Concussions and Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Worth, Texas

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Concussions caused by motorcycle accidents often occur when a blow to the head causes the brain to hit the inner wall of the skull. In severe cases, this can cause a traumatic brain injury, a diagnosis that can take months to properly diagnose. It doesn’t take a lot of force to cause this type of injury. While motorcycle helmets may reduce the likelihood of suffering from a concussion or more severe brain injury, they do not prevent them entirely.

Concussions are usually considered mild as they don’t typically cause life-threatening complications. However, even a mild concussion is still a brain injury, and there is no such thing as a truly minor brain injury. A motorcyclist who suffers a concussion after an accident can experience complications that can result in long-term and potentially permanent impairment.

With the help of an experienced Fort Worth motorcycle accident attorney, you can receive the treatment and recovery you deserve. Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law is dedicated to helping motorcycle accident victims maximize their compensation. Contact him today and find out how he can help you.

Common types of motorcycle accidents resulting in concussions

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious head injuries, including concussions. Even with a helmet, the force of impact can cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull, leading to symptoms that may not appear immediately. Some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents that result in concussions include:

• Left-turn accidents: These occur when a driver turns left in front of a motorcyclist, often misjudging their speed or failing to see them. The resulting collision can throw the rider off their bike, leading to head injuries.
• Rear-end collisions: When a vehicle strikes a motorcycle from behind, the sudden impact can cause a rider’s head to whip forward or backward, increasing the risk of a concussion.
• Motorcycle dooring accidents: A motorist opening their car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle can cause a direct collision, sending the rider over the handlebars and leading to potential head trauma.
• High-side and low-side crashes: Losing control of the motorcycle due to sudden braking, acceleration, or road hazards can throw the rider off the bike and lead to a head injury.

Do motorcycle helmets provide protection against concussion?

Wearing a helmet can help prevent severe head trauma in motorcycle accidents by absorbing impact forces. They consist of an outer shell to disperse impact, an inner liner to absorb shock, and a chin strap to keep the helmet secure.

But a motorcyclist can suffer a concussion while wearing a helmet. Concussions occur when the brain moves within the skull due to rapid acceleration or deceleration. While helmets absorb impact, they can’t stop this movement entirely. However, they reduce the severity of head injuries compared to riding without one.

Texas has a partial helmet law:

• Riders under 21 must wear a helmet.
• Riders 21+ may ride without one if they’ve completed a safety course or have $10,000 in medical coverage.

A DOT-approved helmet provides the best protection, meeting strict safety standards. Non-approved helmets provide little to no protection.

Symptoms of a concussion

Concussions can occur after all types of motorcycle crashes, including left-turn accidents, rear-end collisions, and motorcycle dooring accidents. Concussion symptoms sometimes appear within minutes of a motorcycle accident, but that is not always the case. It could take hours or even days for a crash victim to experience any symptoms. Some symptoms may worsen over the course of a few days, especially if the crash victim fails to seek medical treatment. The symptoms of a concussion may include:

• Headaches
• Blurry or double vision
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Issues with balance
• Confusion and brain fog
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Amnesia and loss of memory
• Trouble sleeping
• Dizziness and fainting
• Depression, irritability and anxiety
• Ringing in ears
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Stuttering
• Delayed responses
• Fatigue
• Seizures

Remember, there is no such thing as a minor brain injury. Even seemingly minor symptoms could point to significant underlying brain damage. That’s why it is always in your best interest to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosing a concussion after a motorcycle accident

Concussions aren’t always easy to spot, especially right after an accident. Some symptoms show up immediately, while others take hours or even days to appear. That’s why getting checked by a doctor as soon as possible is so important.

After a motorcycle crash, a doctor will typically do a physical and neurological exam to check for signs of brain injury. This might include testing reflexes, coordination, and memory. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be used to rule out bleeding or swelling in the brain. But here’s the tricky part; concussions don’t always show up on scans. Instead, doctors often rely on symptom monitoring and cognitive assessments over time.

Since symptoms can get worse over time, don’t ignore them, even if you feel “fine” at first. The sooner a concussion is diagnosed, the better your chances of recovery without long-term complications.

Who pays for medical treatment after a concussion?

Concussion treatment can get expensive fast. Between hospital visits, imaging tests, follow-up care, and possible therapy, medical bills can add up. So, who foots the bill?

If another driver caused the crash, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. But insurance companies don’t always make it easy. They’ll often try to downplay your claim and use tactics to reduce your compensation.

If the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover everything, your health insurance might help. Just keep in mind that deductibles and co-pays may still apply.

Also, if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance (or any at all), your own UM/UIM policy can step in to help with medical costs. Some motorcycle insurance policies offer MedPay or Personal Injury Protection, which can help cover medical expenses regardless of who was at fault.

Dealing with insurance companies while recovering from a concussion can be overwhelming. However, Attorney Coby L. Wooten can help make sure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Compensation and settlements after a motorcycle concussion

If you suffered a concussion in a motorcycle crash, you may be eligible for compensation. The amount depends on how serious your injury is, how it affects your life, and what kind of insurance coverage is available.

Compensation in concussion cases often includes:

• Medical expenses: Covers hospital visits, imaging tests, medications, therapy, and future medical care if symptoms persist.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: If your concussion keeps you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income and any future loss of earnings.
• Pain and suffering: Concussions can cause lingering headaches, memory problems, and emotional distress, all of which can be factored into a settlement.

Insurance companies often try to downplay concussions by claiming they’re “mild” injuries. But if you’re dealing with brain fog, chronic headaches, or trouble focusing, you know there’s nothing minor about it. Coby L. Wooten can fight to make sure you get the compensation you need to move forward.

Recovery is within reach. A Fort Worth motorcycle accident concussion lawyer will fight for you.

In the event of a motorcycle accident, it is critical that you seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor enough to just “walk off,” a medical evaluation can help you build a strong claim and prevent any future complications from manifesting.

Don’t count on the negligent party’s insurance company to compensate you for your medical expenses, loss of wages or suffering. Their only interest is keeping their own costs down, even if it results in your financial hardship. Furthermore, you should never accept one of their “low ball” settlements, not without talking to an attorney first. It is unlikely that a such settlement offer will compensate you for the full cost of your recovery, leaving you with a mountain of medical expenses.

Let Attorney Coby L. Wooten handle the insurance companies. With decades of experience and legal knowledge, he’ll launch a thorough investigation and fight to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable for your losses. Contact Wooten today for a free case evaluation, or call our Fort Worth office at 817-632-8400.