In 1988, one of the more well-known motorcycle collisions, in which the rider refused to wear a helmet, involved actor Gary Busey. The anti-helmet enthusiast nearly died after suffering a fractured skull and multiple traumatic brain injuries. Though he survived, his injuries caused permanent behavioral changes. By 2001, USA Today reported Busey as saying, "Riding without a helmet is a gamble everyone is bound to lose."
Increased Risk Among Younger Riders
According to the Health Day News, fewer young riders are operating motorcycles without the benefit of wearing a helmet. When accidents occur, these riders are also suffering more serious trauma that includes traumatic brain injuries. In 2006, one-third of the reported traumatic brain injuries resulting from motorcycle collisions involved riders 12 to 20 years of age. In that year, there were 5,662 motorcycle accident victims under the age of 21 who were required hospitalization for brain injuries. Ninety-one of the victims died as a direct result of their injuries.
When states change legislation from requiring universal helmet use to partial helmet use, young riders often stop wearing helmets. Unless law enforcement officers stop bikers and determine the rider's age, helmet wearing among young operators is not strictly enforced. Studies suggest that traumatic brain injury is statistically up to 38 percent higher in states having partial helmet laws. There are no motorcycle helmet laws in the state of Illinois.
TBI remains the leading cause of death in motorcycle collisions. Studies indicate that helmets reduce the possibility of death by 37 percent. Head injuries are reduced by 69 percent when wearing a helmet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since the year 2,000, motorcycle deaths increased by 55 percent. By 2010, there were 4,502 fatal motorcycle injuries related to riding without a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guesses that helmets saved the lives of 1,544 bikers during the same year. If the rider is lucky enough to survive a head injury, many suffer from long-lasting effects that require expensive and extensive medical care.
Leading Cause of Motorcycle Collisions
Three-fourths of all motorcycle collisions involve the motorcycle and another vehicle. The other vehicle is more than likely a passenger car or truck. Motorists often fail to see or recognize the motorcycle until the last minute. Visual obstruction is a major factor in half of these collisions. In two-thirds of all of the motorcycle/vehicle collisions, the accident occurred because the vehicle failed to yield the right-of-way to the motorcycle. The remaining number of collisions occur secondary to motorcycle rider error.
High Cost of Traumatic Brain Injury
The complexity of care required by someone who suffers a traumatic brain injury rises exponentially compared to the array of other injuries that a rider might sustain in a motorcycle collision. Whether an individual suffers short-term or long-term effects, the costs typically include hospitalization, physician's fees, rehabilitation, medication and possibly long-term therapy and specialized equipment. Wages are lost temporarily or permanently. Victims and their families endure emotional, psychological and financial trauma. If the collision occurs because of the actions demonstrated by a second party, victims may receive financial assistance by filing a lawsuit.
Motorcycle operators involved in collisions because of the negligence of other drivers may be eligible for monetary compensation. By consulting with attorneys experienced in motor vehicle collisions, victims learn about their rights under the law.
