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Can You Lose Short-term Memory After a Motorcycle Accident? | What to Know

Writer's picture: Robert SchuergerRobert Schuerger

In the wake of a motorcycle accident, many victims find themselves unable to recall the details surrounding the collision. Traumatic amnesia is the term used to describe this kind of memory loss, which occurs when there is a traumatic brain injury.


The truth is that motorcycles lack the safety gear that most passenger vehicles have, so serious injuries are not uncommon. These injuries can have a number of negative consequences, which is why pursuing damages is often the best course of action for injury victims. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help with questions like What is the common injury in motorcycle accidents?


Can You Lose Short-term Memory After a Motorcycle Accident?

Can You Lose Short-term Memory After a Motorcycle Accident?


The short answer is yes. Motorcycle accidents can result in short-term memory loss. That's because head injuries are among the most common among riders. Motorbikes do not have airbags, seat belts, or a robust metal shell to take the brunt of the blow.


Therefore, these crashes tend to result in a more serious injury than a car accident would.

As a result, motorcyclists are often hurled off the vehicle, and their bodies, notably their heads, take considerable strain.


How Traumatic Brain Injuries Occur


Typically, the brain is cushioned by fluid. This provides protection from many different types of injuries.

In a motorcycle accident, the brain may be slammed into the interior walls of the skull, regardless of the insulating cushion of fluid and even the extra safety measures provided by a helmet. This injury may cause severe injuries, such as a rupture of blood vessels and bruising. 


Brain tissue can be damaged, which can have lifelong consequences for the victim and their family members.


As a result of the traumatic brain injury (TBI), victims may become unconscious at the accident scene. In cases of minor injuries, memory loss may be only short-term, but where a severe traumatic brain injury is involved, the victim may end up with considerable long-term memory loss.


Understanding Traumatic Amnesia and Traumatic Brain Injury


There are two types of post-traumatic amnesia that can occur following a traumatic head injury, depending on the part of the brain that has been affected. They are as follows:


Retrograde Amnesia

Accident victims suffering from retrograde amnesia are unable to remember past events., situations, and people. Although they lose memories of the past, they are still able to form new memories.


Anterograde Amnesia

Patients suffering from this kind of amnesia are unable to remember events that transpired after the injury. They frequently have memories from before the disaster but struggle with recalling details from after the motorcycle crash.


Why It's Important for Victims of Severe Brain Injury to Seek Legal Assistance


The truth is that motorcycle accident victims are often left reeling in the aftermath of these kinds of motor vehicle accidents. Medical professionals treating the patient may also have to conduct a number of medical procedures, such as surgeries, blood tests, rehabilitation, and more, to recover from their injuries.


As a result, medical bills can start to really pile up, leaving sufferers with little to no options. In addition to medical costs, many are also unable to return to work for months or even years, while others lose their ability to work altogether. can also provide insight on what type of motorcycle has the most accidents.


That, coupled with the steep cost of medical treatment, can put the victim and their family in a tough spot.


Fortunately, motorcycle accident victims can pursue restitution by consulting a reliable traumatic brain injury attorney. Experienced lawyers dedicate their lives to ensuring that injured claimants are able to recover the compensation they are rightly due to cover their damages.


Here are some of the ways they can help those who suffer traumatic brain injuries in a motorcycle accident:


Guidance Through the Complex Legal Process

Firstly, a lawyer can help the wounded party navigate the complicated legal processes involved in obtaining recompense for their injuries. This involves helping them understand their rights, assessing the value of their claim, and identifying possible next steps.


A motorcycle accident attorney who specialize in personal injury law may utilize their knowledge to explore the details of the incident. To establish a strong case, they may work with accident reconstruction specialists, health care providers, and other experts.


This evidence can be critical in establishing liability and illustrating the severity of the injury and the effect it has on the person's life.


Help Dealing with Insurance Companies

Moreover, a legal professional can negotiate with insurance companies on the victim's behalf in order to obtain fair compensation that includes healthcare expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and other damages. If an acceptable settlement cannot be achieved, the lawyer will represent the client in court, making a convincing case to a judge and jury.


Support During a Difficult Time

A compassionate attorney can offer vital support to their client and their loved ones during this difficult period. This might entail providing them with medical resources, rehabilitation assistance, and support groups to help them make a complete recovery.


Does Memory Loss Increase a Settlement?

Does Memory Loss Increase a Settlement?


Memory loss caused by a traumatic brain injury might have an impact on the amount of compensation that a victim may claim.


It could contribute to a larger settlement if the plaintiff's attorney can prove that the memory loss seriously impacts the person's quality of life, ability to work, or general well-being. That's because memory loss can result in continuous medical costs, rehabilitation, and a reduced ability to work and conduct everyday tasks.


By presenting a comprehensive list of proof, attorneys can help victims recover the amount they need to ensure that they receive the medical care that they deserve to make a full recovery.


The Bottom Line


A motorcycle crash can result in a number of different head injuries, some of which can cause short-term or long-term memory loss. These injuries can reduce a person's overall quality of life and make pain and suffering an integral part of their existence.


By holding the at-fault party liable for their negligence, victims can ensure that they get justice. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys aren't afraid to go the extra mile for accident victims and will do whatever it takes to secure a favorable outcome, even if it means going to war with the opposing party.

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