Motorcycle Crashes and Traumatic Brain Injuries: How Connecticut Laws Protect Victims
There’s nothing more brain-clearing and liberating than hopping on a bike and hitting the open road. Unfortunately, for some, no matter the number of years they’ve been riding and how cautious they are, all it takes is one careless driver, and it’s game over. Those in that situation should contact a Bridgeport motorcycle accident lawyer.
Even if the bikers who fell victim to a driver’s carelessness might have been bikers who chose to go helmetless, they are still worth their compensation. Working with a biker-friendly attorney can help accident victims collect compensation for their damages.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury typically results from a violent and forceful impact on the head, one so severe that it causes damage to the cells of the brain. This type of injury is unfortunate for bikers who go helmet-less and are involved in an accident. TBIs can range from mild to severe. TBI-related damage could affect one area of the brain, known as a focal injury, or over a wider area, referred to as a diffuse injury.
A concussion, even a mild one, falls under the umbrella of being a TBI, as do more severe brain injuries such as hematomas, which cause the brain to bleed. TBIs can cause both short-term and long-term damage, depending on how severe the injury is.
More severe head trauma will most likely be either obvious or investigated by emergency room staff. However, minor head injuries may not be all that obvious. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Constant severe headache
- Issues with vision
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Slurred speech
- Enlarged pupils in one or both eyes
How Is a Traumatic Brain Injury Valued in a Connecticut Personal Injury Claim?
As a biker who was injured in an accident that you didn’t cause, Connecticut law states that you have the legal right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You can seek economic and non-economic damages. However, you may be confused about how a TBI plays into a settlement offer or how a jury would view its value. Some factors that affect the value of a traumatic brain injury can include:
- The severity of the injury – A brain injury that may only last a few months has much less value than one that could last a lifetime. The TBIs’ severity will play a major role in compensation.
- Long-term medical needs – Some TBIs will require a lifetime of medical care. If the accident victim is young and may require lifelong medical care, the settlement amount could be much higher than for a victim whose TBI care is much shorter.
- Ability to earn a living – A severe brain injury can leave victims unable to work for months or even for a lifetime. If unable to work due to a TBI, the compensation could include the estimated loss of expected lifetime earnings and benefits.
- Mental pain and suffering – Traumatic brain injuries can cause many emotional disorders. PTSD, depression, anxiety, mood swings, and difficulties with sleeping are just a few of the possible effects of a TBI. There could be compensation for these types of non-economic damages.
One of the most tragic parts of a traumatic brain injury is that once the damage is done, there is little that can be done medically to repair brain tissue. Broken bones, also common with motorcycle crashes, will heal over time. Unfortunately, most medical treatment for a severe TBI revolves around helping the victim cope with adjusting to life with a brain injury.
Traumatic Brain Injuries, Motorcycle Crashes, and Connecticut Personal Injury Claims
Traumatic brain injuries are an all-too-common nightmare for bikers who’ve taken a fall due to a negligent driver. Some can leave victims unable to work due to a physical issue, while for others, their TBI has affected them emotionally and doesn’t allow them to earn a living. Minor or major traumatic brain injury should be included when seeking compensation after a motorcycle accident.
To receive the best possible settlement after a bike crash, you want to work with a biker-friendly attorney who understands the nuances of Connecticut’s personal injury laws. While dealing with a brain injury, they’ll fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve.