Motorcycle accidents typically result in severe injuries and, in some cases, death. Motorcycle riders and their passengers have little protection even when riding at low speeds against automobiles and trucks when involved in a crash. A total of 1,842 motorcycle accidents were reported in and around Chicago in 2020. Out of these, 1,647 resulted in injuries and 64 in fatalities. Damages in motorcycle accidents are typically significant because of the lack of protection. If you happen to live in Chicago, IL, and have met with a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek the help of motorcycle accident lawyers in Chicago as you will want to seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents In Illinois
The State of Illinois has a significant truck industry which increases your risk of becoming involved in an accident with a truck. Commercial trucks pose a significant danger to motorcyclists even if they do not crash into each other. These large trucks often experience tire blowouts where large pieces of the tire remain on the roadway. These tire remains can result in a deadly crash for a motorcyclist.
Other dangers large trucks present for motorcyclists are when they overload, and part of the load falls onto the roadway. Unexpected obstructions left in a roadway can also cause serious or deadly accidents for motorcyclists. Illinois also presents dangers to motorcyclists on their congested roads in the large cities.
Some motorcycle accidents are caused by factors that neither of the drivers could expect or see coming. However, there are still reasons why they happened. Some of the factors for motorcycle accidents are that auto drivers do not see them on the road, and sometimes the motorcycle is not paying attention to automobile traffic.
Motorcycles are more challenging for auto drivers to see when they are changing lanes, passing, or speeding. In other situations, auto drivers are not able to stop fast enough to avoid a crash with a motorcycle when they finally see them.
Caution is essential for a motorcycle driver when driving on any road in any location. Distractions can result in crashes, and with the increased risk to motorcyclists, they must use even more caution than automobile drivers.
What You Should Do After A Motorcycle Accident In The State Of Illinois
The first thing to do after a motorcycle accident is to check yourself for injuries. Medical attention should be sought if there are serious injuries, as well as the local police department where you need to report the accident. If you are not seriously injured, you should collect the following:
- The name of the other driver involved
- The other driver’s license information
- The other driver’s insurance information
- The year, model, and make of the other vehicle involved in the crash
- If there are witnesses, you want to collect their contact information
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is significantly beneficial for you to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney. These experienced attorneys can provide legal representation for you and help you learn how to proceed to receive compensation for your injuries. Typically these accidents result in life-altering consequences, and you will want fair compensation to protect your future. A motorcycle accident attorney understands Illinois personal injury laws and what action you need to take for a fair settlement.
Comparative Negligence In Illinois
In the State of Illinois, you need to understand how a driver, even if injured, can be proven to be solely responsible for the accident. The courts will determine, based on the evidence presented, who to assign this responsibility to if it’s proven they behaved negligently. This decision will then affect how much compensation will be awarded to the injured person. The jury or judge will compare how much negligence the motorcyclist displayed in the accident, and this degree of fault will be taken away from the compensation award.
If it is determined one of the drivers involved in the crash, whether it be the motorcyclist or the automobile driver, is more at fault than the other, this driver then will not be allowed to file a claim against the less responsible driver. You should have a motorcycle accident attorney working with you through this process to ensure you receive a fair outcome.
There are guidelines, rules, and laws involving traffic on Illinois roadways that pertain to motorcycle accidents. Don’t jeopardize your future by not receiving fair compensation for your injuries if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. It is to your benefit to hire a motorcycle accident attorney to protect your rights and your future.
