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Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, but few are as serious or life-altering as head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Unlike occupants of cars and trucks, motorcyclists have little protection in a crash—leaving their head exposed to immense forces. Even with a helmet, the risk of a head injury remains significant in high-speed or severe collisions. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we have seen firsthand how devastating these injuries can be for victims and their families throughout Chicago and Illinois.
If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in a motorcycle accident, you know the road to recovery can be long and uncertain. Understanding the nature of these injuries, their impact, and your legal options is essential to moving forward. Our team is here to provide guidance, advocacy, and compassionate support every step of the way.
The Scope of the Problem in Illinois and Chicago
Motorcycle accidents are a serious concern across Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were over 2,500 motorcycle-related injuries and 174 fatalities in the state in 2021. While not all of these accidents resulted in head injuries, the risk is ever-present: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that head injuries remain one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability among motorcyclists.
Chicago’s dense traffic, unpredictable weather, and busy intersections create additional hazards for riders. The city consistently ranks among the top in the state for motorcycle-related crashes and injuries. In Cook County alone, emergency rooms see hundreds of cases of head trauma from motorcycle crashes each year—many of which could have lifelong consequences.
How Do Head Injuries Occur in Motorcycle Accidents?
During a motorcycle accident, a rider’s head may strike the pavement, another vehicle, a stationary object, or even be subjected to violent shaking forces without direct contact. Unlike the occupants of enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists lack the protection of seatbelts, airbags, and a reinforced passenger cabin. The impact can cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue.
Helmets play a vital role in reducing the severity of head injuries. However, Illinois is one of only a handful of states that does not require adult motorcyclists to wear helmets. According to IDOT, helmet use among Illinois riders is significantly lower than the national average, increasing the potential for severe injuries when crashes occur.
Types of Head Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Head injuries from motorcycle accidents can range from mild to catastrophic. Some of the most common include:
Concussions:
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that shakes the brain inside the skull. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and temporary loss of consciousness.
Contusions:
A contusion is a bruise on the brain, often caused by a direct impact. Severe contusions can lead to swelling and increased pressure inside the skull, requiring emergency treatment.
Skull Fractures:
The force of a crash can cause the bones of the skull to crack or shatter. Skull fractures increase the risk of infection, bleeding, and damage to underlying brain tissue.
Intracranial Hemorrhage:
This is bleeding within the skull, which can occur inside the brain (intracerebral), between the brain and its outer covering (subdural or epidural), or in other locations. Hemorrhages can be life-threatening and often require immediate surgical intervention.
Diffuse Axonal Injury:
Rapid acceleration or deceleration can cause the brain’s nerve fibers (axons) to stretch and tear. This type of injury is often associated with loss of consciousness and can result in lasting cognitive and physical impairments.
The Devastating Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury can change every aspect of a victim’s life. The physical, cognitive, and emotional effects may be temporary or permanent. Some common consequences include:
- Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
- Speech and language problems
- Personality changes, depression, and anxiety
- Loss of coordination and balance
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Difficulty with daily tasks and self-care
For families, the emotional and financial burden can be overwhelming. Victims may require months or years of rehabilitation, ongoing therapy, and support with basic activities. In severe cases, full-time care or assisted living may be necessary.
According to the Brain Injury Association of Illinois, more than 50,000 people in Illinois are living with disabilities caused by brain injuries. Motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of these life-changing events.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Brain injuries are not always immediately apparent. Symptoms may develop hours or days after an accident, and even a mild head injury can have serious consequences if left untreated. That’s why it is crucial for anyone involved in a motorcycle accident to seek medical attention right away—even if they feel “fine.”
Treatment for head injuries may involve:
- Emergency care to stabilize the patient
- Imaging studies (CT scans, MRIs) to assess damage
- Surgery to relieve pressure or repair bleeding
- Medications to control swelling, seizures, or pain
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Long-term rehabilitation and counseling
Recovery from a traumatic brain injury is often unpredictable. Some patients regain much of their function; others experience lifelong disabilities.
The Financial Toll of Head Injuries
The cost of treating a TBI or other head injury is staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lifetime economic cost of a severe TBI can easily exceed $1 million per person—including medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and ongoing care. In Chicago and across Illinois, families are often forced to navigate insurance claims, workers’ compensation, and disability benefits while coping with the trauma of a loved one’s injury.
Lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and the need for modifications to the home or vehicle add even more to the burden. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that fall far short of what is needed for true recovery—and may even try to shift blame to the motorcyclist.
Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Head Injury in Illinois
Illinois follows a fault-based system for vehicle accidents, including those involving motorcycles. This means that if another motorist was negligent—whether through distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, or intoxication—they may be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries and damages. Victims are entitled to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future care
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
If the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless, punitive damages may also be available.
Why Legal Help Matters
Head injuries and TBI cases are complex. Insurance companies often minimize the extent of the injury or argue that the rider was at fault. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our attorneys have extensive experience investigating motorcycle accidents, gathering critical evidence, consulting with medical experts, and fighting for the full compensation our clients deserve.
We understand the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Our goal is to relieve the legal and financial burden so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident and may have suffered a head injury:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for mild symptoms.
- Document all medical visits, diagnoses, and treatment plans.
- Keep records of time missed from work and any related expenses.
- Do not sign any documents or accept settlement offers without speaking to an attorney.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
We Are Here to Help
At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we are dedicated to helping injured motorcyclists and their families secure the resources they need to move forward. If you or someone you love has suffered a head injury or traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. You do not have to face this journey alone—we are here to stand by your side and fight for your future.
Motorcycle Accident Injury Resources
- Traumatic brain injuries (even if the rider was wearing a helmet)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe fractures and orthopedic injuries
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Road rash and scarring
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