Head injuries are among the most serious consequences a motorcycle accident can have. If you or a loved one suffered a head injury in a motorcycle crash in St. Louis, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Fortunately, you don’t have to make that decision alone. The experienced attorneys at Sumner Law Group, LLC, can help you pursue compensation from the person who caused the motorcycle accident.
Our lawyers have 50+ years of combined legal experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of accident victims like you. We understand how challenging cases involving head injuries can be, and we also know how to win them.
When you’re ready to find out what our firm can do for you, contact us for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident head injury lawyer in St. Louis.
How Motorcycle Accidents Cause Head Injuries
Motorcyclists are at heightened risk of head injuries in collisions because of their lack of protection. Without a metal frame to absorb the force of an impact, motorcyclists often suffer direct blows to the head – especially when they’re thrown from their vehicles. Even if the rider is wearing a helmet, the force of an impact can be significant enough to cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other head trauma.
Types of Brain Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident in St. Louis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 176 Americans die from TBI-related injuries every day, accounting for about 30% of all injury deaths. Some of the most common types of brain injuries that occur as a result of a motorcycle accident in St. Louis include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – A TBI is an injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head that damages the brain. Symptoms of a TBI include difficulty thinking, memory problems, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
- Concussion – A concussion is a type of TBI that occurs when the brain shakes inside the skull. It can cause temporary confusion, loss of consciousness, headache, memory problems, and changes in behavior.
- Contusion – This type of injury is caused by direct trauma to the brain, usually due to an object striking the head. It can cause bruising or bleeding on the surface of the brain and can lead to swelling, seizures, and other neurological problems.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) – This type of injury can happen when the brain is severely rotated, resulting in damage to the axons, the nerve fibers that carry signals throughout the brain. Symptoms of a DAI include loss of consciousness, coma, and physical and cognitive impairment.
- Intracranial Hematoma – An intracranial hematoma is an accumulation of blood within the skull that can cause pressure on the brain, potentially leading to paralysis or coma.
Seek medical attention if you suspect you suffered any type of brain injury after a motorcycle accident in St. Louis. Treatment for these types of injuries may include surgery to remove objects from the skull, medications to reduce inflammation and swelling, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and counseling.
Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injuries After Motorcycle Accidents
It’s essential for riders involved in motorcycle accidents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of brain injuries so that they can take the necessary steps to get medical attention. Any blow to the head, even a seemingly slight one, could potentially lead to severe complications.
After a motorcycle accident, here’s what to look out for:
- Persistent headaches or dizziness
- Memory loss or confusion
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Mood swings or changes in personality
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Seizures or convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
Potential Motorcycle Head Injury Compensation in St. Louis
If someone else caused you to suffer a head injury in a motorcycle accident in St. Louis, Missouri, you might be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered. This compensation could include money for the following:
- Medical bills, including those from hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from time off work as well as reduction in long-term earning potential
- Pain and suffering, including both physical discomfort and emotional trauma
- Diminished quality of life if they can no longer take part in the activities they love
Determining Liability for a Head Injury in St. Louis
To determine who is liable for an accident and therefore financially responsible for its consequences, you must first establish who was at fault for the accident. Attorneys and insurance adjusters usually determine fault by looking at the facts of the case and considering whether either driver behaved negligently, meaning they failed to act with the degree of care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation. Examples of negligence include driving while impaired, not paying attention, and breaking traffic laws. Accident victims can then hold the at-fault party liable for any head injuries they caused.
People other than those directly involved in the accident can also be liable. For example, an employer would be liable if an employee operating within the scope of their job caused the crash. A parts manufacturer might be liable if a defective braking system played a role in the crash.
Furthermore, if you were partially at fault for the crash, you might be able to recover compensation from the other driver if they are more at fault than you. Our experienced St. Louis head injury lawyers can determine who is at fault and evaluate your legal options for recovering damages.
How Our Attorneys Help Motorcycle Accident Victims with Head Injuries
At Sumner Law Group, LLC, we understand the significant physical and emotional burden that head injuries can place on victims of motorcycle accidents in St. Louis. That’s why our lawyers are dedicated to helping them seek the compensation they need for their medical care, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses. We can evaluate medical evidence, calculate damages, and present compelling arguments to insurance companies.
Let us seek justice and compensation on your behalf so that you can heal and move forward with your life.
Contact Our St. Louis Head Injury Lawyers Now
If you or a loved one was in a St. Louis motorcycle accident that resulted in a head injury, Sumner Law Group, LLC, wants to help you demand justice. Contact us today for a free consultation with a St. Louis head injury attorney.
