Motorcycle accidents cause a disproportionate number of traumatic brain injuries. Riders lack the structural protection that car occupants have, and even helmeted riders can suffer serious brain trauma from the violent forces involved in crashes.

Why Motorcycle Crashes Cause Severe TBI

  • No surrounding structure – No crumple zones, airbags, or vehicle frame to absorb impact
  • Direct impact – Riders often strike pavement, vehicles, or fixed objects directly
  • Ejection – Riders are frequently thrown from motorcycles during crashes
  • Rotational forces – Tumbling and rolling after ejection causes severe acceleration-deceleration injury

Helmets and TBI

Helmets significantly reduce TBI risk and severity—but they don't eliminate it. Studies show helmets reduce fatality risk by about 37% and serious head injury risk by about 69%, but helmeted riders still suffer brain injuries from:

  • Forces that exceed helmet protection capabilities
  • Rotational forces helmets can't fully mitigate
  • Severe impacts overwhelming any protective equipment
  • Improperly fitted or substandard helmets

Helmet Defense

In some states, defendants can argue that unhelmeted riders' damages should be reduced. However, not wearing a helmet doesn't excuse another driver's negligence that caused the crash—it only potentially affects damage calculations.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

  • Left-turn accidents – Drivers turning left fail to see oncoming motorcycles
  • Lane changes – Motorcycles in blind spots are struck during lane changes
  • Rear-end collisions – Motorcycles stopping are hit from behind
  • Road hazards – Potholes, debris, and defects dangerous to two-wheeled vehicles
  • Door opening accidents – Parked car doors opened into motorcycle path

Liability Issues

Motorcycle TBI cases often face:

  • Driver bias – Assumptions that motorcyclists are reckless
  • Visibility arguments – Claims the motorcycle was hard to see
  • Speed disputes – Allegations the motorcyclist was speeding
  • Comparative fault – Attempts to assign partial blame to the rider

Experienced motorcycle accident attorneys know how to counter these tactics and present riders fairly.

Damages

Motorcycle TBI damages often are substantial due to injury severity:

  • Extensive emergency and acute medical care
  • Long-term rehabilitation needs
  • Permanent disability and care requirements
  • Complete loss of earning capacity in severe cases
  • Profound impact on quality of life

Conclusion

Motorcycle accidents frequently cause catastrophic TBI requiring aggressive legal representation to overcome biases and recover full compensation. If you suffered a brain injury in a motorcycle crash, work with attorneys experienced in both TBI cases and motorcycle accident litigation.