Motorcycle accidents are common in Chicago, which has the highest number of motorcycle accidents in the state of Illinois. This year, motorcycle crashes in Chicago claimed 27 lives. Sadly, more than half of these deaths happened in May, during Illinois’ Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The deaths related to motorcycle accidents have continued to rise since 2018.
Motorcycle accidents happen all the time, and they can have a devastating impact on the rider, passengers, and other vehicles involved in the accident. If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident, you might wonder what your options are when seeking compensation from the at-fault driver. You can hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago to help you with this process.
Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys can help you get compensation for the losses you have suffered from your motorcycle accident. They will study the accident and determine who was at fault. They will also negotiate with
These lawyers work with reputable law firms to lobby compensation for personal injury claims. It doesn’t matter if you only suffered a minor road rash, disfigurement, or more catastrophic injuries. They will help uphold the Illinois law, give legal advice, enforce your
If you’re a party in a motorcycle accident, it’s best to seek guidance from The Personal Injury Center. We will assist you in understanding your rights and connect you with a reliable lawyer. Therefore, message us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle crashes are one of the most common causes of injury and death in the United States. Sadly, motorcyclists are more likely to die in crashes than car drivers, passengers, and other motorists.
Here are the common motorcycle accident causes:
Driving Without a License
If you’re not licensed to drive a motorcycle, you shouldn’t be riding one. This is because you don’t have the training or experience to handle a bike safely.
It will be easy for the other party to prove that you’re at fault if you figure into an accident while driving without a license. Why? First, unauthorized driving is in itself a presumption of negligence. Second, since this is prima facie evidence that you didn’t undergo training, it’ll be easy to cause an accident.
Finally, driving without a license indicates that you did not undertake the required training that the state has mandated. The other party could use this against you to prove that you were negligent. These won’t be favorable for you in a personal injury lawsuit.
Driving Without a Helmet or Protective Gear
Motorcycle accidents are common and can happen to anyone. A significant cause of severe injuries from motorcycle accidents is riding without a motorcycle helmet or protective gear. Wearing the correct protective gear can help avoid severe injuries in an accident. It can also help you avoid minor incidents that might otherwise injure you.
If you’re going to ride a motorcycle and are not wearing any gear, consider the following risks:
- If you fall off your bike, you could hit your head on the road or another object. If you don’t have a helmet on, this could result in severe brain damage or even death.
- Flying debris can injure you if another car hits your bike while you’re riding it. This could lead to broken bones or internal injuries that require surgery.
Driving in Urban Areas
You’re more exposed to your surroundings when riding a motorcycle than in a car. Cars have seatbelts and roofs, but motorcycles only have seats. This means that you’re more likely to suffer injuries from a motorcycle accident, especially if another car or large truck hits your bike. Many urban roads are narrow and windy, which makes it challenging for drivers to see motorcycles coming down the road.
Even when drivers see motorcycles driving through town, they may not know how to maneuver around them safely. Motorcycles tend to drive closer together than cars, so it’s possible for two bikes traveling at high speeds in opposite directions to collide. What’s worse is that this happens without the parties even realizing it until after the fact.
Failure To Notice Traffic Signs
When a motorcyclist is driving in front of another car, they’re more likely to become distracted by their surroundings. They may be focusing on other vehicles or watching other drivers on the road, which can cause them to miss vital signs, such as stoplights and stop signs until it’s too late.
Moreover, motorcyclists often travel at higher speeds than other vehicles. As such, they’re not as visible to other drivers. It’s doubly essential for motorcyclists to pay attention to their surroundings and be cautious when changing lanes or approaching an intersection.
Bikers are also more susceptible to rollover accidents and fatalities than cars. A rollover can happen when a motorcyclist tries to make a turn at an intersection and loses control of the bike.
How can you avoid these kinds of motorcycle accidents? One way is by slowing down and taking your time when approaching intersections and roundabouts. Be sure to check all directions before making any sudden movements. Finally, signal which way you want to go so that other drivers know what you’re doing. These simple warnings can prevent a vehicle accident.
Not Yielding When Appropriate
When approaching an intersection, remember to yield the right-of-way to vehicles already there. If you arrive at an intersection after another car, you must wait until they’ve gone through before you can begin to proceed.
If other vehicles are waiting at a stop sign, and you approach them from behind, they have the right of way over you. If you don’t see other vehicles waiting, it’s safe for you to proceed after you’ve stopped at the stop sign. Failure to heed these road rules can easily paint you as the negligent party.
Not Paying Attention to Other Drivers
Whether driving a motorcycle or a passenger vehicle, staying alert and focused on the road is essential. You’ll never know when another driver will make an error in judgment or take risks that could lead to severe consequences.
