Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois | Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Motorcycle Accidents


Illinois motorists experienced 3,408 motorcycle crashes in 2014 – the latest year with full data available through the Illinois Department of Transportation. Of these motorcycle accidents, 6,557 people were involved, 2,418 led to injuries and 116 were fatal. Ultimately, many of these accidents resulted in insurance claims, civil lawsuits, traffic violations, or criminal proceedings. That is because the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are a rider or vehicle driver’s negligence or recklessness while on the road. When drivers and riders do not uphold their responsibility to follow the law and keep others out of danger, they are held responsible for the damage they cause.

If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash in Illinois, consider what caused the accident and whether someone else’s negligence or recklessness is behind your current situation. If someone else was at fault for the accident, you may have the right to seek compensation through a third-party auto insurance claim or personal injury suit.

If you lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death suit. Contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer from Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. to learn more about your rights and legal options. Call (312) 236-2900 for a free consultation.

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

One of the most common factors reported in Illinois motorcycle accidents is excessive speed. In 2014, it was a factor in 13.2 percent of all crashes. This is not too surprising as speeding is a constant issue on the roads and driving too fast for the road conditions, weather, and traffic constantly causes accidents. Speeding in construction zones is also a regular problem in Illinois. Additionally, speeding on a motorcycle when coming up on a turn is especially dangerous and can send riders into oncoming traffic or off the road.

Motorcycle riders consistently deal with the issue of not being seen by other drivers, which leads cars to change lanes into them. When a vehicle suddenly moves into the motorcycle’s lane, the rider has to quickly veer into another lane or onto the shoulder. This makes it much more likely that the motorcycle will collide with another vehicle or wipe out.

Fender benders, which are much more serious for motorcyclists than other vehicles, are also common. Drivers may not notice a motorcycle slowing down or stopping or may misjudge the distance between them and a motorcycle. However, a tap that would have caused minimal damage to another vehicle can cause serious injuries to a motorcyclist.

Additionally, 11.9 percent of motorcycle accidents involved a crash between a motorcycle driving straight and a vehicle making a left turn in 2014. If you ask anyone involved in the motorcycle community, vehicles turning into motorcycles they do not see is a huge problem. Riders can only keep themselves safe up to a point. Beyond that, drivers have to do their part. Motorists need to be on the lookout for motorcyclists during nice weather, particularly while making a left turn during traffic.

How a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle-vehicle accident, do not hesitate to call us at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. for advice. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by a vehicle driver’s carelessness or recklessness. We can review your situation and give you an objective opinion on your best course of action.

If someone else caused your accident and injuries, then we can help you file an insurance claim or if necessary, file a personal injury claim in court. Our goal will be to obtain you the most compensation possible for your injuries and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free confidential consultation.

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(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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