Suffering a brain injury after a motorcycle accident can be a devastating experience. Feeling overwhelmed, frightened, and uncertain about the future is natural. During this challenging time, seeking the support and guidance of a skilled lawyer focused on personal injury cases is essential.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance providers, and fight for your rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Their knowledge and experience can help alleviate some of the burden and stress associated with the aftermath of a brain injury. Contact a Houston brain injury attorney near you to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice and financial recovery.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
Motorcycle crashes in the US are a significant cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), with riders facing higher risks due to limited physical protection compared to other vehicles. Here are key statistics based on available data up to 2025:
- Prevalence and Risk: Motorcycles account for 3 percent of registered vehicles but 14.6 percent of traffic fatalities in 2022. Motorcyclists are 22-26 times more likely to die per vehicle mile traveled than passenger car occupants. TBIs are common, with 20 percent of motorcyclists in crashes sustaining a TBI, rising to 60 percent for unhelmeted riders.
- Helmet Use Impact: Helmets reduce TBI risk by 67 percent and death risk by 37-42 percent. In 2022, 62 percent of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were helmeted, but only 33 percent in states without universal helmet laws, compared to 88 percent in states with them. Unhelmeted riders are three times more likely to suffer TBIs. Non-helmeted riders also face a 6.6 percent rate of moderate to severe head/facial injuries versus 5.1 percent for helmeted riders. You can still receive damages in a brain injury lawsuit if you did not wear a helmet.
- TBI Outcomes: TBIs contribute to 54 percent of hospital-admitted motorcyclist deaths, despite only 17 percent of admitted riders having TBIs. In 2019, motorcycle crashes led to 5,014 deaths, with head injuries involved in 37 percent of fatal crashes. TBIs range from minor to severe, with long-term costs averaging $85,000 to $4 million per case.
- Demographics and Trends: Most TBI victims are young males under 40. From 2013 to 2022, nonfatal injuries decreased by 6.8 percent, but fatalities rose 23 percent from 2019 to 2022, reaching 6,222. Head injuries remain the leading cause of death and disability in motorcycle crashes.
Always retain a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer if you or a loved one suffers a brain injury because of someone’s negligence. The best recovery may be impossible without sufficient compensation for all medical needs.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur due to various factors, and identifying the cause is essential when seeking legal assistance. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Negligent Drivers: Many motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road. This can include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Road Hazards: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, loose gravel, or uneven surfaces, can pose significant risks to motorcyclists, leading to accidents and potential brain injuries.
- Limited Visibility: Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles on the road, making it easier for other drivers to overlook them. Lack of awareness by other motorists can result in collisions and severe brain injuries.
- Lane Splitting: Lane splitting, the act of riding between lanes of traffic, is a common practice among motorcyclists. However, it can be dangerous, especially if other drivers are not expecting it, leading to accidents and brain injuries.
Furthermore, serious motorcycle crashes with brain injuries occur frequently in these types of collisions:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions involve a motorcyclist being struck from behind by another vehicle, often at intersections or in traffic. These crashes are frequently caused by distracted drivers, sudden stops, or failure to notice the motorcycle’s smaller profile.
Motorcycles have shorter stopping distances than cars, which can catch inattentive drivers off guard. Due to the rider’s exposure, injuries in these crashes are often severe, including traumatic brain injuries. Wearing high-visibility gear and maintaining a safe following distance can help mitigate risks, but driver awareness remains critical.
Left-Turn Crashes
Left-turn crashes are among the most common multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents, typically occurring when a car turning left at an intersection fails to yield to an oncoming motorcyclist. The driver may misjudge the motorcycle’s speed or not see it due to its smaller size.
Because of the high-impact nature of these collisions, serious injuries or fatalities often result. Riders can reduce risk by slowing down at intersections and watching for turn signals, while drivers must double-check for motorcycles before turning.
Lane-Splitting Accidents
Lane-splitting accidents happen when a motorcyclist rides between slow-moving or stopped traffic lanes. This practice is legal in many areas, but some drivers may be unaware of it.
Crashes occur if a vehicle changes lanes without noticing the motorcyclist or if the rider misjudges the gap. These accidents are often low-speed but can still cause significant injury due to the proximity to other vehicles. Lane-splitting requires heightened awareness and quick reflexes from the rider, and its legality varies, so understanding local laws is essential.
Head-On Collisions
Though less common, head-on collisions are often the most deadly type of motorcycle crash. They occur when a motorcycle and another vehicle collide front-to-front, typically due to one party crossing the centerline, such as during an ill-timed overtake or on a curve. The impact force is devastating, given the motorcycle’s lack of protective structure. These crashes highlight the need for defensive riding, maintaining lane discipline, and avoiding risky maneuvers, especially on two-lane roads.
