What Are the Common Causes of a Motorcycle Accident in Illinois?

 Posted on February 26, 2021 in Blog Post

If you have ever traveled on Interstate 90 or 294 in Illinois near Chicago, you know you share the road with other automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. Highways and tollways are frequented by many drivers since that is typically the fastest and most direct route for them to take to their destinations. Regardless if you are driving for pleasure or work, you may be dealing with heavy traffic, construction zones, or inclement weather, including rain or snow. All of these factors can make driving dangerous whether it is during the day or night. Motorcyclists may be more vulnerable to accidents based on their sheer size compared to other vehicles. In some cases, injuries can be life-threatening and even prove fatal.

Dangers on the Road

Motorcyclists on average are five times more likely than passenger car occupants to be injured. There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of a motorcycle accident, including weather, driver behavior, and road condition:

• Manufacturer defects - If a motorcycle is poorly designed or has defective parts, the company that made it can be held liable for any injuries or deaths resulting from an accident due to faulty equipment.
• Unsafe lane changes - When other drivers fail to signal or look in their blind spots when changing lanes, they can easily collide with a motorcycle in that lane.
• Open vehicle doors - Many motorcycle accidents occur when a car driver opens the door of their parked vehicle as a motorcyclist is approaching on the side.
• Reckless driving - As a leading cause of any auto accident, speeding or going over the posted speed limit reduces the ability to stop in time and leads to a multi-vehicle collision.
• Driving under the influence - People who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly reduce their reaction time and ability to judge distance.
• Lane splitting - Driving between two lanes of traffic is very dangerous, since other motorists may not see a motorcycle when changing lanes.
• Sudden stops - When other drivers on the road follow too closely or tailgate and then abruptly stop, a motorcyclist can suffer serious injuries or death due to the impact of the rear-end collision.
• Driver error - New or inexperienced drivers often make dangerous or hasty moves behind the wheel, and they may not notice a motorcycle rider next to them until it is too late.
• Left-turn accidents - Right of way errors or misjudgments of distance while making a left turn are common causes of injury and death to motorcycle riders.
• Hazardous road conditions - Uneven pavement, potholes, snow, and ice, in addition to inadequate signage, can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of his or her vehicle and veer into oncoming traffic or into a ditch.

Contact a Des Plaines Personal Injury Attorney

A motorcycle accident can cause catastrophic injuries to a rider due to the lack of protection on this type of vehicle. If you were hurt or your loved one died as a result of a motorcycle crash, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against any negligent parties. At Quinn Law Group, LLC, we understand how any type of accident can negatively impact those involved. Speaking to an accomplished Park Ridge personal injury lawyer as soon as possible can increase your chances of obtaining compensation. Attorney Patrick Quinn has more than 15 years of experience helping victims recover damages so they can move on with their lives. Call our office today at 847-232-7180 to set up your free consultation and learn more about the legal options available to you.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-501.6