What Factors Contribute to Increased Teen Crash Risk?

Several factors contribute to the increased likelihood of teen car accidents during the summer, including:

• Increased freedom and time: Teens often have more free time during summer, leading to more driving. Without the structure of school, they may engage in more recreational activities, increasing their time on the road. This may also increase the risks associated with nighttime driving, as teens may be allowed to stay out later during summer months.
• Inexperience: Many teens are relatively new drivers. Their lack of experience can lead to poor decision-making and inability to handle unexpected situations.
• Distractions: With friends in the car, teens may face distractions that divert their attention from driving. Additionally, the use of mobile devices while driving remains a significant concern.

Parents can use this information to implement strategies to reduce the risk their child is in a crash.

How Can Parents Reduce the Risk of Their Children Getting Into a Car Accident During The Summer?

The driving experts with AAA note that one of the best ways to help teach teens to drive safe is to model safe driving practices. It is also helpful to make sure they complete a driving program at a reputable facility. Some basic rules can also help, such as setting curfews and expectations around putting phones away while driving.

What Are the Legal Implications if My Teen Is in a Crash?

The first step is to determine liability. If the teen caused the crash, they may be responsible for damages. If the crash was caused by another driver’s negligent or reckless actions, you can hold that driver financially accountable. It is important to gather evidence to help build a claim. This could include contact information for any witnesses and copies of a police report.

The increased freedom that comes with summer months should be a time for teens to explore and engage in extracurricular activities. If done wisely, this can mean increased experiences and great memories. In the event of an accident, know that you do not have to go through the legal process alone. Attorneys with experience in these types of situations can review the case, discuss your options, and advocate for your interests.

Motorcycles Are Much Smaller Than Other Vehicles.

Drivers often miss seeing motorcyclists because motorcycles are much smaller than cars, trucks and buses. Motorcycles have a much narrower profile, and other vehicles, road signs or even roadside barriers can easily block them from view. This makes it hard for drivers to see motorcyclists, especially in busy traffic or at high speeds.

Motorcycles Are More Likely to Fall Entirely in a Driver’s Blind Spot.

Every vehicle has blind spots where the driver cannot see nearby objects through the mirror. Motorcycles are small enough to fit perfectly into these blind spots, especially for larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks. If a driver does not check over their shoulder before changing lanes or turning, they might completely miss seeing a motorcycle.

Drivers Are Often Distracted.

These days, distractions are everywhere. Texting, talking on the phone, using a GPS, or even changing the radio can distract a driver from focusing on the road. Over 60 percent of people admit to using their phone while driving, and many others say they eat, apply makeup or even take photos while driving. Even a short distraction can prevent a driver from noticing a motorcycle.

Drivers May not Be Looking for Motorcyclists.

Drivers are used to looking for cars and trucks, not motorcycles. This is called “inattentional blindness.” It means that even if a driver is looking right at a motorcycle, they might not see it as a vehicle, especially when driving fast. This cognitive blind spot can lead to dangerous oversights.

Drivers May Misjudge the Speed of a Motorcycle.

Motorcycles can speed up quickly, and drivers in larger vehicles might have trouble judging how fast a motorcycle is moving. If a driver glances quickly and underestimates the motorcycle’s speed at an intersection, they might go ahead and cause a collision.

It is important that motorcyclists get the same safety consideration as those in larger vehicles. Knowing the risks motorcyclists face and taking steps to increase your visibility can help you keep the joy of motorcycle riding safe.

Wearing a seatbelt reduces the potential for serious injury and death. This is done by keeping occupants securely in place and making sure they are not thrown or ejected from the vehicle when a collision occurs. Compliance with these laws is about avoiding fines and, more importantly, safeguarding lives.

Here, you can learn more about the importance of wearing a seatbelt in a car accident. 

Impact on Compensation Claims

In the event of a car accident, wearing a seatbelt can have a significant impact on any potential compensation claims. Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This rule states that you may be considered partially at fault for injuries if you do not wear a seatbelt. If this happens, then the compensation you receive may be reduced.  

For instance, if you are deemed 30% at fault for not wearing a seatbelt, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage. This underscores the importance of always wearing a seatbelt to ensure you can claim the maximum compensation possible.

No-Fault Insurance and Seatbelt Use

Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that in the case of an accident, your insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. 

