Psychological Trauma After a Motorcycle Collision

By Jason Bottlinger on July 11, 2021

A motorcycle collision can be a physical – and emotional – disaster. Motorcycle riders who survive a collision with another vehicle may be dealing with a set of severe neurological injuries, as well as psychological trauma, such as PTSD.

The types of neurological injuries riders may sustain include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): When the motorcyclist is thrown onto the roadway, a serious head injury can occur. The brain can be injured in the force of the impact, bringing a range of symptoms, some of which can last a lifetime, including paralysis, loss of abilities, difficulties learning, and personality changes.
• Nerve damage: The nerves in the neck and spine can be damaged in a motorcycle collision. When nerves are compressed, severed, or crushed, the signals cannot travel successfully to the limbs, limiting motion, or leading to symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and numbness which may subside with time, or may prove to be permanent.
• Paralysis: The spinal cord is the main conduit from the brain to the rest of the body. If damaged in an impact, even with the latest advances in medical science, may lead to monoplegia (one limb), hemiplegia (one side of the body), paraplegia (legs and lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs), which reflects the location of the injury.
• Psychological trauma: Motorcycle collisions can lead to serious psychological trauma, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias (fears), panic attacks, anger, and other emotional damage – some of which linger for years or longer, and are life-altering.

What To Tell Your Doctor

If you were in a motorcycle collision, you must inform your doctor if you are suffering the symptoms of psychological trauma. The symptoms can be challenging, and your medical provider can discuss your treatment options and document your symptoms in your medical record – an essential record if you pursue compensation for damages in a claim or lawsuit.

PTSD and Motorcycle Collisions

PTSD can affect the injured after a motorcycle collision. This condition comes with a set of symptoms, which vary from person to person:

• Reexperiencing: This symptom can include flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive and ongoing memories of the incident.
• Avoidance: The injured person does not want to talk about the collision and chooses to avoid the location where it occurred, people who were present, and any action or location that could trigger memories.
• Negative emotions, mood changes: These symptoms include negative thoughts about self or others, hopelessness, memory problems, problems in relationships, feelings of detachment, emotionally numbness, and lack of interest in your usual activities.
• Arousal symptoms: Easily startled or afraid, a feeling of being “on guard” at all times, sleep and concentration troubles, aggression, anger, irritability, and others, including suicidal thoughts.

Filing a Claim or Lawsuit after a Motorcycle Collision

After a serious motorcycle collision, the process of filing a claim requires a complete evaluation of the damages, including the financial losses associated with the inability to work due to the injuries, and psychological trauma. This valuation requires assistance from medical, financial, and other qualified experts.

The extent of the injuries, the need for ongoing medical care and treatment, the impact on your ability to earn a living, now and in the future, and your emotional health all come into play when filing a claim for compensation or taking a case to court for resolution.

Your Case and Your Future

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we take on motorcycle collision injury cases. The first step is to take advantage of a free case consultation. We are committed, dedicated, and genuinely care about our clients. If you are suffering psychological trauma after a motorcycle crash, reach out to us at (402) 505-8234.