Understanding the causes of motorcycle accidents is vital when building a case for a brain injury claim. A knowledgeable brain injury lawyer will investigate the accident thoroughly to determine liability and gather evidence to support your claim.
Motorcycle Accident Brain Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe brain injuries due to the lack of protection provided by motorcycles. The impact of a collision can cause the rider to be thrown from the bike or hit their head on the pavement or other objects. Some common brain injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury: A TBI occurs when there is a sudden impact to the head, causing damage to the brain. TBIs can range from minor concussions to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Skull Fractures: Motorcycle accidents can lead to skull fractures, which can cause brain damage and potentially life-threatening complications. Prompt medical attention is vital in these cases.
- Intracranial Hemorrhage: The force of impact in a motorcycle accident can cause bleeding inside the skull, leading to intracranial hemorrhage. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further brain damage.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): DAI occurs when the brain is forcefully rotated or shaken within the skull, resulting in widespread damage to the brain’s white matter. This type of injury can have long-lasting effects on cognitive abilities and motor function.
Recovering from a brain injury can be a long and challenging process. Having an experienced brain injury attorney on your side who can help build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve is essential.
Who May Be Liable For A Motorcycle Accident?
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident is vital when seeking compensation for a brain injury. Various parties may be held responsible depending on the circumstances of the accident:
- Negligent Drivers: If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be liable for the brain injury and other damages.
- Employers: Suppose a car driver is working when they cause a motorcycle crash. Their employer may be liable for their employee’s negligence in a brain injury lawsuit.
- Government Entities: Government entities responsible for road maintenance may be liable if the accident was caused by a hazardous road condition, such as poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: A defective motorcycle or its parts may sometimes contribute to the accident. The manufacturer or distributor may be liable for the brain injury in such instances.
- Third Parties: If a third party’s actions contributed to the accident, such as a bar or restaurant serving alcohol to an intoxicated driver, they may also be held partially liable.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, determine liability, and hold the responsible parties accountable. They will also maximize your compensation by proving the severity of injuries and damages.
What Is A Motorcycle Accident Brain Injury Worth?
Motorcycle crashes can be worth thousands or millions, depending on the situation. Determining the value of a motorcycle accident brain injury claim depends on various factors:
- Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapies, will be considered when calculating the claim’s value. Treating a serious brain injury costs tens of thousands per day.
- Lost Income: If the brain injury prevents you from returning to work or affects your earning capacity, the potential income loss will be factored into the compensation.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain experienced as a result of the brain injury will also be considered. It includes the long-term impact on quality of life and the ability to engage in daily activities.
- Future Expenses: The anticipated expenses will be included in the claim if the brain injury requires ongoing medical care or necessitates future surgeries or treatments. The claim value rises if you have a permanent disability.
An experienced motorcycle crash lawyer can assess the details of your case and help determine an appropriate value for your motorcycle accident brain injury claim.
How To Maximize Motorcycle Accident Brain Injury Settlement
When seeking a settlement for a motorcycle accident brain injury, there are several steps you can take to maximize your potential recovery:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: It is vital to seek medical assistance immediately after the accident, even if you do not display immediate symptoms. Prompt medical attention ensures your well-being and creates a medical record that can serve as evidence for your claim. If possible, get to the doctor or ER on the same day as the motorcycle crash.
- Gather Evidence: Documenting the details of the accident, taking photographs of the scene, and obtaining witness statements can significantly strengthen your case. This evidence can help determine liability and prove the severity of your brain injury.
- Preserve Medical Records: Keep track of all medical records, bills, and receipts for your brain injury. These documents will serve as evidence of your medical expenses and help determine the value of your claim.
- Consult an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is vital. They will guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights. Their experience will help maximize your potential settlement.
- Be Cautious with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may attempt to settle your claim quickly and for a lower amount than you deserve. It is essential to have legal representation to ensure you are not taken advantage of during the negotiation process.
- Consider Long-Term Effects: Brain injuries can have lasting effects on physical and cognitive abilities. The long-term impact must be considered when calculating the value of your claim and pursuing a fair settlement.
By following these steps and working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, you can maximize your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your motorcycle accident brain injury.
Contact A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Now
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury from a motorcycle accident, it is vital to seek legal representation. Contact a Houston personal injury attorney near you who has experience in motorcycle accident brain injury cases. They will provide the experience and guidance necessary to navigate the legal process and fight for your deserved compensation. Take the first step towards justice and financial recovery by consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney today. You do not pay legal expenses unless your lawyer wins!