However, if injuries are severe and compensation is sought beyond no-fault benefits, proving that you were wearing a seatbelt can strengthen your case. It demonstrates that you took necessary precautions, which can be pivotal in legal proceedings and settlement negotiations.

Always wearing a seatbelt is not only a legal requirement in Michigan but also a critical factor in protecting your health and maximizing your compensation in the event of a car accident. Legal guidance can further help you navigate these situations and secure the compensation you deserve.

Below are the common pitfalls that could complicate the settlement process and jeopardize your claim.

Not Seeking Medical Attention

It’s important to see a doctor even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Seeking medical attention is not just good for your well-being, but it also provides formal documentation of your injuries. You may need to show your injuries were caused by the crash or demonstrate their severity, which may be impossible without medical evidence.

Failing to Report the Accident

It’s advisable to contact law enforcement after an accident. The police report at the crash scene can be crucial evidence of the circumstances that led to the accident. In addition, Michigan law requires drivers to report an accident that results in injury, death or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police. Failing to report the accident can lead to legal issues.

Not Notifying Your Insurance Company

You should report the accident to your insurance company immediately after it occurs, even if you believe the other driver was to blame. Your insurance policy should specify when you must notify the insurer, and it’s best to adhere to the requirements.

When speaking to your insurer, do not give unnecessary details about the crash or admit fault. Be concise and straight to the point.

Settling too Soon

Do not rush into early settlement offers without careful consideration as you may settle for less than you deserve. Furthermore, you cannot request additional compensation once you agree to close your claim.

Overlooking Legal Guidance

Certain legal complexities in your case may affect your car accident claim, like shared responsibility for the crash or disagreements over what exactly happened. Seeking qualified legal assistance can help address such hurdles and protect your interests throughout the claims process.

Airbags aren’t perfect, however. Despite their role in vehicle safety, airbags can also cause injuries to unlucky drivers and their passengers under certain circumstances.

Why Do Airbag Injuries Happen?

There are a variety of reasons that airbags can cause injuries, including:

• Design flaws: Airbags were largely designed with men in mind. Only recently have female crash-test dummies been used, and they are not mandatory for testing. Women are injured far more often and more seriously than men in wrecks, partially because airbags are not designed with their bodies in mind. 
• Malfunction: Sometimes an airbag doesn’t open when it’s supposed to open in a crash. Other times, airbags will deploy when the vehicle is barely tapped – which they are not supposed to do. The force of deployment can end up causing serious injuries.
• Installation issues: Incorrect installation of airbags at a dealership or repair shop can compromise their effectiveness and increase the risk that someone will get injured when the airbags are deployed.

There are also numerous possible injuries associated with airbags. Their rapid deployment can cause injuries to a driver’s or passenger’s face, neck, chest and arms. Eye injuries, including corneal abrasions and retinal detachments, are common. Some victims also experience damage to their inner ears, leaving them with tinnitus or permanent hearing loss.

If you’ve been injured in a wreck and your injuries were at least partially caused by the airbag, you may want to consider legal guidance. You may be able to hold more than just the other driver accountable for your losses.

First in line is the extent or severity of your injuries and the ensuing damages. This includes the impact on your daily life, duration of recovery and all other present and future losses. Your settlement should cover all your damages as it’s meant to make you as “whole” as you were before the crash.

Presenting evidence of your damages can help strengthen your claim. This may include medical records, bills, receipts and documentation of your losses. The stronger the evidence in your support, the more likely you are to receive a fair settlement.

Your Degree of Fault Will Come Into Play

Liability for the accident is crucial. If you played a role in the crash, it may affect your ability to recover compensation or reduce the amount you are entitled to. For instance, if you are 30% at fault, you can only recover 70% of your damages. Remember, you cannot file a car accident claim against the other party if you were more than 50% responsible for the crash, at least in most jurisdictions.

The Negligent Party’s Insurance Coverage Matters

The insurance policy limits of the at-fault party can also impact your settlement. If the at-fault party’s insurance policy has low limits, it may limit the amount you can recover, especially if your damages are significant. However, you may have other options in such situations.

If you have been in a car accident, it’s important to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and to better ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages. There is too much at stake to risk a low settlement as a result of “DIY” missteps.

If you have to drive to get to work or for other purposes, then the chances of accidents are higher during extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to protect yourself.

Preparing Before You Leave

Your actions before you even set off are extremely important to driving safety. If it’s been snowing or temperatures are below zero, you’ll want to clear your windshield of snow and make sure it is fully defrosted.

