Have You Been Injured in a Head-On Motorcycle Accident?
Collisions cause a variety of damage to the vehicles and people involved. This depends on the point of impact, the speed of the vehicles, and the nature of the crash. In contrast, a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer knows that collisions where two front-ends meet tend to cause substantial damage. This, to all vehicles involved, whether they are cars, trucks, or motorcycles.
Head-on impacts occur when the front ends of two vehicles collide. In many cases, these accidents stem from a lane departure or a road departure incident. Here, one vehicle veers from an intended trajectory and causes a crash.
In other cases, head-on collisions occur at an intersection where vehicles traveling in opposite directions may occupy the same portion of the road, though they should be there at different times.
Head-On Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
In 2012 alone, there were 897 head-on accidents with injuries and 96 fatalities. Some of these collisions involve motorcycle riders who have much less protection than their counterparts in passenger vehicles.
The dangerous nature of a head-on collision combined with the limited safety devices and protection of a motorcycle means that these are some of the worst accidents that occur in Illinois.
There are many causes of motorcycle accidents but for head on motorcycle accident collisions they usually start by a motorcyclist who is simply riding straight ahead on a road, street, or expressway. In all of the motorcycle-related collisions in 2012, more than half of them occurred while the biker was riding forward.
Head-on crashes sometimes involve two motorcycles, a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, or a motorcycle and a bus, truck, or van. Regardless of the second vehicle involved, the biker is almost always seriously injured, and a head-on motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago should be contacted.
Head-On Motorcycle Crashes Can Cause Serious Injury and Death
Motorcycle accident injuries range from cuts and lacerations to broken bones to even death. Others in these crashes may have injuries as well and may require medical assistance. Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys are well aware of the terrible injuries from these collisions.
Head-on collisions are disproportionately responsible for fatalities in Chicago and across the rest of the state. While head-on crashes are relatively uncommon compared to rear-end accidents, they are much more deadly.
This definitely holds true when a motorcyclist is in a head-on crash. Bikers are more likely to survive a rear-end crash or a clipping incident than they are a head-on collision. This is due in part to the forces involved.
Head-on motorcycle accidents often occur in rural areas
Head-on bike collisions do not occur solely in Chicago, though. In fact, a common setting for a head-on crash is a two-lane road or highway with a fast speed limit.
In more rural areas, which are often lightly populated, motorists may be lulled into a sense of safety by light or nonexistent traffic. This can lead to a driver’s mind wandering and his or her focus diverting away from the road.
A motorcycle can be difficult to see
Further, motorcycles can be more difficult to see than other cars due to their small size. Therefore, a driver who is not paying attention may not notice a bike until it is too late.
If that driver is not careful to remain in the designated lane of traffic, the vehicle may cross the center dividing line. This sets up a head-on collision that may occur at a high rate of speed.
With greater speed comes greater force and, at times, larger injuries. That being said, large injuries can result even from any type of motorcycle accident. To learn more about more specific types of motorcycle accidents refer to:
- Chicago broadside 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.
What Are Common Causes of Head-On Motorcycle Collisions?
- Improper Passing
- Speeding
- Crossing the centerline
- Distracted Driving
- A wrong way driver
Contact a Chicago Head-On Motorcycle Collision Lawyer
Victims of motorcycle accidents do not have to suffer silently as they try to piece together their lives again. Instead, the laws of Illinois and Chicago enable these victims to seek relief for their damage from any and all responsible parties. Whether it’s an at-fault driver, or even the employer of a driver who is on-the-job at the time of a crash, legal help is available.
The personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. believe in fighting for the rights of those with injuries from accidents. This includes motorcycle collisions. We offer a free case consultation to all victims who contact us at (312) 924-7575. Further, we offer it without any obligation.
If you prefer to meet with us in person but your injuries are too serious to travel to our offices, we also offer free in-home and in-hospital consultations. This, so that you can get the answers you deserve whenever you need them.
If you have injuries from an accident, do not continue to suffer as your medical bills add up and your pain and suffering continues. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. and let us fight for your rights.
If you have been hurt in a head-on motorcycle accident in Chicago, call us toll free at (855) LAW-CHICAGO or Contact Us online for a free consultation.