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Whether it’s something you think about much or not, you know that riding a motorcycle comes with certain risks. If you think back to your riding lessons you took prior to getting your license, you can probably recall some stern warnings from your instructor about the seriousness of riding a bike. But the truth is…we never expect it to happen to us.
Sure, we’ve all taken a spill or had some near misses. But being involved in a serious accident that results in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) isn’t something you anticipate when hopping on your motorcycle. But TBIs happen, and the road to recovery can be a long one.
Whether you’re just starting your recovery or deep in the process, these tips can help you regain control and stay hopeful.
1. Get the Right Medical Team
You need more than just an ER visit and a pat on the back. TBIs range from mild to severe, and even “mild” brain injuries can mess with your memory, mood, and motor skills.
Make sure you’re working with a neurologist who specializes in TBI. You may also need a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, or neuropsychologist. It’s a team sport.
Most importantly, be sure to follow their instructions – even when you feel impatient and you’re “sick of therapy.” Pushing too hard too soon can set you back. Just trust the process!
2. Document Everything
After a motorcycle accident, your life gets filled with appointments, prescriptions, insurance paperwork, legal issues…blah, blah, blah. And if you’re dealing with memory problems, keeping track of everything becomes even tougher.
We suggest using a notebook, an app, or your phone’s voice recorder to keep track of everything. This helps your care team see your progress (or setbacks) and becomes powerful evidence if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim.
3. Get Legal Help
If your accident was caused by someone else – another driver’s negligence, faulty road conditions, or a defective helmet – you may have a strong case for compensation.
However, please know that TBI cases are complex. And insurance companies don’t play fair when there’s a lot of money on the line. You need a motorcycle accident attorney who understands motorcycle crashes and brain injuries. The right lawyer can help you get money for medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
4. Take Rest Seriously
You might feel like you should be doing more, like getting back to work, helping around the house, “pushing through it.” But your brain needs rest. Real rest – meaning:
- Less screen time
- No loud environments
- Taking naps
- Limiting your stress
Think of your brain like an athlete recovering from injury. If you keep pushing it before it’s ready, you’ll only prolong the healing. Give yourself permission to rest without guilt.
5. Watch for Subtle Symptoms
Not all TBI symptoms are obvious. Some are sneaky.
You might notice you’re forgetting words mid-sentence. Or that you get irritable for no reason. Maybe lights and sounds suddenly bother you. Or you can’t focus on a task for more than a few minutes.
Don’t ignore these signs. Even subtle changes matter. Talk to your doctor about everything you’re experiencing – even if it feels small or weird. Your brain is trying to heal, and every piece of the puzzle matters.
6. Protect Your Mental Health
Recovering from a TBI isn’t just about physical healing. Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and PTSD are incredibly common after a brain injury – especially after a traumatic event like a motorcycle crash.
You may feel like you’ve lost a piece of yourself. That life will never be the same. And those feelings? They’re valid. Speak about them with a therapist who understands brain injuries and trauma. You can also join an online or in-person support group.
7. Simplify Your Daily Routine
Cognitive overload is real after a TBI. The more decisions you have to make each day, the more drained you’ll feel.
So simplify. Wear the same rotation of clothes. Eat the same breakfast. Set reminders for everything – meds, appointments, water breaks. You might even want to color-code your calendar to free up mental space. (Think of it as brain conservation.)
8. Celebrate Small Wins
TBI recovery doesn’t happen in giant leaps. It’s almost always a nonlinear process. Some days you’ll feel great. Others, not so much.
That’s why you have to celebrate the little victories:
- “I remembered the doctor’s instructions without looking at my notes.”
- “I went outside for a walk today.”
- “I made it through the afternoon without a nap.”
Write them down and share them with someone close to you who knows what you’re going through. Progress isn’t always obvious, but it’s happening.
Plan for the Long Game
Even after the headaches fade and your balance improves, you might deal with long-term effects from your TBI. That doesn’t mean you’re broken. It just means you need new strategies.
If your recovery isn’t complete, your legal team can fight to include future care costs in your settlement. Knowing this, always think long-term when it comes to both health and financial decisions.
