Understanding Chicago Motorcycle Accidents through Statistics
Motorcycle accidents in Chicago lead to thousands of injuries and numerous fatalities. Every year 70,000 to 80,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents across the nation.
Additionally, there are somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 fatalities from motorcycle accidents annually. The statistics of Chicago motorcycle accidents are not meant to frighten, but to shed light on the need for more safety procedures and laws surrounding motorcycles.
Among traffic accidents, motorcycle collisions are more likely to produce injuries. Tragically, some turn fatal at a rate higher than other collisions. This is true, even though the account for a relatively small portion of all crashes. In 2018, the Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) reported that motorcycles represent less than one percent of all collisions.
Even those who do not ride motorcycles can be involved in an accident with a motorcycle accident. This can occur while they are driving or riding in a car, truck, bus, or van. If you or a loved one has been involved or injured in a motorcycle accident then contact the Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C.
How Often Are There Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois?
Chicago motorcycle accident Statistics as recorded by IDOT for all of Illinois for 2018 include the following:
- There were 2,973 motorcycle crashes
- Less than one percent of all accidents involved motorcycles, however motorcycle collisions were responsible for 3.1 percent of all traffic-related injuries and 12.1 percent of all traffic fatalities
- 2,266 motorcyclists were injured in traffic collisions
- Motorcyclist injuries saw a 9.9% decrease from 2017
- 119 people on motorcycles were killed in accidents
- The number of motorcyclists killed decreased by 25.6 percent from 2017
- In addition to biker deaths, there were two fatalities from those not on motorcycles
- The most common type of road for a biker to be injured or killed was upon a city road or street where 1,022 bikers were injured and 39 were killed
- An additional 248 riders were injured on state routes in urban areas and 24 bikers were killed;
- Bikers aged 45 years and older were the most likely to be injured or killed in a crash;
- Only one child age 9 or younger was hurt in a motorcycle accident;
- Of the motorcycle operators who were killed in collisions, 85 were tested for the presence of alcohol and 37.6 percent of them had at least a trace amount of alcohol present;
Liability for a Chicago Motorcycle Accident
When a motorcycle collision occurs, it is often due to a mistake, negligence, or reckless conduct on the part of one or more motorists. In some cases, a biker may be to blame, but most of the time it’s a driver behind the wheel of a larger vehicle.
Regardless of what the cause of the motorcycle accident the victims of a motorcycle accident have a right to relief under Illinois law. As the facts and circumstances surrounding each collision vary, it is important to understand the legal options that may result from a crash with injuries.
A negligent driver or the owner of an at-fault vehicle may be held legally and civilly liable for any injuries that result from a motorcycle accident. There can be liability for medical bills, surgical expenses, lost wages, or even pain and suffering.
Those responsible for a crash can be held liable for monetary damages. In the event that a corporation employed an at-fault driver, that company can also be held liable.
Help from a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are dedicated to representing those injured in accidents. We have successfully represented numerous victims of motorcycle collisions. Further, we are standing by now to help you understand your legal rights if you are a crash victim.
Call Abels & Annes toll free at (855) LAW-CHICAGO (529-2442) or locally at (312) 924-7575. Let us provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation regarding your accident and your legal options. If you would prefer, feel free to fill out our online contact form.
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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.