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Motorcycle accidents can be very devastating to both parties involved in the accident. If you have been involved in one, you will need a personal injury lawyer Urbana Illinois. Contact Carlson Bier Associates today for a consultation at 312-622-2900. We will set you up for success now and for your future.
While driving a motorcycle, you are exposed to more risks than if you were driving in any other vehicle on the road. This is because of the lack of protection afforded to you even if you have a helmet and protective gear. In addition to this, motorcycles have less stability when it comes to steering and braking capabilities compared with other vehicles on the road. This makes them more susceptible to swerving out of control or flipping over during an accident or collision with another vehicle on the road.
Motorcycle accident statistics
The most common cause of motorcycle crashes is the motorcyclist violating traffic control device rules. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 37 percent of the motorcycle crashes in 2018 were caused by the motorcyclist violating this rule. If you were in such an accident, you need a personal injury lawyer Urbana Illinois to help you pursue your claim.
Unfortunately, there were 1,170 motorcycle accidents in Illinois in 2018. Of those accidents:
- 779 resulted in injury or death
- 42% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were not wearing helmets
- 38% of motorcyclists had alcohol levels at or above the legal limit
According to Federal Highway Administration statistics, more than half of all fatal motorcycle accidents and about one-third of all non-fatal crashes are due to a driver’s failure to yield right-of-way or improper lane change maneuvers by other vehicles (i.e., cars). This means that if you’re on a bike and want to stay safe while driving around town, it’s important for you to be aware of your surroundings at all times so that you can avoid collisions with other vehicles as much as possible.
Where motorcycle accidents typically occur
The most common location for motor vehicle crashes is at an intersection, with these accounting for about half of all accidents. Many motorcycle accidents also occur when the driver or passenger is on a motorcycle and hit by another vehicle while traveling. No matter the cause, our personal injury lawyer Urbana Illinois will help you pursue your claim if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident.
These types of crashes happen because the drivers in these vehicles do not see motorcycles as they approach them from the side or behind. The reason why this happens is because drivers are often focused more on their driving than paying attention to what else is going on around them at that time.
When accidents occur
It’s important to remember that crash statistics are only a part of the story. They do not tell us why riders crash, or how they might have prevented those accidents. They also don’t tell us if their injuries were severe or minor.
However, you should know that 32 percent of motorcycle crashes in Illinois happened on Saturdays and Sundays at night. Although they can happen anytime, the conditions at night obscure a vehicle that is already difficult to see.
Alcohol in motorcycle accidents
In a study, 23% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had alcohol levels at or above the legal limit. Alcohol impairs motorcyclists’ ability to control their bike and react to sudden changes in the road, making it even more dangerous for them than it is for other drivers.
Use of motorcycle helmets
In addition to being more likely to be involved in crashes, victims of motorcycle accidents are also more likely to suffer severe injuries. This is partly because they’re smaller than cars (and therefore less protected by seatbelts). It is also because they don’t have airbags or other protective features like side-impact beams. In fact, according to one report: a person riding a motorcycle without a helmet has an 85% chance of dying after suffering a head injury; compared with only an 11% chance if wearing one.
Helmet use is the most effective way to prevent head injuries in a motorcycle crash. In Illinois, there isn’t a law for motorcycle helmet use. Helmet use can reduce the risk of death by 37 percent, and reduce the risk of serious injury by 69 percent.
Contact our personal injury lawyer Urbana Illinois if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident
Motorcycle accidents can be very devastating to both parties involved in the accident. In fact, motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in injuries than car accidents and they’re also more likely to result in fatalities. Motorcycle riders should always wear protective gear and helmets. Other drivers need to be more vigilant and aware when there are motorcyclists on the road. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed, contact our personal injury lawyer Urbana Illinois for a consultation. Whether it is negotiation or litigation, we are passionate about getting you the results you deserve.
