Post-Concussion Syndrome from a Motorcycle Crash

Some injuries, like broken bones and road rash, heal nearly completely. There may be a bit of lingering discomfort from time to time, but overall these injuries heal with few lasting effects. But, as we have learned recently, concussions have aftereffects that can last a lifetime. 

When you have a concussion from a motorcycle crash, you must understand that the trauma your brain has experienced may have effects that linger for weeks, months, or longer. That is why you should never underestimate any head injury, no matter how minor. Traumatic brain injuries do heal, but the brain requires a significant amount of time to make new neural connections. It can take a week to several months to return to normal after even a minor traumatic brain injury.

Head injuries from motorcycle accidents also bring increased risk for mental illness and neurological disorder, both at the time of the crash and even decades later in life. A study has shown that approximately twenty percent of people who have experienced traumatic brain injuries show signs of mental illness even six months after the motorcycle accident. Mild brain injuries or TBI have been linked to suicide and the development of disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

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While the immediate effects of a mild traumatic brain injury are usually limited to a few weeks or months after the motorcycle accident, some people experience post-concussion syndrome. Imagine how traumatizing it must be to have neurological and mental functions altered for a period of months, years, or even a lifetime. For victims of many victims of brain injury, this is a grim reality.

Here is what we know about post-concussion syndrome:

• Existing psychological conditions, like depression and anxiety, often deteriorate after a concussion. Mood swings, also, are more common.
• Some people find they have a hard time controlling their thoughts, and that they keep experiencing vivid flashbacks of the time surrounding their crash. PTSD is not uncommon.
• Recurrent headaches or migraines can last for months or longer. These tension-type headaches may also be associated with neck injuries.
• Changes in taste and smell can present following a concussion from a motorcycle crash. Other senses can be altered, as well.
• Insomnia and general sleep disturbances are often present in post-concussion syndrome. This can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling as if you have not rested enough.
• In addition to insomnia, some people feel they are frequently tired and lethargic, even if they have slept enough hours. Attempting to concentrate, for instance reading or engaging in a deep conversation, can exacerbate these symptoms.
• Memory can be altered after a concussion. The days surrounding the concussion may seem like a blur, and it can be difficult to form new memories or learn new things.
• Sensitivity to noise and light can occur. This can make simple tasks like going outside, driving, and watching television uncomfortable.
• Concussions can lead to mood and emotional challenges later in life. Some people report having a volatile temper or periods of depression when they never experienced these challenges prior to their injury.
• Recent studies have indicated an increase in the suicide rate following a concussion.

Despite all of the suffering, there is little doctors can do to combat the last effects of a concussion. Healing takes time- but few of us have months to put our lives on hold. During this recovery time, you may not be able to work at all. You may even require additional help at home so that you can rest and not stress your senses. Weeks or months away from work can put you in a tremendous financial bind. 

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That is why you should be careful before you agree to a settlement after a motorcycle crash. Often, the seemingly well-intentioned insurance adjuster may just want you to agree to a quick settlement to close your case for as little money as possible. But will these funds really be sufficient to support you during the recovery process?

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Consider, also, that your neurological issues may not be resolved in a few weeks or even months. You may require time to recover that extends far past what you expect early on. There is simply no way to know exactly how your brain will heal from the trauma of your motorcycle crash. As a motorcycle accident victim attorney, we seek to advocate for your needs. We have seen the devastating effects of concussions. We want to give you the time needed to recover, without unnecessary financial concerns.

Rather than go it alone, we strongly suggest you contact 1-800-MOTORCYCLE to speak with an experienced motorcycle crash attorney. Our lawyers have handled hundreds of cases, representing injured bikers across the country. A simple phone call is all you need to start on the path to financial recovery. It is not too late for the law to work in your favor! Don’t let post-concussion syndrome after a motorcycle crash leave you in a financial bind.