T-Bone Motorcycle Accidents Cause Serious Injuries
The Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes are very aware that broadside motorcycle accidents are incredibly dangerous.
These crashes usually occur at intersections. They are a result of a driver’s failure to observe a traffic light, stop sign, or right of way procedure.
This is a collision where the side of a vehicle is impacted by the front or rear of another vehicle, which is why a broadside accident is often referred to as a “T-bone collision”. The cars involved form a T shape.
When a motorcyclist is in a broadside accident, the risk of injury and death becomes very likely. Motorcyclist deaths due to a multi-vehicle crash, like a broadside accident, account for almost 20 percent more deaths compared to single vehicle crashes.
Broadside collisions are frequently due to the negligence of other drivers. Passenger vehicles are at fault for over half of multi-vehicle collisions involving motorcycles. This can occur because of distracted driving or because of a driver’s failure to observe blind spots.
What Causes Broadside Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorists approaching an intersection often proceed even though their view of oncoming traffic is impaired. Drivers too frequently do not give intersections the proper amount of time for decision making, which leads to one of the main causes of motorcycle accidents.
All too often other motorists driving carelessly fail to see motorcyclists on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHSTA”) sponsored the Share the Road campaign in May 2016 in honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
The Share the Road Campaign reminds us that motorcyclists have the same rights as other motor vehicles on the road. The NHSTA encourages other drivers to keep a lookout for motorcyclists and safely share the roads.
The campaign instructs drivers to give motorcyclists the same distance they would give other vehicles, a full lane. Although they are smaller vehicles, they require the same space as a car to maneuver safely.
The likelihood of a Chicago motorcycle collision increases during the warmer months from May to September. Drivers should exercise extreme caution during the summer, as the likelihood of encountering motorcyclists is much higher. Sixty-two percent of motorcyclists’ deaths in 2014 occurred during these warmer months, with fatalities reaching a high in June.
To learn more about more specific types of motorcycle accidents refer to:
- Chicago head-on motorcycle collisions
- Chicago right-of-way motorcycle accidents
- Chicago left turn motorcycle accidents
- Chicago drunk driving motorcycle accidents
If you couldn't find an accident similar to your case, check out some of our general motorcycle safety tips or speak to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The air on your face as you cruise down the open road may be liberating. However, the exposure motorcycles create can lead to devastating injuries and even death. Below are some Chicago motorcycle accident statistics:
- The likelihood of death for a biker in a motorcycle crash is 26 times higher than those inside a car. Serious head injuries and brain trauma is also more likely among bikers.
- On average more than 2,500 motorcyclists die in traffic collisions every year. In 2014, crashes involving motorcycles in Illinois accounted for 13.7 percent of the state’s fatal accidents.
- In total, 2,693 motorcyclists were injured in 2014 while another 957 riders experienced traumatic motorcycle accident injuries. And tragically, 118 riders were killed.
The High Cost of Motorcycle Accidents
Given their high-speed capabilities and minimal occupant protection, motorcycles are among the most hazardous highway vehicles. Further, motorcycle accidents have one of the highest crash costs.
A study reviewing medical costs of those involved in motorcycle accidents showed that on average, initial medical bills and treatment costs can range anywhere from $3,000 to over $30,000. When a motorcyclist suffers from head trauma these costs can exceed $40,000.
These figures only represent initial hospital and emergency costs. They do not include additional follow up treatment, rehabilitative care, and subsequent surgeries.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a broadside motorcycle accident and are now facing extensive medical costs? If so, contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. to get the help you deserve.
Avoiding Motorcycle Injury in Chicago
Illinois law does not require motorcyclists or their passengers to wear protective headgear. However, both the NHTSA and medical professionals highly recommend the use of helmets. They are for your protection and decrease the odds of head and traumatic brain injuries in the event of a crash.
Wearing a helmet can be the difference between life and death. Helmets are believed to have saved the lives of 1,630 motorcyclists in 2014. Further, estimates indicate that another 715 lives could have been saved if helmets were worn by those riders.
The decision to wear a helmet can save a life. Yet in 2015, the use of helmets compliant with Department of Transportation regulations was only at 64 percent. An additional number of riders wear novelty helmets. These do not function at Department of Transportation safety standards.
As motorcycles are smaller vehicles, they are often hard to see, especially at night. Riders should wear brightly colored clothing and use reflective tape to help increase visibility. Motorcyclists should also use proper hand and turn signals whenever changing lanes or turning.
Contact a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Despite one’s best efforts the roadway is a dangerous place and collisions can occur even when exercising the utmost caution. If you are a victim of a broadside motorcycle accident due to another’s negligence, you may have the right to receive compensation.
The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. frequently represent motorcyclists with injuries from accidents. If there is a fatality due to negligence, we also assist the loved ones of motorcyclists and passengers.
If you have injuries from a broadside motorcycle accident, contact the Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. Call us toll-free at (855) LAW-CHICAGO (529-2442), locally at (312) 924-7575 or online for a free case consultation without obligation.
If you have been injured in a Chicago motorcycle accident, call us at (312) 924-7575 or Contact Us online for a free case consultation.