As with many things, a motorcycle ride is appealing because it is free of constraints: no seat belts, no air conditioning, no metal and glass cage, and a lean and powerful engine that swerves past clumsy and oversized vehicles. Yet the modern day horseman should know that the price to pay for the exhilarating sense of freedom and power is often very steep.

If a rider is not protected by a helmet, most motorcycle accidents will result in serious head injuries. In some cases, even a helmet might not save a biker from death or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

What is TBI?

TBI is a closed or penetrating traumatic injury to the brain. The trauma can be caused by a direct impact or by the internal shock of the brain against the skull, or both. Beyond the primary injury, secondary injuries appear after the shock caused by a change in the cerebral blood flow and the pressure build-up from swelling. The consequences range from complete recovery (after a mild concussion) to death, but many TBIs result in long lasting or lifetime:

• Communication troubles;
• Dizziness and headaches;
• Loss of balance;
• Loss of memory;
• Loss of sensation, hearing, smell;
• Disability

Over the long term, certain cases of TBI require hundreds or even millions of dollars to cover medical bills, rehabilitation, physical therapy, home care and adaptive services. This is a very steep price indeed.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in the Central and North Florida area call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or fill out the form on this page for a free consultation.