A motorcycle accident can cause debilitating injuries that could possibly affect you for the rest of your life. The Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys are experienced and prepared to work diligently with you on your case so you get the compensation you need.
As a motorcyclist, sharing the road with other motorists means that it’s best to always ride defensively. This sometimes isn’t enough to save you from an accident, however. Some drivers might not be accustomed to sharing the road with motorcyclists and this can result in accidents that harm you physically and financially. We understand that simultaneously dealing with injuries and insurance companies can be overwhelming. We can handle calls from insurance adjusters and any other harassing parties so you can focus on your recovery.
Illinois Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The Chicago Tribune reported that there was a ten percent increase in motorcycle deaths in the U.S. in 2015. In Illinois, there was a 24 percent increase in motorcycle deaths. One of the main ways to help reduce this number would be to implement strict motorcycle helmet laws, as Illinois is one of three states that doesn’t have any.
The 2015 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics report shows where certain accidents occurred and if they caused injuries, incapacitating injuries, (injuries that prevents the person from doing activities that they could do before the injury occurred), or fatalities.
- Illinois had 3,506 motorcycle crashes.
- Urban crashes caused 1,964 injuries, 587 incapacitating injuries, and 87 fatalities.
- Urban roads include state routes, interstate type roads, city streets and roads, and unmarked state routes.
- Motorcycles accounted for 13.6 percent of fatalities where alcohol was involved.
Accidents can still occur when the driver isn’t being negligent. Common maneuvers that were involved in crashes include:
- Motorcycles going straight ahead were in 1,915 crashes.
- Loss of control caused 402 crashes.
- Passing motorcycles were involved in 101 crashes.
- Left turns caused 175 crashes and right turns caused 131.
How Do Motorcycle Accident Injuries Occur?
Like any motor vehicle accident, a crash can happen anytime a person isn’t staying alert or doesn’t regularly go to a mechanic for vehicle maintenance. It only takes a second for a person to be negligent, but unfortunately this can have serious consequences.
Negligent driving is when a driver uses unsafe driving behaviors that put others at risk. Some examples of negligent driving are:
- Speeding.
- Not Signaling.
- Weaving through Traffic.
- Tailgating.
Many accidents would not occur if the driver had not been driving negligently. This is often painful for the person who was injured or the family of a loved one who lost their life. Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys understands this emotionally difficult time and will do all we can to get the injured party justice.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can easily cause worse injuries than other motor vehicle accidents because the drivers have next to no protection. When motorcycle drivers are thrown off their vehicle, the speed and impact of the crash will affect the severity of their injuries. Motorcyclists could suffer from the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Concussion
- Spinal and Neck Injury
- Broken Bones
- Road Rash
Many injuries are the same as other motor vehicle accidents with one major outlier: Road rash. There are three main types of road rash. Avulsion is when there is a severe scrape that can leave muscles and bone exposed. An open wound is moderately severe. It’s a deeper wound that typically require stitches. The final type is compression, when a body part is trapped and can get bruised, break bones, or cause other injuries. Compression usually happens when the person is trapped between the motorcycle and the road.
Road rash injuries are categorized in different degrees.
- First Degree. This type of road rash is the most minor where the skin doesn’t break. It usually appears as red from the contact. You may not need medical treatment for this kind of road rash, but you should consult a medical professional to be sure.
- Second Degree. On this level of road rash, the top layer of skin breaks. There can be some bleeding or swelling and typically hurt to touch. This will need medical attention and may leave scars.
- Third Degree. This is the most severe form of road rash. In this case, the skin is peeled off and can cause severe bleeding, swelling, and pain unless there’s significant nerve damage.
Road rash can affect any part of the body and is greatly reduced when the rider is wearing protective gear. High speed crashes can cause severe damage to a driver who isn’t wearing a helmet, long sleeves, or gloves. One major concern about road rash is infection. Debris and bacteria from the accident site can get into the wounds and need immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, road rash can cause extreme pain and may even leave permanent scarring on the skin. Road rash can be severely debilitating and take a long time to recover. No one deserves to have to go through this because someone else was driving negligently.
Chicago Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers
The Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys will always prioritize your rights if you’ve been injured in an accident. In cases like this, sometimes motorcycle drivers can be stereotyped as unsafe or reckless drivers, but we know this isn’t always the truth. We’ll stand up for your legal rights and do everything we can to get you a favorable settlement.
We’re proud to serve the citizens of Illinois and ready to help you with your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (312)736-1111. We’ll pair you with a Chicago motorcycle injury lawyer who can go over your case in a free consultation.
