What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
According to reported statistics,1 about 88,000 motorcyclists sustained injuries in accidents and an additional 4,976 motorcyclists did not survive the crash in 2015 alone. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) further reports2 that motorcyclists are approximately 27 times more likely to sustain fatal injuries on the road than people riding in cars or trucks.
Because motorcyclists are at such a high risk of life-threatening injuries, it is important to recognize the common causes of motorcycle accidents to both avoid accidents and to determine liability should a crash occur.
Distracted Driving Leads to Motorcycle Crashes
One of the most
common causes of motorcycles accidents is distracted driving. Motorcycles are already more difficult to notice on the roads as they do not take up nearly as much space as cars, trucks, or SUVs. When a driver is looking at their smartphone or otherwise being inattentive, the chances are higher that they will miss seeing a moto>rcyclist and may collide in a turn or lane change. If it is determined that a driver was distracted at the time of the crash, they may be held liable for the losses of the motorcyclist or their family.
Other Negligent Acts that Injure Motorcyclists
- distracted driving is a primary cause of motorcycle accidents, the following are also common contributing factors:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving such as following too closely
- Speeding
- Cutting off a motorcyclist when changing lanes
- Violating traffic signals or signs
- Violating any other Illinois traffic laws
By providing evidence of driver negligence, a motorcycle accident victim can recover financially for their medical bills, lost income if they missed work, pain and suffering, as well compensation for any permanent disabilities they suffered. Families who tragically lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident may seek financial recovery for the wrongful death.
A Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney is Here to Help
Motorcycle accident injuries can be severe and life-changing and it is important to have a legal team on your side that knows how to stand up for your rights.
Call our motorcycle accident lawyers at the Chicago law firm of Abels & Annes, P.C. at (312) 924-7575 today.
1
http://www.iii.org/issue-update/motorcycle-crashes
2
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles
