Florida is one of the deadliest states in the country for motorcyclists. NHTSA recorded 651 motorcyclist deaths in Florida in 2021, and nationwide that year the motorcyclist fatality rate per vehicle mile traveled was almost 24 times the rate for passenger car occupants.
Without airbags and seat belts, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer injury in an accident than a car's driver. While broken and fractured bones, burns, and tissue damages can seem unavoidable in the event of an accident, an often lesser-known risk is psychological trauma.
Following a motorcycle accident, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, severe anxiety, and memory troubles consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) commonly plague victims. If you have experienced injuries following a motorcycle accident, speak to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney near you today!
The Hidden Danger of Head Injuries
The impact of a vehicle hitting a motorcycle can be severe, as a majority of the force is absorbed by the motorcycle and its rider. This force can cause severe trauma, resulting in death or debilitating short- and long-term injuries. Specifically, head injuries are a major concern for motorcyclists in the event of an accident.
Florida does not require every rider to wear a helmet. Under Florida Statute 316.211(3)(b), a person over 21 may operate or ride a motorcycle without protective headgear if that person is covered by an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries from a motorcycle crash. Eye protection is required at every age under section 316.211(2). Riding without a helmet is legal but not safe: of the 651 motorcyclists killed in Florida in 2021, NHTSA recorded 328 as unhelmeted.
NHTSA estimates that helmets are 37 percent effective at preventing death for motorcycle riders and 41 percent effective for passengers. Helmets also reduce traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and a TBI carries a mental health cost long after the bones heal. According to the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center:
- About 27 percent of people with a TBI meet the criteria for major depression, and 38 percent have depression symptoms severe enough to interfere with daily life.
- The average rate of major depression is 16 percent after a mild TBI or concussion and 30 percent after a severe TBI.
- People with a history of TBI are nearly eight times more likely to have major depression than the general population.
- Depression tends to increase over the first five years after a TBI, and more than half of people with a TBI who are depressed also have significant anxiety.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following a Crash
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a recognized diagnosis and a common outcome of a violent motorcycle crash. The National Institute of Mental Health groups its symptoms into four types:
- Re-experiencing the crash through flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about it.
- Avoidance, meaning staying away from the places, objects, and conversations that bring the crash back.
- Arousal and reactivity, meaning a startle response, trouble sleeping, edginess, and outbursts of anger.
- Changes in thinking and mood, including trouble remembering the crash, guilt or self-blame, and loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
For many victims, they are completely unaware that motorcycle accidents can cause PTSD. When victims of motorcycle accidents can't remember the events of their accident, can't sleep at night, or even hesitate to participate in events they once enjoyed, they might attribute the symptoms to their injuries alone. However, psychological trauma is a very real issue that is plaguing Florida riders who have been involved in motorcycle crashes.
Understanding Symptoms to Watch
As a victim of a motorcycle accident, or as a loved one of a victim, it can be incredibly difficult to suffer through such troubling emotions. Aside from healing from physical injuries, psychological trauma's stress and mental strain can leave a victim unable to return to work, unmotivated to participate in life's activities, and can even delay their healing process.
Symptoms and signs of post-traumatic stress and mental anguish can take several forms following a motorcycle accident:
- Persistent dreams about the accident
- Recurring flashbacks or memories
- Obsessing over the details of the accident
- Anxiety or stress when remembering the accident
- Lack of interest in motorcycles or anything associated with motorcycles
- Loss of interest in other favorite activities
- Becoming withdrawn or detached from family and friends
- Inability to remember the accident
- Insomnia or other trouble sleeping
- Appearing "on alert" at all times
- Mood swings or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last more than a month and interfere with daily life, and symptoms can surface months after the crash rather than right away. If that describes you, see a doctor or a counselor and tell them what you have been feeling. PTSD responds to treatment.
A Legal Ally on Your Side
Psychological trauma is a real injury, and mental anguish is a recognized element of damages in a Florida injury claim. If you or someone you love has been in a motorcycle crash, talk to a Florida motorcycle accident attorney early. Most negligence claims in Florida must be filed within two years of the crash under Florida Statute 95.11(5)(a).
From medical bills to lost wages and through the pain and suffering, you do not have to bear this weight alone. A trusted motorcycle accident lawyer can help you seek the medical help you need for your physical and psychological trauma, and help you fight for compensation for your damages. If you believe that you or a loved one is suffering psychological trauma after a motorcycle accident, contact the office of Weinstein Legal Team today to discuss your claims with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