When driving, you should frequently check your side mirrors and monitor what’s happening around you. If you’re a passenger, you should ensure that the driver is alert and paying attention.
You can avoid catastrophic accidents and property damage by being diligent while driving. If, despite being careful, you or your family members are involved in an accident, speak to a reputable personal injury attorney. You can also contact The Personal Injury Center for a free case evaluation.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycles are great transportation devices, as they are fast, efficient, and affordable. However, like any vehicle, there is always the possibility of fatal crashes or accidents that could cause serious injuries.
The most common motorcycle accidents are when another driver makes an error or gets distracted while driving. Though it’s not your fault, you’ll nonetheless suffer serious injuries. Here, we’ll review some common motorcycle injuries riders may experience following an accident.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A TBI is a head injury that occurs when the brain is violently shaken by a direct blow to the head or a foreign object piercing the brain before it enters the brain tissues. This can result in several problems, including cognitive impairment, memory loss, and mood changes.
TBIs could be mild (concussion), moderate, or severe. Unfortunately, TBI symptoms can be delayed and may not appear until days or weeks after a motorcycle or truck accident. It’s best to visit your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms after a motorcycle accident:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Double vision (diplopia)
Damages for personal injury cases involving TBI will always be over $100,000. There are cases when claims could go as high as a million dollars. If you work with a seasoned lawyer, you can increase your chances of getting a favorable verdict.
Work with experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers through The Personal Injury Center, who can also help with your
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also one of the most common types of severe injuries after a bike or auto accident.
The spine has 33 vertebrae—24 in the lower back and 9 in the neck. The spinal cord runs through this structure and connects to nerves throughout the body. If a rider is not wearing a helmet or has been thrown off their bike, they could injure their spinal cord.
When someone sustains a spinal cord fracture, it can be acute or chronic. An acute fracture is one that has recently occurred and will require immediate medical attention. On the other hand, a chronic fracture is one that has been present for some time, and you may not discover it until later. Doctors usually diagnose this when symptoms, such as paralysis or numb limbs, appear.
Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering and devastating. Aside from paralysis or loss of sensation, these injuries can cause issues with bladder control, sexual function, and bowel movement.
Lower-Extremity Injuries
Lower-extremity injuries are the most common injuries among riders who don’t wear protective gear. The lower extremities include the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and skin that make up your legs and feet. These injuries could be minor cuts, bruises, or severe fractures in the bones of your legs or feet.
Internal Injuries
While internal injuries are least likely to be seen on the surface, they can be the most devastating. Extreme pressure, force, or trauma often cause these injuries, which can include the following:
- Penetrating Injuries: This occurs when something enters your body and causes damage to internal organs or blood vessels. Common penetrating injuries include stab and gunshot wounds.
- Blunt Force Trauma: This occurs when something hits you with sufficient force to cause damage to your internal organs, blood vessels, or bones. This happens without anything piercing your body.
Fractures
Fractures can be open or closed. An open fracture occurs when the bone pokes through a person’s skin. On the other hand, a closed fracture is an injury to the bone, and the skin remains intact.
Symptoms of a fracture include bruising, swelling, pain, deformity, and instability. If you think you fractured your bone in a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention immediately.
You must be compensated if you suffered from either minor or severe injuries. A credible, experienced, and driven lawyer is what you need to advance your case. Therefore, seek legal representation from the lawyers endorsed by The Personal Injury Center.
Aside from being ethical in carrying out the lawyer-client relationship, lawyers endorsed by The Personal Injury Center have impressive testimonials from motorcycle accident victims.
Get Help From The Personal Injury Center Today
No one wants to be involved in an accident. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hold someone liable simply because they didn’t want to cause the injury. The right of one person ends when the right of another person begins. This means that your right to drive ends when the right of another person to be free from injury begins.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, get the compensation you deserve. Know your rights with the help of The Personal Injury Center. Whether it’s an injury or a wrongful death claim, they can connect you with a reliable personal injury lawyer that can prove that the other party was negligent.
Whether a simple or fatal motorcycle accident, The Personal Injury Center can assist you in asserting your rights. Get help today!
FAQs on Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Chicago
What are the qualities of the best motorcycle accident lawyer?
The best motorcycle accident lawyer has the following qualities:
Â
- Experience: The attorney should have experience handling motorcycle accidents and other types of personal injury cases. They must be able to help you claim more than just medical expenses.Â
- Credentials: They should be licensed to practice law and have a good reputation in the community.
- Communication skills: The lawyer should be able to explain complex legal concepts in layman's terms so that you can understand them.
- Fairness: The attorney should be fair with you and your case and not be out for just a quick buck.
What is the average motorcycle accident payout in Chicago?
It’s hard to give a definite answer to this question since each case is unique. Talk to your lawyer to get an estimate of how much you can claim as damages.
