My Family Rides Bikes for Recreation and When Running Quick Errands

I worry that one of us will get hurt in an accident and suffer a brain injury. What are the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?

You are right to be worried. Traumatic brain injuries can dramatically change a person’s life. They happen when sudden trauma damages a person’s brain. This often happens when a person’s head hits the ground or another object, such as when a bicyclist is thrown to the ground after a crash. Helmet use can help prevent brain injury or lessen the severity of it, but helmet use cannot completely eliminate the risk of a brain injury.

Common symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:

• Headaches
• Confusion or disorientation
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to noise or light
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Fatigue
• Balance problems
• Mood changes
• Difficulty with remembering, concentrating or thinking

If a person suffers a more severe brain injury, the person may experience those same symptoms as well as:

• A headache that persists for a long time
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Convulsions or seizures
• An inability to wake up
• Slurred speech
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion or agitation

If someone in your family gets hurt in a bicycling accident and you notice signs of a traumatic brain injury, you should immediately seek medical attention. A doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and begin proper treatment.

To speak to a D.C. bicycle injury attorney, call our personal injury law firm. One of our lawyers will speak with you about your case. You may reach our D.C. personal injury attorneys by calling 202-296-0666 or by filling out our online contact form. We represent clients in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia.