Often, those among the over-60 motorcycle set have more time in their lives to enjoy riding the open road.
For these older riders, defensive driving is a must because the injuries they may suffer in a crash could be life-threatening—or worse.
Older motorcycle riders and the AAA mortality report
Mitigating the impact of traumatic brain injuries
Many people think of a brain injury as the result of a bump on the head. However, in a car accident, the sudden violent force can send the brain crashing into the inside of the skull, and because there was no obvious head trauma, the victim may not even realize that there is a problem.
If the blow to the brain was enough to bruise delicate tissues and tear blood vessels, the victim may have suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Catastrophic injuries can remain hidden after a collision
Car accidents are scary occurrences no matter who you are. Senior defensive back Kris Boyd, a performer for the All-Big 12, sustained injuries after a car crash that occurred on Independence Day in Texas. While the players seemed fine at the scene, it is always important for people involved in collisions to remain cognizant of their health.
In some cases, injuries from a motor vehicle accident will be readily apparent. People can sustain cuts and bruises and know immediately that they need to see a doctor. However, there have been plenty of cases where a victim's symptoms did not become apparent until days or weeks later. This is why everyone involved in a car crash should seek medical attention promptly after the incident.
How catastrophic injuries affect your future
It is an unfortunate fact that oftentimes auto accidents result in catastrophic injuries. What is less known and considered, however, is the long-term impact of these injuries on a person's future. Although the immediate aftermath is apparent right away and brings its own unique challenges, once the dust settles and the injured party must move on with his or her life, enduring consequences become more apparent.
Because catastrophic injuries from auto accidents have both immediate and long-term impacts, it is important not to underestimate the compensation that the injured party deserves. Often, the best way to understand the full scope of the impact of a serious auto accident and the resulting injuries is by consulting with a skilled personal injury attorney who works with these cases.
Steps to take following a motorcycle accident
Motorcyclists face an increased risk on roadways. Data collected in 2015 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed how motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to die on the road compared to passenger occupants in a standard automobile. Motorcyclists were six times more likely to suffer an injury.
Since a motorcyclist is more exposed, there is a greater likelihood of catastrophic injury in the event of a collision. Following an accident, a motorcyclist needs to check for any injuries. Even if someone feels fine, it is still a good idea to see a doctor. Certain conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, may not manifest for weeks or months. After getting injuries examined, here are the steps to take.
What should I know about spinal cord injuries?
Spinal cord injuries can result from sudden, severe trauma to the spine where the vertebrae are fractured or compressed. Injured vertebrae can affect nerve fibers and disrupt the sensations passing through the injured area, thereby impairing your corresponding muscles and nerves. A prime example is how a severe neck injury can affect your ability to move your arms and, possibly impair your ability to breathe. Severe injuries to vertebrae may also result in permanent paralysis.
Nearly 500,000 people live with permanent spinal cord injuries in the United States. About 10,000 new injuries occur each year, with a large majority involving men between the ages of 16-30. While much has been made about football collisions leading to spinal cord trauma, spinal cord injuries stem primarily from motor vehicle accidents.
Mother and son killed in accident: Who is responsible?
A young mother and her toddler where killed in a pedestrian-auto accident. Mom and son were walking along Padre Island Highway when a man in a sports utility vehicle veered off the road and struck them. Both died of injuries sustained by the accident.
The driver, Gustavo Munoz, was charged with one count of criminal negligent homicide after the toddler died, and an additional charge is expected to be added now that the mother has passed as well.
What will you lose if you suffer a brain injury?
Without ever having looked at the settlement for a multi-million dollar personal injury claim, most people could tell you that suffering a brain injury is not only incredibly serious, but costly as well. From lengthy hospital stays, multiple surgeries, prescriptions to long-term rehabilitation, brain injuries can end up costing someone hundreds of thousands of dollars -- even millions -- over the course of their lifetime.
Beyond the dollar signs of these expenses, however, lies the hidden costs of a brain injury. While these costs cannot be easily quantified, their impact on a person's life can be just as great as the financial costs. A look at these four costs can help us understand the true cost of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an accident.
Ankle Fractures: A Common Injury in Auto Accidents
Everyone who drives a car has seen accidents on the side of the road or been involved in a car accident themselves. Car accidents are a risk of operating a motor vehicle and regardless of the size of a car accident, every car accident can cause serious injuries. Ankle fractures are a common injury that people can sustain in car accidents and can range widely in both severity and unintended consequences.
