If you talk with a long time motorcycle rider, you will likely hear the great passion many share for the open road. Many riders find their most peaceful moments taking their bikes out on a stretch of rural road, a mountain that has broad vistas and few people. Whether it is the North Atlanta Lake Run or the Lumpkin Loop, which are among the many Sunday morning rides featured in our state, Georgia motorcycle riders have many options for wonderful open road rides. Most riders agree that their motorcycles bring them fun and relaxation. Whether riding on the open road or on a busy highway, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to accident or injury and sometimes that injury includes what is called Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI.
In some motorcycle accidents, TBI’s can be less severe or avoided by wearing a helmet. Although some riders prefer to ride without a helmet, this is not the law in our state. Under Georgia law, motorcycle riders and operators must wear a helmet. In addition, eye protection must be worn if the motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield. Our law is intended to protect riders from injury. Even with a helmet, some bike accidents result in TBI due to the nature of the crash, the velocity of the vehicles involved and sometimes the road itself. Traumatic brain injury can result from many types of motorcycle crashes including intersection accidents and highway accidents. TBI’s can differ both in severity and in prognosis and can vary from mild, to moderate to severe. A mild TBI can still be debilitating. It can cause serious symptoms that interfere with daily life such as headache, dizziness and confusion. More severe TBI can result in long term challenges such as changes in cognitive and physical function.
Like many other areas of highway safety, Georgia motorcycle crash statistics are moving in the wrong direction. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety statistics show that year to year the number of motorcyclist fatalities in our state is growing. From 137 in 2014 to 173 in 2016. The expected results for 2018 based on prior year increases is anticipated to be 264. Statistics show that wearing a helmet can save a rider’s life. Wearing a helmet can also help protect a rider from TBI or lessen the potential for this often debilitating form of trauma.
If you are riding your bike and you are struck by a car or truck or other type of vehicle, the deck is stacked against you in terms of size and weight of your bike and the other vehicle. If your injuries are caused by such factors as another driver’s negligence or a problem with the road itself or other causes, the law allows you to recover for your injuries, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages or work and other damages. Because the injuries in a TBI can be long term and require ongoing support, it is very important that you seek what you are entitled to receive so that you get the medical support needed to heal and return to your prior work and life, if at all possible
Scholle Law is here to help riders after an injury or crash that is caused by the negligence of another person or entity. We have helped many riders recover after a serious motorcycle accident. We want you to get back to your life and good health. We are particularly knowledgeable in the area of brain injury and can help with both medical and legal issues related to brain injury and recovery.