When a motorcycle accident occurs due to another's negligence, most injured riders receive medical treatment for their physical injuries. However, they often fail to realize the personality changes they're going through, which can severely affect their relationships.
Although pursuing legal action cannot change things back to normal, it can hold the negligent party accountable and compensate the injured victim for the damages incurred. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys know how the injured victims after a motorcycle accident suffer personality changes, and they're here to provide legal help. They can also help advise on questions like What are the psychological effects of motorcycle accidents?
Those who have suffered motorcycle accident injuries and are experiencing personality changes due to someone else's negligence in Toledo, Ohio, should contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. They have the expertise to handle claims, protect the injured victims' rights, and fight for the compensation they deserve. They can explain other things like What age do most motorcycle accidents happen?
Can a Motorcycle Accident Change Your Personality?
Whether it is a car accident or a motorcycle crash, a traumatic event can have devastating psychological consequences for the injured victim. Personality changes after such incidents are common and can completely turn the affected party's life around.
After a motorcycle accident, the victim may fail to realize the change in their personality or behavior. It's often the family members or friends who notice these differences, which may include the following:
Changes in Personality
After a motorcycle accident, the injured victim may experience changes in their personality, which can be subtle and difficult to notice.
An individual may have been outgoing prior to the motorcycle crash, for example, but may be more reserved after the incident. This can affect relationships with friends and family members.
Changes in Behavior
If a motorcycle accident results in a head or traumatic brain injury, the injured victim may experience significant behavioral changes.
Motorcycle accident victims who suffer from traumatic brain injuries following their motorcycle accidents may become more aggressive, confrontational, apathetic, self-centered, or timid.
The psychological trauma from the motorcycle accident could also result in a lower sex drive, adversely impacting the victim's sexual behavior. This can affect their relationship with their spouse or partner.
Volatile Mood Swings
A traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle accident could also lead to mood swings. The injured victim may seem happy and content at a given time but may feel lonely or depressed afterward.
Poor Memory
Many people may suffer from a concussion after their motorcycle accident. Depending on the severity of the head injury, they may experience trouble learning or have memory problems.
Common Psychological Effects of a Motorcycle Accident
Besides suffering from physical injuries, a motorcycle accident can have long-term psychological effects, which can have a negative impact on the victim's quality of life.
There are many ways a motorcycle accident can affect the rider psychologically, some of which include the following:
Traumatic Brain Injury
Until the late 1990s, doctors did not consider a concussion as a traumatic brain injury. However, after assessing its impact on an individual's life, many mental health professionals now believe that even a minor head injury can increase the likelihood of future psychiatric disorders.
A traumatic brain injury, including concussions, can affect the injured victim's cognitive and motor functions, leading to depression, memory loss, physical impairment, and other life-altering symptoms.
Temporary or Permanent Disability
Traumatic brain injury victims may often experience temporary or permanent disability. This may not only impact their ability to ride a motorcycle but also affect their role as a parent since the affected party may have difficulty interacting with their children.
Nerve Damage
When a rider hits the ground, the impact of the motorcycle accident may result in neck or back injuries, which can damage the nerves.
Nerves form an essential connection between the brain and a person's body, helping send and receive signals. This can assist in motor functions, allowing the individual to move their limbs.
If a motorcycle accident causes nerve damage, it can lead to constant pain and loss of function in the victim's limbs, further affecting the individual's life.
Psychological Trauma
Many people may develop psychological trauma, which can lead to mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and fear, among others. This can negatively impact the accident victim, affecting their quality of life.
Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover Compensation for Their Psychological Injuries in Ohio?
In Ohio, riders who suffer injuries alongside psychological trauma may be able to recover compensation for their mental health problems. Since these types of injuries can have a lasting impact on the victim's life, it's crucial for them to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney.
A skilled personal injury attorney can assess the facts surrounding the case, guide the affected party on the legal process, and help pursue a motorcycle accident claim to recover the compensation the victim deserves.
What Are the Damages Available for Mental Health Injuries Following a Motorcycle Accident?
Whether it's spinal cord injuries or brain injuries, accident victims can recover economic damages to pay for the out-of-pocket expenses they incur. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Besides compensating the victims for out-of-pocket expenses, a personal injury claim can also help recover non-economic damages. These are subjective losses and may include the following:
Pain and suffering
Reduced quality of life
Emotional distress
Mental anguish
The damages injured victims may recover after a motorcycle accident varies from one personal injury case to another. It's crucial for the affected party to speak to an experienced attorney to help evaluate and asses the economic and non-economic losses.
Injured Victims Should Speak to an Experienced Lawyer at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys
Many motorcycle accident victims are unable to carry out their daily routine due to the physical injuries and psychological trauma from the traumatic event. Even after extensive medical treatments, they may never recover completely, so it's important to pursue legal action and hold the negligent party accountable.
Those who have suffered injuries and are experiencing personality changes or psychological trauma due to another's negligence in Toledo, Ohio, should call to schedule a free consultation with a skilled motorcycle accident law firm.
The legal team at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help assess the victim's case and go to war against the negligent party's insurance company to recover maximum compensation.