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Riding a motorcycle is not only a great way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, but it also provides a sense of freedom and independence that can’t be matched by any other vehicle. But riding one can put you at risk for an accident. If you have gotten into an accident with, or while riding, a motorcycle, our car accident lawyer Elgin Illinois can help ensure you receive justice. Contact Carlson Bier Associates today at 312-622-2900 for a consultation.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are more likely than car passengers or drivers to suffer life-threatening injuries in an accident. That risk is higher for inexperienced drivers. You can take some basic precautions to ensure motorcycles and other drivers are safe on the road.
Motorcycle accidents are more likely to be fatal than accidents involving other vehicle types
In general, motorcycle accidents are more likely to be fatal than accidents involving other vehicle types. A motorcycle is much smaller than the average passenger car or SUV and has little protection for its driver, so any collision with an automobile or truck can result in serious injury or death. Riders also face additional risk due to their position on the road. They’re exposed to wind and weather conditions, as well as debris kicked up by vehicles ahead of them.
Even if you don’t ride a motorcycle yourself, it’s important that you understand how these vehicles operate so that you can help reduce collisions involving them. If you are involved in a collision with a motorcycle, you can contact our car accident lawyer Elgin Illinois for a consultation.
Common causes of motorcycle accidents
While some motorcyclists ride recreationally, they still need to follow all traffic laws and wear their helmets at all times when operating their vehicles on public roads just like everyone else does. When safety guidelines and rules of the road are not adhered to, accidents can occur. At Carlson Bier Associates, our car accident lawyer Elgin Illinois can help you with your claim.
The most common cause of a collision between a motorcycle and another vehicle is the driver of the other vehicle not seeing or misjudging the speed and distance of the motorcycle. The average motorcycle is smaller than other vehicles on the road, so it can be harder to see. A driver may underestimate how fast a motorcycle is traveling, which can lead to an accident.
Drivers who are new to the road are more likely to be involved in accidents involving motorcycles. This is because they may not be aware of the dangers of motorcycles on the road, or what their speed and distance from other vehicles needs to be. One study found that drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to cause an accident involving a motorcycle if they were inexperienced than those who had been driving for longer than five years.
When and where motorcycle accidents occur
Accidents happen everywhere. But, there are some trends for motorcycle accidents. On the weekends, you’re likely to see more motorcycles on the road. More motorcycles mean more chances for accidents.
The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) says that over half of all motorcycle collisions occur in urban areas, where there’s more traffic and distractions. Motorcycles are far more likely to be involved in collisions in these areas than other vehicles.
Urban driving can also present challenges for drivers of cars and trucks because there are so many obstacles on the road: parked cars, potholes, road debris—and other vehicles pulling out from side streets. If you’re an urban commuter who rides a motorcycle or scooter, it’s worth taking extra caution when navigating city streets so that you don’t become part of this statistic.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcycles are involved in fatal accidents at a rate far above that of any other kind of vehicle, cars included. This is why it’s so important for all motorists to be aware of how they can share the road safely with motorcyclists.
It is also important to consult a car accident lawyer Elgin Illinois, if you’ve been involved in an accident with a motorcycle or as a motorcycle rider.
Contact our car accident lawyer Elgin Illinois for a consultation
Motorcycles have many advantages over cars: they can stop very quickly, making them much more agile and maneuverable; they use less fuel than cars; and since there’s no need for airbags or seatbelts, riders don’t have to worry about those things getting in their way during an emergency situation.
These characteristics make motorcycles extremely fun to drive and ride, but also pose challenges when sharing roads with larger automobiles such as trucks or SUVs. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the car accident lawyer Elgin Illinois at Carlson Bier Associates. Our attorneys will help you pursue your claim and help you pursue justice.
