Motorcyclists must have strength, skill, and balance to handle their motorcycles safely. When anything goes wrong, they can suffer serious or fatal injuries. Common road dangers for motorcyclists in Chicago, IL, include adverse weather, slick surfaces, and, most significantly, careless drivers.
After a motorcycle accident, operators and passengers often seek injury compensation from the responsible party. The Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers can guide you through the legal process after a crash. Our attorneys have 35 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $250 million in compensation.
Contact our law office at (312) 635-5400 to schedule a free consultation.
How Powell and Pisman Can Help After A Motorcycle Accident In Chicago, IL
Our Chicago personal injury lawyers provide the following legal services to motorcyclists injured by careless, impaired, or distracted drivers:
- Reviewing your case and devising a personalized legal strategy
- Contacting the at-fault driver’s insurer and filing an insurance claim
- Negotiating with the insurance company to resolve the case without a lawsuit
- Taking your case to court if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement
Your motorcycle crash in Chicago, Illinois, can cause physical and mental trauma as well as financial losses. Contact Powell and Pisman to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney and learn how we fight for fair compensation against powerful insurers.
Common Road Dangers Faced By Chicago Motorcyclists
According to the most recent Illinois Crash Facts report, the state had 3,147 motorcycle crashes in 2023. These collisions accounted for 1.1% of the total traffic accidents in the state that year. However, riders accounted for 13.5% of the state’s traffic deaths.
This means any road danger could result in a disabling or fatal injury, from potholes to distracted driving. Some of the most common road dangers for motorcyclists in Chicago include the following:
Intersections
Intersections pose a significant risk to motorcycles. One of the most common motorcycle crash scenarios occurs when a driver turns left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle. These left-turn-across-path (LTAP) accidents can happen for many reasons, including drivers who misperceive the motorcycle’s speed or distance due to its small size.
When these crashes occur, the automobile can strike the motorcycle broadside. The rider will be slammed to the ground and, in a worst-case scenario, run over or dragged by the vehicle. The rider may suffer injuries to their limbs, neck, and head.
Alternatively, the motorcycle may smash into the side of the automobile. The rider may be ejected and land on the car or the ground. In either case, they may fracture bones and suffer brain injuries in the impact.
Inattentional Blindness
Inattentional blindness is a cognitive bias that prevents drivers from perceiving motorcycles unless they are attuned to look for them. This phenomenon leads to looked-but-failed-to-see accidents. In these crashes, the driver is not distracted or impaired. However, they fail to spot a motorcycle in plain sight because they are driving on autopilot and failing to look attentively.
The cure for inattentional blindness is to focus on driving and avoid going on autopilot. A driver who drives inattentively and hits a motorcycle may be negligent.
Distracted Drivers
Distracted drivers cannot see or react to motorcycles on the road. As a result, they may hit a motorcycle without even realizing it. The following activities are common causes of distracted driving:
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Reading or responding to text messages
- Adjusting the stereo or navigation system
Distracted drivers who hit motorcyclists are liable for the resulting injuries. Specifically, someone who attempts to multitask while driving has failed to exercise the care and attention expected of a reasonably safe driver.
Slick Surfaces
Motorcycles are more vulnerable to surface conditions than automobiles because they have only two tires. This means they have less than half the tire surface in contact with the road. When either tire loses traction, the motorcyclist can lose control of their ride.
Additionally, motorcycles are only stable as long as the rider maintains their balance. When the motorcycle tips, the rider might not have the strength or weight to right it. As a result, gravel, ice, or standing water can cause a crash.
Contact Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Powell and Pisman, our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys bring decades of combined experience and a proven track record of securing substantial recoveries for injured riders. We’ll handle the insurance companies and legal complexities while you focus on healing.
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.