Traumatic Brain Injuries and Motorcycle Accidents

Denver, Colorado Attorney William P. Godsman

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 88 motorcycle riders died in Colorado motorcycle accidents. Due to their limited protection, motorcyclists are at greater risk of being killed or suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a Colorado motorcycle accident, a Colorado lawyer experienced in handling motorcycle accident claims can advise you of your legal rights and determine whether you are entitled to compensation.

Traumatic brain injuries generally result from a sudden and forceful blow to the head or penetration of the brain tissue. Head trauma is the most common cause of serious injury or death from motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle riders can suffer TBI when their head hits the road or another vehicle during a motorcycle accident.

While helmet use does reduce the risk of head injury or death, it does not completely eliminate it. The NHTSA estimates that 67% of motorcyclists who were killed in Colorado motorcycle accidents in 2008 were not wearing helmets. They further estimate that fatal injuries are reduced by 37%-41% when helmets are worn. Despite this, the State of Colorado only requires motorcycle drivers or passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets.

Motorcycles provide less physical protection and stability in an accident than other vehicles. This, combined with their reduced visibility, puts motorcyclists at higher risk for suffering severe head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. In a motorcycle accident, the nature and severity of head injuries to motorcyclists vary based upon the circumstances of the accident. Injuries can range from a mild concussion to more serious injuries such as a fractured skull, bleeding in the brain, or a lack of oxygen to the brain. These more severe injuries can lead to permanent brain damage, long-term disability, and even death.

If you or someone you love is injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a Colorado attorney experienced in handling motorcycle accident claims. Your attorney will need to aggressively investigate your accident to determine if your head injuries were the result of another person's negligence. Colorado attorney, William P. Godsman, zealously represents the rights of motorcycle accident victims. To find out more about your rights after a traumatic Colorado motorcycling accident, contact Denver motorcycle accident lawyer William P. Godsman, for a FREE CASE CONSULTATION. Call (303) 455-6900 today.

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Colorado Brain injury Resources