ve been in motorcycle accidents, so we know the kinds of damage these collisions can do.
Right now, our law firm would like to focus on brain injuries and brain damage from motorcycle crashes. We’ll consider the role helmets can play in protecting motorcyclists. First, let’s discuss the laws on wearing a helmet in this state.
Texas Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Current Texas state law requires all motorists under the age of 21 to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle.
Motorcyclists over the age 21 are not required by law to wear a helmet if:
- They have successfully completed a motorcycle safety/training course
- They have the proper insurance in place in the event of a collision
Even if you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet, there are compelling reasons that you should have a helmet on any time you are on a motorcycle. Our Sugar Land lawyers feel that this is in the best interests of anyone on a motorcycle.
Facts About Motorcyclist Head and Facial Trauma
According to a decade-old study by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 57 percent of motorcyclists were wearing a helmet at the time of their crash while 43 percent were not wearing a helmet. Roughly 15 percent of motorcyclists wearing a helmet suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI); for motorcyclists not wearing a helmet, that number was 21 percent.
These numbers reveal some of the benefits of wearing a helmet, but further figures reveal the ways helmets prevent serious harm.
Why Wearing a Helmet Matters
According to the NHTSA study cited above, 6.6 percent of unhelmeted motorcyclists suffered moderate to severe facial and head trauma, compared to 5.1 percent of helmeted motorcyclists. When it came to minor to moderate TBIs, the rate was 9 percent for motorcyclists without a helmet and 7 percent for motorcyclists with a helmet on. For moderate to severe TBIs, the rate was 7 percent for motorcyclists without a helmet and 4.7 percent for motorcyclists with a helmet.
The numbers show that helmets offer an extra barrier of protection in a crash, helping reduce the rates of brain injury.
The Lasting Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
If you suffer from a traumatic brain injury after a collision, the effects can be long-lasting. Many people with TBIs report changes in mood, memory, and cognition, as well as some issues with motor skills and speech. Severe brain injuries could result in a physical or mental disability, affecting your life and the lives of your loved ones for decades.
Holding Negligent Parties Liable for Your Injuries
If another person caused your motorcycle accident, our team of attorneys is here to help. We can seek damages from the negligent party and help you cover medical expenses and other financial losses associated with the crash and injury.
Contact Our Team of Attorneys
For more information about your legal option after a motorcycle collision, be sure to contact our auto crash injury lawyers. Attorneys Jackson Reed and Travis B. Terry can be reached by phone at (281) 201-0988.