During the winter months, it’s more important than ever that your warning lights and signals are functional. You can make sure that your signals and headlights are working by asking someone else to look. If you’re on your own, you can check the reflections of the lights against a wall or garage door.

If you break down or get into an accident, it’s important to have supplies with you. Packing a bag with water and snacks as well as a winter coat, gloves, scarf and hat can be very useful.

Safe Driving in Winter Conditions

When you’re on the road, it’s important to be extra vigilant. Leave a safe stopping distance between you and the next vehicle. If someone is following you too closely, let them pass if safe to do so.

Braking and accelerating should be done gradually during cold conditions. Slamming on the brakes is unlikely to have the desired effect and accelerating quickly could make the vehicle head into a wheel spin.

The measures discussed should increase your safety, but you can’t make other drivers follow the same tips. If you’ve been hurt by a negligent driver, be sure to look into your legal options.

A motorcyclist may have a higher chance of suffering from injuries at night since half of all vehicle accidents happen when the sun is down. Here are some common nighttime dangers for motorcyclists: 

1. A Driver Is Distracted

A distraction can cause a driver to look away from the road and take their hands off the wheel. Because motorcycles are often harder to see at night, a driver who is distracted may not notice a motorcyclist on the road and cause an accident. Some common distractions include texting and driving, changing the AC and talking to passengers.

2. A Driver Isn’t Using Their Lights

When a driver doesn’t use their lights, it creates two issues. One, a driver lowers their visibility on the road when they don’t use their lights. Two, a motorcyclist may not notice a car that doesn’t have its lights on. At night, this is a deadly combination. 

3. A Diver Is Drowsy

Many people get tired while driving at night. This can be caused by not getting enough sleep, medications or exhaustion from work. A drowsy driver may have impaired visibility and a lowered ability to react to obstacles on the road, such as motorcycles. A drowsy driver could also fall asleep and injure others.

4. A Driver Is Speeding

Many drivers break speed limits at night when there’s less traffic and police presence. Speeding can make it harder for drivers to control their vehicles. If a driver doesn’t see a motorist while speeding, they may not stop their vehicle in time.

5. A Driver Is Drunk

Many people leave bars at night. Drinking and driving, however, is incredibly dangerous and against the law. A motorist could suffer from an accident, for example, if a drunk driver ran a red light, served between lanes or suddenly stopped their vehicle. 

If you’ve been injured while riding your motorcycle due to another driver’s mistakes, legal guidance can help you get all the compensation you are due.

Many people only equate distraction with phone use, so a driver may feel they were not distracted because they were not using their phone. Yet distraction can come from so many places that most drivers are guilty of it at some point.

Passengers

Talking to someone else in the car diverts attention from the road. Turning to look at them means your eyes are not on the road, and using a hand to gesture means that hand is not available to steer the vehicle.

The Radio or GPS

Drivers should ideally set these up before departing and leave them alone while driving. It’s natural to want to adjust the volume, change the channel or search for a better route if you get into a traffic jam. However, all those adjustments take a hand from the wheel (unless the controls are on the wheel itself) and the eyes from the road. In addition, they also require a bit of thought, which takes attention away from the road.

Food, Drink and Other Things

Hungry? Thirsty? Lips feeling dry? About to sneeze? Solving the problem requires reaching for something, be it food, drink, lip balm or a tissue. These things are all distractions.

Someone only needs to be distracted for a second to cause a crash. If they injure you, you’ll want to learn how to hold them responsible.

Here are some examples of catastrophic injuries:

• Spinal cord damage
• Nerve damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Organ damage and failure
• Severe burns
• Loss of hearing
• Loss of sight
• Amputation
• Loss of bodily functions

You must understand how serious these injuries are to know how much you need to make a full recovery.

How Can a Victim of Catastrophic Injuries Recover Damages?

Motor vehicle accidents are so common, so much so that Michigan established no-fault laws for people who sustain damages in a car accident. The goal of the no-fault law is to lessen lawsuits and streamline the process of recovering compensation. Michigan requires all drivers to obtain no-fault car insurance or personal injury protection (PIP).

Your insurance provider should cover the damages if you sustain injuries in a car accident. However, the medical costs of catastrophic injuries may far exceed your coverage limits. On top of the PIP claims, you might want to pursue a third-party lawsuit.

What Is a Third-Party Lawsuit?

