Motorcycles are popular vehicles in the United States, but they are also inherently dangerous for several reasons. While they are light and maneuverable compared to cars, they also offer very little physical protection to a rider in an accident. Each year, about 90,000 motorcycle accidents occur throughout the United States. When compared to the total number of registered motorcycles in the US, this means that about 1% of all motorcycle riders will have an accident in a given year.
This may seem like a relatively low risk, but do not misinterpret this statistic to mean that you only have a 1% chance of being in a motorcycle accident at any given time. Motorcycle accidents can happen for a wide range of reasons, and it’s crucial for all riders to operate their bikes cautiously, in accordance with all laws, and to do everything else they can to limit their risk of accidents.
Most Commonly Reported Risk Factors for Motorcycle Accidents
Some of the most commonly reported causes of motorcycle accidents in the US each year include:
- Distracted driving, which is responsible for more accidents than any other cause. Just a few seconds of distraction is all that it takes to cause a devastating accident, and motorcyclists can be especially vulnerable to other motorists’ distracted driving, being smaller and harder to see than most other passenger vehicles. Motorcycles can get overlooked completely when someone is not giving their full attention to the road.
- Driving under the influence (DUI). It is extremely dangerous for anyone to operate any vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so is also illegal. Any driver who causes an accident because of DUI will face criminal charges and civil liability for any resulting damages.
- Speeding. All drivers must respect posted speed limits. Whenever accidents happen at high speeds, the drivers involved are at severe risk of sustaining catastrophic or fatal injuries.
- Moving violations, such as illegal turns, failure to yield, or running red lights and stop signs. Nearby drivers cannot anticipate these actions and may be startled into a bad decision that turns a small traffic violation into a serious accident involving two or more parties.
There are many other ways motorcycle accidents can happen, and it’s not always easy to determine liability for these incidents. If you believe another driver is responsible for your recent motorcycle accident in Illinois, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you file a claim and hold the at-fault driver responsible.
What Are the Most Commonly Reported Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
All motorcycle riders should wear appropriate head protection and other safety gear. However, even the highest quality safety equipment can only minimize the injuries a rider sustains in an accident; it cannot prevent injuries entirely. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and bone fractures. Injured riders may not only sustain injuries from the primary impact with another vehicle but also the secondary impact of hitting the ground. It’s common for motorcycle accidents to result in multiple injuries to the rider, some of which can cause permanent disabilities and lifelong medical complications.
Head injuries are the most commonly reported injuries from motorcycle accidents. Illinois does not legally require riders to wear helmets, but it is always best for riders to use modern, well-fitted helmets while operating their bikes. Helmets cannot entirely prevent the potential for traumatic brain injuries, but they can significantly mitigate the severity of such injuries. It’s common for medical responders to report that a motorcycle helmet made the difference between life and death for a motorcycle accident victim.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The risk of sustaining injury is much higher in a motorcycle accident than it is in most other vehicle accidents. Motorcycles do not have enclosed cabs, seatbelts, or other safety features that are typically included in four-wheeled passenger vehicles, so motorcyclists should be aware that they are at risk of sustaining severe injuries in any accident. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and have any reason to believe you’ve suffered damage to your spine, neck, or head, it’s best to refrain from moving and to wait for first responders to arrive. EMS personnel can do a preliminary evaluation of your injuries, provide life-saving medical care, and take you to the hospital if necessary.
Filing an insurance claim is often one of the first steps to recovering from any vehicle accident. However, you should not file an insurance claim or correspond with any insurance company representatives until you secure legal counsel. Your motorcycle accident attorney can help you file your insurance claim and maximize the compensation you obtain from your settlement. When insurance isn’t enough to fully cover your losses, your attorney will also help you file a civil claim against the driver who caused your accident.
It’s normal to have many questions about your rights and options for legal recourse after another driver has injured you. If you believe another party is responsible for your recent motorcycle accident, contact Franks Gerkin Ponitz Greeley today to schedule a consultation with our team.
