The number of registered motorcycles in the State of Florida sits at around 600,000. In 2016 alone, nearly 56 of every 100,000 of these were involved in a crash where somebody’s life was taken. This means that roughly calculated, you are more than 34x more likely to be involved in a fatal crash on a motorcyclist compared to the owner of a passenger vehicle like a car or truck.
Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous compared to a car for several reasons. Firstly, they lack seat belts and airbags. Secondly, they are open-air, meaning there is nothing to protect you from the physical impact.
For these reasons, accidents on a motorcycle carry a much higher chance of injury. Fractured bones, asphalt burns, and severe tissue damage are all common injuries in motorcycle accident cases.
But, less thought about is the high chance of PTSD and other mental issues arising in the aftermath.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault and you have developed PTSD as a result, then you may be entitled to seek compensation from the other party. To get a free case evaluation and some free legal advice, contact one of our attorneys here at The Law Place.
We ensure that our phone lines are always manned, every hour of the day, every day of the week. This means we are always here when you need us. Contact us today for a free consultation at (941) 444-4444.
The Hidden Danger of Head Injuries following Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be severe, with a large amount of the force involved being absorbed by the rider and the motorcycle. This impact is more than enough to snap bones, cause serious trauma and even kill the rider. Head injuries are the biggest cause for concern and are the reason why so many motorcyclists involved in accidents end up with long-term injuries that require long-term therapy and treatment.
Florida has a strange rule when it comes to helmets. Under the age of 21, you have to wear a helmet under this law, but once you reach 21, you can use a motorcycle without a helmet as long as you have insurance. This is a serious problem as the chances of death and long-term debilitating injury drastically improve when you don’t wear a helmet.
Simply wearing a helmet reduces your chance of death in a motorcycle accident by nearly 40% alone. They also massively reduce the chances of a TBI (traumatic brain injury). TBI’s are the cause of nearly 32% of all injury-related deaths across the entire country.
Additionally, research has found that:
- During the first year following a TBI, nearly half of all people suffering a TBI will develop depression or other mental illnesses like PTSD.
- 70% of victims will develop depression or mental illnesses within 7 years.
In comparison, across the general public, in the same 7-year time span, less than one person in 10 will suffer from depression. This is 10% compared to 70%.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Motorcycle Accident
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is extremely common following a traumatic experience like a motorcycle accident. The disorder can manifest itself in a number of different side effects and triggers, but commonly, there are 3 categories that may apply:
- Flashbacks -Victims may suffer terrible nightmares, clear, vivid flashbacks, or thoughts that carry smells and emotions.
- Suppression – The victim may also struggle to remember the incident clearly, getting facts wrong or failing to remember at all.
- Hyperarousal -Easily startled, insomnia, and prone to anger.
Lots of motorcycles accident victims do not realize that they can develop PTSD after a motorcycle crash. PTSD symptoms can be difficult to diagnose, and many people do not even consider that their serious motorcycle accident was a traumatic event that may require the help of a mental health professional.
If you are struggling to sleep, can’t remember the accident clearly, or are suffering from flashbacks or triggers, then you may be entitled to seek compensation. You should first contact a professional who can help you deal with your mental wellbeing. Next, you should seek the help of a skilled and experienced injury lawyer.
Understanding Symptoms to Watch
Being the victim of a traumatic event like a motorcycle crash can be incredibly difficult for both the victim and the friends and family of the victim. Post-traumatic stress disorder can lead to the victim lashing out, becoming subdued and withdrawn, and acting in a way that isn’t normal for them.
It can also be hard to return to work or even enjoy the things you used to enjoy.
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress and mental anguish can take numerous different forms following a motorcycle accident, including:
- Regularly occurring dreams about the traumatic event.
- Recurring memories or intense flashbacks.
- Obsessing over the accident.
- Insomnia or other sleep troubles.
- Appearing on edge at all times.
- Mood swings or irritability.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Anxiety or stress when trying to recall the accident.
- Lack of interest in motorcycles, when before it was a passion.
- Loss of interest in other favorite activities.
- Becoming withdrawn or detached from family and friends.
- Inability to remember the accident.
The symptoms of PTSD can manifest at any point after the accident, but in most cases, they will persist for longer than a month and begin to get serious after three. If you or someone you love is showing the above symptoms contact a counselor straight away to ensure that your mental health is being monitored on top of your physical injuries.
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Contact The Law Place
Here at The Law Place, we offer a free legal consultation for a reason. We want you to know that when you call us, we will give you the best free legal advice we possibly can with no strings attached. If you want to continue, we will organize a free consultation to evaluate your case properly. This means you have nothing to lose by calling us, yet potentially a lot to gain.
We work on a no-win, no-fee basis which means you will never have to worry about being left out of pocket.
We have over 75 years of combined experience in personal injury law in Florida, with many of our attorneys achieving the highest possible AVVO rating of 10.0, which is only awarded after years in service, awards, client reviews, and more.
Contact us today at (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free case evaluation.