A third-party lawsuit is when the victim sues the driver legally responsible for the car accident. Because Michigan is a no-fault state, it limits the rights of victims. Only an individual with serious impairment of bodily functions can sue a negligent driver. The driver must pay you for the damages they caused that surpass your insurance limit.

Pursuing a third-party lawsuit is challenging, but you should not let it stop you from fighting for your right to fair and just compensation.

Accident Information

On a recent day in Detroit, a tire flew off a vehicle traveling southbound on I-75, bounced over the median and went into the northbound lanes, where it struck a second vehicle, causing the second vehicle to crash. The driver of this second vehicle was killed. According to a news report, this car accident occurred in the late afternoon during clear driving conditions, and the driver of the first vehicle stayed to provide authorities with information following the accident.

State Data Around Car Crashes

Michigan state crash data provided more details in the most recent 2021 statewide report on accident frequency. For the year 2021, there were over 280,000 motor vehicle accidents, with over 1,000 fatalities and 70,000 injuries.

The state reported an increase in the percentage of each of these data points: overall accidents, fatalities and injuries compared to the previous year of data.

In addition to all of these physical injuries, the state also recorded over 1 million property damage cases in the past five years of data collection.

Accident Basics

We need cars to get from point A to point B. Accidents run in a range from minor to severe, and range from minor car damage to catastrophic injury or death.

If you find yourself involved in a car accident, remember that recovery is possible. Consider looking at your insurance policy to make sure you have coverage for all prospective accident types.

The Facts of the Case

In the case in question, a talented baseball player from New Jersey and his father died in a collision with a semi tractor-trailer in a construction zone on I-75. Plaintiffs uncovered evidence that the driver of the truck was careless, that he suffered from Parkinson’s disease and that he had several other physical ailments that should have caused his employer to restrict his driving.

The young man who died was only 20 years old and had shown himself to be a promising pitcher. At the time of his death, he had enrolled in Florida State University and was attracting the attention of major league scouts. After the crash, the player’s high school said that the boy’s jersey number would be retired.

The Response of Challenger Motor Freight

The semi tractor-trailer was owned and operated by Challenger Motor Freight. The company had acknowledged fault for the accident but decided to submit the issue of damages to the jury. The company, which is based in Canada, offered condolences to the family but nevertheless announced its intention to appeal the damage award. Its attorney described the accident as “tragic” but said that the verdict is “highly excessive for several reasons.”

Who Is Liable?

The defendant’s decision to concede liability and restrict the case to damages was most likely a tactical choice intended to keep the facts of the accident hidden from the jury, probably in the belief that the fairly obvious fault of the company would only exacerbate the amount of damages. Such cases can usually benefit from the eye of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Risk of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face unique risks on the roadway. This is because they are both small in size and open to the elements. A motorcyclist could go unseen by other vehicles, especially is they are traveling in a blind spot. Additionally, here is no hard exterior shell to protect the riders in the event of an accident.

A motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident when compared to those traveling in a passenger vehicle. Additionally, motorcyclists are five time more likely to suffer injuries in a crash. Since 1999, the rate of fatal motorcycle accidents has nearly doubled while the rate of fatal crashes involving automobiles and light trucks has steadily declined. In 2020, there were over 5,000 motorcyclist deaths in traffic accidents.

Cause and Liability

Like any motor vehicle crash, the accident is investigated to establish cause and liability. In most cases, the legal concept of negligence governs. This means that a negligent party was the cause of the crash. Often, this is the negligence of another motorist; however, it could be the negligence of a manufacturer or mechanic that led to the crash. As such, all causes should be explored following a motorcycle crash.

When you are injured in a motorcycle crash or a loved one has died, it is important to understand your rights and explore your legal options. A personal injury action or wrongful death claim might be your best option. This not only holds a negligent party accountable but also assist in the recovery of compensation to address the losses and damages suffered.

When you are in an accident with a large truck, the situation is a little bit different.

You are not only more likely to have suffered serious injuries, due to the large size of the truck, but the truck driver was technically “working” at the time of the crash, so you will need to collect additional information.

Move to a Safe Place

You should perform the same steps as you would after any other motor vehicle accident. Do not move anyone who appears to be injured and call 911 immediately.

Move both vehicles to the side of the road if you can and turn your hazard lights on. Do not say you are sorry or express remorse that the accident happened to the truck driver, the police or any other witnesses at the scene.

