Brain Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident: How Common Are They?

Simpson Thomas

October 19, 2021

A motorcycle accident can be extremely serious and leave motorcyclists with severe, life-changing injuries and permanent disability. Compared to car accidents or other types of passenger vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents are more likely to be fatal. That is due to the increased likelihood of a serious brain injury as a result of a motorcycle crash.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (or “TBI”) occurs when an impact to the head or some other force such as a sudden stop causes injury which damages the brain. Traumatic brain injuries can range from short-lived concussions (also known as “mild” traumatic brain injuries) to severe head injuries with catastrophic consequences that last a lifetime.

How Are Brain Injuries Caused By Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle riders are particularly susceptible to brain injuries. The only real protection a motorcyclist or a motorcycle passenger has against a brain injury is their helmet, but even riders who wear helmets are at an increased risk of serious head injury. While a properly fitted motorcycle helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury, a helmet can only do so much if a rider is thrown from a motorcycle at a high rate of speed, or strikes their head directly on the pavement or some other hard surface as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Serious Brain Injuries and Fatalities After a Motorcycle Accident

Although motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries such as internal bleeding and damage to other parts of the body (including fractured bones and spinal cord injuries, the primary cause of disability and death from motorcycle accidents is a traumatic brain injury. A brain-injured motorcyclist who survives a crash will likely have extensive rehabilitation needs and almost certainly suffer a significant loss of income as a result of their injuries (particularly where the rider sustains a brain injury in combination with other significant personal injuries). If the motorcycle accident caused a fatal brain injury, the surviving spouse, parent, or child of the deceased will suffer loss of economic support and assistance in addition to reeling from the loss of their loved one.

Need Advice on Your Claim? Talk to STA’s Personal Injury Lawyers

We have considerable experience handling ICBC claims involving traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries (including claims involving quadriplegia and paraplegia). Contact Simpson, Thomas & Associates today by calling (604) 689-8888 or request a free consultation online by filling out our consultation form.