New Technology May Someday Prevent an SCI in Atlanta Motorcycle Accidents
This Atlanta personal injury blog has frequently addressed the danger posed to motorcycle enthusiasts of being involved in a serious motorcycle-car collision. Even if a motorcycle enthusiast does everything right, a rider may still suffer catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord and head injuries, if a negligent motorist collides with or cuts off a motorcycle rider on Georgia roadways.
As we have indicated in previous posts, a motorcycle helmet can greatly mitigate the risks associated with traumatic brain injuries. Because head injuries are the leading cause of death for motorcyclists, the use of this single piece of safety equipment has the ability to literally save one’s life or prevent a serious brain injury that results in permanent impairment of cognitive functioning, mobility and communication ability.
While helmets are effective in protecting many serious motorcycle injuries, they cannot do much to address catastrophic injuries other than head injuries. Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) are also a permanent debilitating injury that is suffered in Atlanta motorcycle collisions. Previously, it was assumed that there was no way to improve the safety of motorcycles to resemble that of cars with seat belts, air bags and the like.
However, a new technology developed for the equestrian enthusiast may offer hope for reducing the frequency and seriousness of spinal cord injuries suffered by motorcycle riders. The new piece of safety equipment, which was designed by Transport Research Laboratory has an airbag inside the jacket that deploys when the body of the rider is exposed to an impact. The technology was designed to protect those involved in equestrian accidents, but there is speculation that it could eventually be used to help protect motorcycle riders from suffering spinal cord injuries in Atlanta motorcycle accidents.
It is too early to tell if this type of technology could successfully be used to reduce the risk of a serious SCI but if some sort of airbag could be combined with helmet use it might in some cases help prevent some of the most devastating injuries suffered by motorcyclists. Given the staggering impact on an SCI victim’s life and the enormous financial costs, research into reducing the likelihood and severity of SCI injuries should be a high priority. The average medical cost of a SCI for a victim who is 25 with a normal life expectancy is anywhere from $625,000 for a less severe SCI to $3 million for a C1-C4 SCI injury according to the Institute of Spinal Cord Injury. The organization also estimates that the 250,000 cases of SCI (using a mid-level $1.5-million lifetime cost) in the U.S correspond to a cumulative societal cost of $375-billion.
If you suffer a serious spinal cord injury or SCI in an Atlanta motorcycle accident or any other motor vehicle collision in Georgia, Montlick and Associates has 28 years of experience representing clients in obtaining the compensation they need and deserve. We understand that an SCI can adversely impact every aspect of our clients’ lives. We represent our clients with respect, compassion and commitment.
Our Atlanta spinal cord injury lawyers are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.