This could be seen as an admission that the accident was your fault, and many truck accidents are caused by truck drivers. Fatigue and distracted driving by truckers are two of the biggest causes of truck accidents.

Information and Photos

If possible, exchange information with the truck driver and any other drivers or passengers. In addition to getting the truck driver’s name, obtain their truck driver license number, license plate number, the name of their employer and insurance information.

Take pictures of the truck and the accident scene. These could be important evidence.

Obtain Medical Treatment

Go to the hospital to treat any injuries, or for a thorough checkup, even if you think you are not injured. Some truck accident injuries are not immediately apparent.

If your truck accident was caused by a negligent truck driver, compensation could be available to you through a personal injury action claiming negligence.

When we discuss car accidents, we usually talk about the physical injuries to the victims and their belongings. Less often discussed is the emotional trauma that can follow an accident.

Emotional Trauma Is Common

Emotional trauma is exceedingly common immediately after an accident. Indeed, the most common emotional impact is shock and disbelief. Luckily, for most car crash victims, these feelings pass quickly.

Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

Others are not so lucky. Some experience post-traumatic stress.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress can include restlessness and an inability to go or stay asleep, which may or may not be caused by nightmares.

Anxiety around driving or riding could grow to the point where you can no longer drive or ride in a vehicle. You may find yourself irritable and have trouble dealing with excessive anger and worry.

As these symptoms progress, you could begin to feel disconnected from others. And, you may find it impossible to think about anything other than the car accident, like the accident is on a non-stop loop in your brain.

Relief

Just as you seek medical attention after a car accident, if your emotional trauma does not quickly fade, seek mental health attention.

You can start with your primary care physician, who can likely make a referral. Even if they cannot, your PCP can work with your therapist or counselor as a team to make sure your mental and physical well-being is treated equally.

Compensation

Emotional trauma is just as compensable as physical trauma, so let your car accident attorney knows about your emotional trauma. Document how it has affected you, any payments you made for treatment and any diagnosis you received. Your attorney can use this to get you the compensation you deserve and need to help you get back to normal.

More Dangerous Than Drinking

According to the NHTSA, distracted driving, like texting and driving, is now the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. And, most of that distracted driving is attributed to texting and driving.

Texting and driving killed nearly 400 people in 2020 people alone, or more than a person a day died as a result of texting and driving. However, in 2020, tens of thousands of other Americans were injured, including seriously injured, as a result of texting while driving, even in Livonia, Michigan.

It Is a Known Issue

Unfortunately, we cannot say that we do not know this is an issue either. According to a survey by AAA, nearly every driver they surveyed (96%) said they believed texting and driving was a serious threat. Yet, almost half of those same drivers admitted to doing it nonetheless. It is clear that we have an issue that is not going to stop by itself.

The Takeaway

This is not just an issue in Livonia, Michigan, but a national issue across the United States. However, when it happens locally, it impacts us acutely because we feel it. But, when this negligence does happen, we do not have to take it without recourse. We can fight back against the other person’s negligence with a personal injury lawsuit. While it will not take away our pain and suffering or unbreak our car, it can get us our sense of justice back.

While their availability may convenience the public for years to come, these modes of transportation come with risks as well.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, through 2020, the number of people who visited emergency rooms because of these “micromobility devices” has increased each year.

In 2017, the CPSC reported 34,000 emergency room visits. In 2019, 54,800 people visited emergency rooms because of micromobility devices.

Unfortunately, even during 2020, the number of people who visited emergency rooms still increased again, this time to 57,800.  The increase happened despite people around the country traveling less in 2020.

The use of electronic scooters drove the overall increase in emergency room visits.  According to CPSC, a number of factors are responsible for the increase.

What Are My Options if I Am Injured in an E-Scooter Accident?

Many e-scooter accidents involve more than just the rider of the scooter.

Sometimes, the rider is not being careful, or just does not know how to use the equipment. In other cases, the rider may have just not checked to make sure the scooter was working correctly before trying to ride it.

As a result of these common mistakes, a rider may strike and injure another person on a micromobility device, a pedestrian or someone riding a conventional bicycle.

Under Michigan law, a negligent e-scooter rider is legally responsible for the injuries they cause. They will have to pay medical expenses as well as lost wages and other damages to those they injure.

