Brain Injury Results from Gainesville Motorcycle Accident

A motorcyclist is in critical condition with a possible brain injury after being involved in a Gainesville motorcycle accident.

The motorcycle rider was traveling at a high rate of speed when another vehicle turned left directly in front of the motorcycle. According to the police, alcohol may have been involved in the crash. The police are continuing to investigate this accident.

Motorcyclists are exposed not only to the elements but also to other vehicles and the road itself. In an accident, there is virtually no protection for the driver and passenger against larger vehicles.

The news reports did not specify whether the motorcyclist in the Gainesville accident was wearing a helmet; Florida law does not prevent motorcyclists age 21 and over (with minimum medical coverage) from biking without helmets. However, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, helmets are about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle accident deaths and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.

The damage from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not due to blood loss but instead to pressure. Serious head injuries cause brain swelling and a steep increase of pressure inside the skull, which can cause extensive brain damage. During emergency treatment, the pressure may be somewhat relieved, but there still may be serious, life-changing ramifications from the injury.

A concussion is a mild form of TBI. More serious brain injuries can result in severe damage including:

• Cognitive difficulties with attention, concentration, memory and language processing
• Speech and language problems
• Vision and hearing loss, either partial or total
• Seizures
• Physical changes including paralysis, chronic pain, sleep disorder, loss of stamina and appetite
• Social and emotional problems

The costs of treating and rehabilitating motorcycle brain injury patients can place a substantial financial burden on the victims and their families.

If you or a family member has been involved in a motorcycle or car accident or any other type of personal injury, please contact the Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. immediately. Our experienced attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Please call us for a free consultation. Attorney Diana Santa Maria, personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (954) 434-1077 or contact us via the website.