Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois
Being a rider on an Illinois motorcycle is as risky as it is enjoyable. In case of a crash, there is nothing between you and the pavement. Also, drivers do not always see motorcycles, and sometimes the road itself throws surprises.
“Sadly, some motorcycle accidents and injuries are caused by the inattention of another driver, and when this happens, you have a right to sue,” says attorney Michael McCready of the McCready Law Injury Attorneys.
This guide looks into what makes riders in Illinois so vulnerable and what leads to most motorcycle accidents in the state.
Vehicles Turning Left
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about half of fatal accidents involving motorcycles and another car take place when drivers are turning left. Usually, the driver simply fails to notice a motorcyclist or underestimates his/her speed.
In Illinois, drivers are obliged to give way to all traffic coming from the opposite direction when making a left turn. In case a collision occurs, the responsibility is placed on the person who made the turn; however, if the motorbike driver was speeding or ran the red light, they will be held accountable.
Limited Visibility
Motorcycles are harder to see than other vehicles. Also, there are times when motorists forget to do a blind spot check, or there are weather issues that affect visibility. The motorists may switch lanes without realizing your presence or make unexpected moves since they are not cautious enough.
Some things you can do to ensure that you are not overlooked include putting reflectors on your motorcycle, making sure that your lights are turned on, and positioning your motorcycle in places where they are easily noticeable to motorists. According to Illinois traffic laws, it is mandatory to use motorcycle headlights while riding.
Excess Speeds
Speed is a significant contributing factor to motorcycle crashes in Illinois. One of the major pleasures of riding is feeling the motorcycle’s powerful engine, which provides an exhilarating thrill for the driver. However, this thrill distracts from thinking logically, because at high speed, even one mistake can cost lives. The law does not tolerate speeding on the streets of Illinois. Thus, each driver must follow the traffic regulations to avoid a tragic incident.
If you want to fully enjoy your ride and stay safe, adhere to a reasonable speed. Stay away from the other motor vehicles. Try to keep a safe distance from others and be cautious. This way, you can enjoy all the advantages of motorcycling and be safe on the road at the same time.
Driving Under the Influence
Motorcycles require alertness and perfect coordination. Alcohol consumption interferes with these skills significantly, and any amount of alcohol in the blood can significantly increase the chances of getting into an accident. Unfortunately, the impairment of other road users can result in an accident even when you have done everything to stay safe. In such cases, the rider is likely to suffer more than another person involved, because he/she is less protected on a motorcycle.
In Illinois, the blood alcohol content limit is established at 0.08%. However, anyone who has had a drink knows you start losing judgment way before you hit that number, So, it’s recommended not to consume any alcohol if you’re going to ride a motorcycle.
Overcoming Bias with Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Riders usually encounter a bias. People think that motorcycle riders tend to neglect traffic safety rules, and there is almost always a presumption of fault on the rider. Such prejudice does not help to receive deserved compensation for damage.
A good motorcycle accident lawyer should be capable of fighting against such prejudice. They should investigate the case thoroughly and build the strongest possible argument.
You need a skilled lawyer who knows everything about your rights and is able to challenge insurance companies in court. They should have enough experience and extensive knowledge in this field. Open, honest communication, support at every stage, and a clear plan to pursue the settlement deserved are all important. Do not settle for less.