These sorts of cases can be tricky.  They are not like traditional car accident cases. To give just one example, the responsible person’s automobile insurance might not cover accidents on e-scooters. They may have other insurance proceeds available to them.

Someone injured by the rider of an e-scooter may have legal options for obtaining compensation. They should make sure they understand the alternatives.

The Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety looked at auto equipment data from 13 states where police reported 12 million crashes. The data was collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition to emergency braking, studies also delved into forward collision warnings.

Promising Findings

Results revealed a 49 percent reduction when the vehicle causing the accident had a forward collision alert in addition to automatic braking as opposed to cars lacking the system.

Specific findings include:

• Rear-end accident injuries are down by 53 percent.
• Forward collision warning systems reduced rear-end crashes by 16 percent
• Rear crashes with injuries decreased by 19 percent

Less-than-ideal conditions of roadways, weather, or lighting were not factors, as AEB functioned effectively in all conditions.

In the category of lane departure warning, crashes were reduced by eight percent when lane-keeping systems were activated, and road departure accident injuries went down by seven percent.

Additional Insight

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also found automatic emergency braking reduces pickup rear crashes by 43% and rear-end injury collisions by 42%. The IIHS noted that pickups – vehicles that present more danger to vehicles sharing the road – are less likely to have automatic braking than cars and SUVs.

Even without government mandates, twenty automobile companies are taking steps to voluntarily commit to making cutting-edge braking technology standard equipment on 95 percent of light-duty trucks. The goal is to complete the transition during the current model year ending in August 2023.

While technology helps keep drivers safe, little can be done about drivers operating their vehicles negligently can still lead to dangerous and potentially deadly accidents.

They are more likely to suffer serious injuries and lose their lives. This can lead to an array of problems for them and their family. Understanding the problem is one thing, but knowing what to do after the accident has happened is another and it is important to have help.

Recent Study Puts Michigan 25Th in Rankings for Pedestrian Safety

In a new report called “Dangerous By Design,” states were ranked based on pedestrian safety. It looked at how many pedestrians lost their lives in crashes over a 5-year period. While some states were worse than others, this is a national problem. Michigan came in 25th.

Forty-six of the 50 states in the union saw an increase in pedestrian deaths. Since 2009, pedestrian deaths have grown by 62%. Part of this is attributed to the recent national crisis. With fewer drivers on the road and less law enforcement, drivers took that as an opening to behave in ways that they otherwise would not have and it caused more accidents and worse outcomes due to the severity of the crashes.

In 2020, The United States had an average of almost 18 pedestrian deaths each day with a total of over 6,500. This was a spike of 4.7% compared with the prior year. The numbers for 2021 have not been fully accrued and assessed, but the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported 7,485 pedestrian deaths for that year. This would be the worst total in 4 decades. Part of the problem is how roads are designed and researchers are trying to find solutions to enhance safety.

After a Pedestrian Accident, It Is Important to Know Legal Rights

Many people are choosing to walk to get to their destinations. This may be due to an attempt to save money from skyrocketing gas prices, because of concerns about the environment or to keep in shape. Often, children are the victims of these pedestrian accidents.

People can find themselves with enormous medical bills, lost time on the job, need to care for an injured loved one or be forced to move forward after an unexpected death. The summer is a prime time for people to walk and with the number of pedestrian accidents, it is important to know the options in the aftermath. Being fully protected includes having experienced advice. This is a vital first step that should be taken as soon as possible.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs occur when you experience a violent blow or jolt. As a result, it should come as no surprise that motorcycle crashes normally cause some level of a TBI as a fall from a bike rarely does not involve some impact to the head. That is why the primary reason for motorcycle helmet laws is to protect your head. Your body does not have any other protection when you ride.

Immediate Aftermath

After your head hits the pavement, in addition to all your other injuries and pain, you may lose consciousness. Your ears may start ringing, and your head immediately throbs with pain. These are signs of a TBI. You may even notice liquid draining from your nose and ears, which is a sign of a major TBI.

Persistent Symptoms

While those immediate effects may go away, TBI symptoms commonly persist. This includes having trouble keeping food down, getting to or staying asleep, persistent headaches, trouble with your vision, etc. If you feel off, you likely have a TBI. And, sometimes, these symptoms will go away, but often, your systems will persist and grow worse without medical intervention.

This is why it is so important to go to the hospital after every Livonia, Michigan, motorcycle accident. Do not put your life and the quality of your life at risk because you may feel okay at the time.