New Hampshire is one of only three states that
does not require motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Although this stance aligns with our “Live Free or Die” motto, it also puts our bikers at heightened risk. Statistics show that failing to wear a helmet significantly increases the chance of death or a serious debilitating head injury in the event of an accident. The consequences of these head injuries, whether physical, mental, or financial, can substantially change the quality of your life. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in New Hampshire, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact the New Hampshire personal injury lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today at
888-332-5855 or
online for a free consultation. We represent clients throughout New Hampshire, including Portsmouth, Nashua, and Claremont. Let us help you receive the fair and full compensation you deserve.
Head Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes With and Without Helmets
It’ll come as no surprise that motorcyclists face far more danger on the road than drivers of passenger vehicles. Because bikers have no airbags nor an outer shell for protection, they’re especially vulnerable when an accident occurs. Among the variety of injuries they risk facing, from road rash to broken bones, head trauma is the most severe and, often, the most tragic. While no piece of gear can guarantee your safety 100 percent of the time, helmets come close. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle helmets for riders
reduce the risk of head injury by 69 percent and lower the risk of death by 37 percent. In addition, a 2023 study published in the Pakistan Journal of Medical Science reveals a
stark difference in outcomes between helmeted and non-helmeted riders. Researchers examined 400 motorbike accident cases that resulted in traumatic brain injuries (TBI) at a major hospital in Karachi between 2017 and 2020. The data showed that riders without helmets were more likely to require ICU care, had hospital stays that were twice as long (10 days vs. 5 days), and faced substantially higher mortality rates (25 percent vs. 7 percent). Riders wearing helmets also had a better recovery at discharge. Nearly 60 percent of helmeted patients had a good outcome compared to just 35 percent of those without helmets. Non-helmeted riders also showed more abnormal brain scans and greater complications overall.
Common TBI Injuries Faced by Motorcyclists who Don’t Wear a Helmet
Motorcyclists who ride without a helmet face a wide range of potential head injuries following an accident. Some of the most common include:
Concussions – A concussion is caused by the sudden movement of the brain inside the skull. Even in relatively low-speed collisions, riders without helmets frequently suffer concussions. These injuries can lead to headaches, confusion, memory loss, and changes in mood or behavior, all of which can last for weeks or even months.
Facial Trauma – Not wearing a helmet means exposing your entire face to possible injury. Broken noses, jaw fractures, eye damage, and deep lacerations are all common following motorcycle accidents. You may need reconstructive surgery to repair the damage and endure lifelong scarring or disfigurement.
Skull Fractures–A direct blow to the head without helmet protection often results in skull fractures. These injuries can lead to complications like brain swelling, internal bleeding, and long-term cognitive issues.
Brain Hemorrhages–Bleeding in or around the brain (also known as a hematoma) is significantly more common in riders without helmets. These injuries are life-threatening and typically require emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.
Neck Injuries–Helmets help stabilize the head and neck during impact. Without this support, unhelmeted riders are more vulnerable to neck trauma, including cervical spine fractures and spinal cord damage that can cause paralysis.
Penetrating Brain Injuries– As the name suggests, these injuries are caused when debris or sharp objects pierce the skull. They are among the most catastrophic types of head injuries and often result in brain damage, coma, or death. As many as 90,000 people who suffer TBIs, even seemingly mild ones,
will develop long-term disabilities as a result. Treatment and care for such injuries can be financially devastating. You may require ongoing therapy and care or even full-time assistance with daily tasks. To make matters worse, you might be unable to return to work, causing even more financial hardship.
Skilled Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
Whether or not you were wearing a helmet, if you suffered a head injury in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation such as:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care and disability
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the experienced New Hampshire personal injury lawyers of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. We have helped countless injured New Hampshire residents fight for the compensation they deserve. We represent clients throughout the state, from Londonderry to Windham. Contact us today at
888-332-5855 or
online for your free evaluation.
