Over the July 4th weekend, a motorcyclist died from head injuries due to a crash while not wearing a helmet. He was riding as part of a group protesting states with mandatory helmet laws.
According to CNN, during the ride, Philip A. Contos, 55 years old and an experienced rider, hit his brakes, fishtailed the bike and lost control before flying over the handlebars and hitting his head on the ground. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The accident occurred in New York, where state police and an attending medical expert say he could have survived if he was wearing a helmet.
Helmets Reduce Risk 65 Percent
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclist helmet use declined in 2010 after a 5-year upswing. NHTSA also found that while helmets reduce the risk of brain injury by 65 percent, motorcycle accidents cost nearly 12.5 times more, on average, than all vehicular accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A major reason for the increased cost is due to the traumatic brain injuries (TBI) likely to be suffered by the motorcyclist. Even if a rider is fortunate enough to not hit their head during a crash, the immediate stop after moving at a high rate of speed can cause certain types of TBI. TBI can carry a variety of serious short- and long-term consequences, including: physical trauma, emotional and cognitive problems, behavioral issues, temporary or permanent disability and death.
Diagnosis and Care
Based on the wide range of problems potentially caused by TBI, it is easier to understand how damage may not be readily apparent. Proper diagnosis requires longer-term observation and testing than emergency medical personnel will be able to provide at the scene of the accident or in the ER.
Due to the complicated nature of TBI and its treatment and the potential for long-term care and loss of livelihood due to disability, it is vitally important to ensure you have an expert by your side, representing your best interests. Coping with the accident and all that follows is time you and your family need to heal, not worry about medical bills or working with insurance companies.
Contact Us
The Brain Injury Law Center specializes in TBI cases. In fact, our director, Stephen M. Smith, Esq, won the world’s largest mild traumatic brain injury settlement for a client. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, please contact us today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
