Motorcycle Accident Attorney Chicago

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago

Motorcycle accidents in Chicago occur for various reasons, many of which involve negligence by other drivers. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distractions could fail to notice motorcyclists on the road, leading to collisions.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the reaction time for drivers, making it harder to avoid hitting motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable to high-speed impacts.
• Drunk Driving: Intoxicated drivers have impaired judgment and reaction times, seriously increasing the risk of accidents with motorcyclists.
• Lane Changes: Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots, not realizing a motorcycle is in the adjacent lane.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and other road hazards pose a significant risk to motorcyclists, who can easily lose control under such conditions.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, can create slippery surfaces and reduce visibility, making it more challenging for all drivers, especially motorcyclists, to navigate safely.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced drivers may not be accustomed to sharing the road with motorcycles and can make errors that lead to accidents.

One important factor often overlooked in motorcycle accidents is the role of vehicle maintenance. Malfunctioning brake systems, worn-out tires, or poor lighting can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Motorcyclists should regularly inspect their bikes to ensure everything is in working order, reducing the likelihood of avoidable mishaps on the road.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, motorcyclists can suffer from TBIs in severe crashes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly affecting the victim's quality of life and requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are common in motorcycle accidents, often affecting the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can lead to extended recovery periods and may require surgeries.
• Road Rash: When a motorcyclist slides across the pavement, the skin can be severely abraded, resulting in painful road rash. This injury can lead to infections and permanent scarring.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding and other life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.
• Amputations: In severe crashes, limbs may be so badly damaged that amputation becomes necessary. This type of injury profoundly impacts a person's ability to live independently and maintain employment.
• Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, motorcycle accident victims often suffer from emotional and psychological trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Motorcyclists can face significant challenges in recovering from these injuries, often requiring extensive therapy and rehabilitation. This process can be time-consuming and financially burdensome, emphasizing the importance of adequate compensation to cover medical expenses, therapy, and potential future care. It is crucial to assess both immediate and long-term impacts, as many injuries necessitate prolonged treatment or lifestyle adjustments that impact the victim's daily existence.

Demonstrating Negligence in Motorcycle Accident Claims

The key to personal injury claims, from car accidents to medical malpractice, is proving that a party’s negligence led to an accident that caused a victim’s injuries. In motorcycle accidents, negligence might look like another driver speeding, failing to signal before changing lanes, or using their cell phone behind the wheel. Pedestrians, construction workers, and others could also be responsible for negligence that caused a crash. 

When our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers handle claims, they utilize various methods to demonstrate how a party was negligent. They gather witness statements, secure surveillance footage, analyze police reports, consult crash experts, and employ other resources. Additionally, they bring evidence of the harm the negligence caused, from medical records to accounts of the difficulties crash victims faced. 

Every injury claim is unique, so our team works closely with clients to develop a personalized legal strategy. Ours is not a firm where the attorneys are unresponsive or too busy to speak with individuals or families about their claims. This approach has yielded success and eased the process of making an injury claim for our clients. 

Personalized Legal Strategies for Motorcycle Accident Victims

At Driscoll Law Group, we understand that each motorcycle accident is unique, requiring a tailored approach to ensure our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Our attorneys spend time getting to know each client's specific situation, enabling us to devise a legal strategy that aligns with their individual goals and needs. Our focus on personalized service means you won't be just another number in our firm—your priorities are our priorities.

Our comprehensive approach to motorcycle accident claims includes thorough investigations to gather all necessary evidence, consultations with traffic reconstruction experts, and collaborations with medical professionals to accurately assess the impact of injuries. This method ensures that we leave no stone unturned in building a compelling claim. We are committed to maintaining regular communication, ensuring that our clients are informed and empowered throughout the legal process. 

The Importance of Helmets & Protective Gear

While Illinois does not mandate helmet use, wearing protective gear significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in a motorcycle accident. Helmets are proven to be the most effective piece of protective equipment, reducing the risk of brain injuries. Other protective gear, such as gloves, jackets, and boots, can also mitigate injuries by providing a layer of defense against road rash and impact.

Many motorcyclists opt for additional safety equipment like padded jackets, reinforced pants, and elbow or knee guards. Such equipment can absorb the impact during a collision, lessening injuries' severity. Furthermore, brighter or reflective clothing enhances visibility on the road, reducing the likelihood of not being seen by other drivers. As advocates for biker safety, we urge our clients and the broader community to consider the protective benefits of wearing appropriate gear every time they ride.

 Turn to Driscoll Law Group Today 

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation with one of our qualified and highly experienced attorneys. They can help you understand your legal options, as well as the types of economic and non-economic damages available. In past cases, we have secured money clients needed for past and future medical expenses, recovered their lost wages, and got payment for intangible struggles and losses. 

Find out what our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can offer you by calling (312) 626-3008 or reaching out online.