Right-of-Way Violations Lead to Motorcycle Accidents
The rules of the road apply to every driver, regardless of what type of vehicle the driver is operating. It does not matter whether it is a car, truck, bus, or even a motorcycle. For this reason, all drivers are legally responsible for their actions, including yielding the right-of-way to Motorcycles.
Though these rules may be clear, too many drivers tend to ignore the rights of bikers while on the roads. Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers know this places the bikers in the area at risk for an injury.
In Chicago, motorcyclists legally ride on the roads the same as other vehicles. Cars do not have a greater right or a priority interest in the streets. Drivers must share space with bikers in a harmonious and legal manner.
This includes recognizing the right of motorcyclists to ride and allowing bikers the opportunity to travel safely. And this, without unnecessary risk and interference by other drivers.
Motorcycle Crashes from Failing to Yield The Right-of-Way
One of the most common ways in which Chicago drivers ignore or disregard the rights of motorcyclists is by failing to yield the right-of-way. When driving, the right-of-way describes a priority system where one vehicle has the right to proceed before another.
Often, right-of-way is based on the type of intersection, the direction in which cars are turning, or even the merging patterns of a road. Therefore, all drivers are required to know who has the right-of-way and to abide by it. But in practice, many motorists disregard the rights of bikers.
After a collision, sometimes drivers claim that they were unable or simply failed to see a motorcycle. Therefore, they could not recognize the bike’s right to travel.
This is sometimes due to the fact that motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles and more difficult to spot. This, as well as the fact that motorcycles are more elusive and can appear in an area unnoticed more easily than a passenger vehicle.
But these explanations are not good enough when it comes to being responsible for a crash. It is every driver’s duty to look for and anticipate the potential presence of motorcycles. So, simply overlooking a bike will not remove liability.
Failure to Yield in Intersections
One common form of right-of-way violation that leads to injuries happens when a motorcycle is traveling straight through an intersection. At the same time, an oncoming vehicle turns left.
If the vehicle fails to wait for the biker to clear the area and begins a turn left, the vehicle and the motorcycle are likely to collide. This is a good example of a failure to yield the right-of-way crash.
Negligence Changing Lanes
Another common right-of-way crash involves a driver of a passenger car switching lanes or merging into another lane but fails to check for bikers first. If a merging driver strikes a biker who is legally within a lane of traffic, the driver can be liable for all damages that result.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Crashes
Any cause of a motorcycle accident can be very serious, or even deadly, because of a high risk of injuries to bikers involved in crashes. Common injuries include:
Back and Neck Injury
In many motorcycle accidents, a rider is thrown from a bike and onto the ground or other fixed object. For example, the rider may strike his back or neck on the bike, the vehicle causing the collision, or even a curb. Direct impact to the back or neck can lead to a serious injury including disc trauma, paralysis, or even death. Further, an indirect injury can also lead to back and neck damage. In addition, simply being hit or thrown from a bike can cause significant injuries to these areas.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Common in bike accidents are broken bones and fractures which may need anything from casting to surgical repair. When the force of an impact to a bone exceeds the bone’s ability to withstand, the bone can crack, splinter, shatter, buckle, or even crumble, leaving the victim with damage that may be temporary or permanent.
Scars and Lacerations
Bikers involved in accidents often suffer abrasions and cuts to their bodies. This is due to the impact of the crash and any skidding the biker does on the road’s surface. For example, this can be from gravel, rocks, debris, or even glass that can leave their skin open and prone to infection and scarring. Commonly referred to as road rash, bikers may experience large areas of multiple abrasions.
Head Trauma
One of the most dangerous types of injuries to sustain in a motorcycle accident is any form of head trauma. These conditions can be difficult to treat and may turn fatal depending on the severity of the injury. Head trauma can range from bumps and bruises to a concussion to an open head wound or even brain death.
Finding Legal Help After a Chicago Motorcycle Accident
A victim of a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another may be able to obtain relief for injuries. This would including pain and suffering. Speaking with a motorcycle right-of-way accident lawyer may help you understand what legal options are available in your case.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that all injury victims deserve to have an advocate on their side. Someone that will fight for their rights and make sure their interests are protected.
The focus of our law practice is on the representation of those people who sustain injuries from the negligence of others. At Abels & Annes, P.C., our legal team has helped obtain millions of dollars in settlements on behalf of our clients over the years. This includes motorcycle crash victims.
If a motorcycle accident in Chicago has left you injured or if it claimed the life of your loved one, call us today at (312) 924-7575. Let us provide you with a free case consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
There is no obligation for taking advantage of our consultation and we are standing by 24/7 to help. Do not just wonder about your legal rights; call us now and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
If you have injuries from a right-of-way motorcycle crash, call us now at (855) LAW-CHICAGO or Contact Us online for a free consultation.
Additional Resources
To learn more about more specific types of motorcycle accidents refer to:
- Chicago head-on motorcycle collisions
- Chicago broadside motorcycle accidents
- Left turn motorcycle accidents in Chicago
- Drunk driving motorcycle accidents in Chicago
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 at Abels & Annes, P.C. today.