Articles Posted in Motorcycle Accident

Many people operate under the mistaken belief that they will never be involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago because they do not own a motorcycle. At first blush, that may seem like a logical conclusion but in reality, it fails to account for numerous passengers on motorcycles who are injured annually as well as pedestrians, bicyclists, and those in passenger vehicles that are involved in a collision with a motorcycle.

Chicago is not the only place where bikers face a threat as the rest of Illinois continues to see collisions as well. In 2013, the Illinois Department of Transportation recorded 2,699 bikers with injuries in accidents in the state and 152 motorcyclists that lost their lives in 3,464 collisions. While motorcycle crashes were responsible for only 1.2 percent of all traffic accidents during 2013, they were to blame for 13.7 percent of all fatalities in the state – a stunning disparity illuminating the extreme risks faced by bikers when a collision does take place.
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When it comes to traffic accidents in the Chicago area, not all vehicles face the same risks. While numerous types of transit are legal on local and state roads, the rights of some drivers seem to be ignored by others, placing some at a much higher risk for a car accident or other traffic collision than they should be. The best example of this situation arises when motorcycles are considered: motorcycles are a legal form of transportation in Chicago, a prominently used type of transit across the state of Illinois, and yet far too often, drivers of cars do not look for bikers and place bikers in serious risk for harm.

In 2013, 2,699 motorcyclists were injured in collisions in Illinois and another 152 bikers were killed. There were 3,464 traffic accidents involving motorcycles in that year which makes it clear that the odds of an injury or death resulting are very high when a biker is hit. In more than 50 percent of these accidents, the biker who was hit was traveling straight ahead at the time of the impact and in many cases, that means that another vehicle made a move or turn that led to an impact. While motorcycle accidents accounted for only 1.2 percent of all traffic collisions in 2013, they were responsible for 4.1 percent of the injuries that happened on Illinois roads and a stunning 15.8 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.
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Though motorcycles are increasing in popularity in Illinois, they are still significantly outnumbered by other forms of vehicles like cars and trucks. As a result, motorcycles are involved in a small number of collisions in the state but when an accident does occur, the results are more likely to be severe than if a larger vehicle crashed. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, motorcycles made up only 1.2 percent of all traffic-related collisions in 2013 but they were responsible for 4.1 percent of all the accidents that caused injuries. Even more troubling, motorcycle accidents accounted for 15.8 percent of all fatal accidents that year.

You may be one of the tens of thousands of people who own a motorcycle in Illinois, but even if you are not, motorcycle safety and motorcycle accidents should still be concerning to you. These crashes can happen to anyone at any time – even the driver of a car can be involved in a crash with a biker. Further, the fallout from these collisions cause millions of dollars in damages annually as victims are forced to seek medical assistance, may miss time from work, and must endure pain and suffering. These losses can affect the family, friends, and coworkers of injured victims as well as the victims themselves, stretching the reach of the accident beyond the immediate parties that were involved.
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May is just around the corner and with its imminent arrival has come some milder, sunnier weather than that which accompanied winter. Spring and early summer in Chicago are enjoyed by many who call the city home as they welcome in a more vibrant and lively social scene for the first time in months. This shift in seasonality also means that some people will take to different means of transportation as they travel around town and as they go to and from work. More pedestrians will begin walking, buses and trains may get used more heavily, and those who own motorcycles may start to ride.

Winter weather and the potential for snow and ice means that most motorcycles in Illinois are stored during those poor weather months and ridden only in spring, summer, and fall. This time of year, numerous riders can be seen on the streets of Chicago as their bikes make a reappearance and they are able to ride safely once again. With approximately 240,000 registered motorcycles in the State of Illinois, it is nearly impossible to avoid these bikes. This means that motorcycle accidents should be considered a threat not only to those who ride motorcycles but also to those who drive cars, ride in private vehicles, or even pedestrians who walk near the roads.
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April is more than halfway over and as the year continues to progress, spring temperatures have finally arrived in the Chicago area. With warmer temperatures has come some sun and, with that, an increase in the number of people outside taking advantage of the weather. Though pedestrian traffic is always high in Chicago, it has increased recently, especially on the weekends as people forego other means of transit to take advantage of the walking weather. Bicycle traffic is increasing as well and may be heavily concentrated in areas that promote cycling, like downtown in the Loop. But one sight that motorists are sure to see is a surge in the presence of motorcycles on Chicago streets and on the expressways that fed into the city.

Motorcycles are in increasing in popularity in the State of Illinois with approximately 240,000 registered bikes in the state. Most of these are not used during winter but are ridden in more ideal conditions that accompany spring and summer and for good reason: motorcycles share the same rights and protections while on the roads that are enjoyed by drivers of cars. Though these rights are available and it is the duty of every driver to respect them, often, motorcycle accidents happen in Chicago and threaten the safety of the riders involved. Injuries are common as a result of these crashes and can trigger the right for a victim to seek financial payment when the collision happens in the Chicago area and when another person or entity is deemed to be legally responsible. When damages result, victims may get the help they need by speaking with a personal injury attorney and learning about their rights.

Shortly after 1:00 a.m. today, Illinois State Police officers were alerted to a single motorcycle collision on the Kennedy Expressway near Grand Avenue. The bike was driven by a 29-year-old male and that individual lost his life as a result of the crash, the nature of which remains unclear.

Police began an investigation while still at the scene and are still attempting to review all relevant facts before determining what caused the collision and whether the crash could have been avoided. In cases where a single motorcycle is involved, generally police look at the conduct of the driver but also at the condition of the road, the condition of the bike, and the actions of others in the area that may have caused the crash.
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Motorcycle accidents affect thousands of Illinois riders every year. In addition to those on a bike, motorcycle crashes can also harm drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in the area. In some cases, a crash between a motorcycle and bicycle may result. Regardless of who is involved, a motorcycle accident is more likely than a car accident to produce injuries because at least one person involved, the motorcycle rider, has little to no protection to divert the impact in the event of an accident.

While any type of motorcycle rider may be at risk for a collision, some activities have a greater risk than others. The video below depicts one rider filming a second while both motorcyclists “lane split.” Also known as whitelining, stripe-riding, or filtering, lane splitting occurs when a vehicle smaller than a car moves between vehicles in traffic either between lanes or while traffic is stopped. This can let riders avoid congestion or slow moving traffic while freeing up other space for cars, but in many cases, it can also lead to collisions.

Lane splitting is only permitted expressly in California in the United States but many other areas do not prohibit it. However, even if not prohibited by the letter of the law, the activity is considered dangerous and contrary to many other traffic laws, meaning that those who lane split can be ticketed or charged for this activity. All riders considering lane splitting should become familiar with local and state traffic rules before engaging in any conduct.

Lane splitting is common in many foreign countries including those that have a high percentage of two wheeled traffic. Whether motorcycles or bicycles, these areas lend themselves to lane splitting as riders who are backed up seek the opportunity to move through traffic.

Motorcyclists who lane split may be trying to save time by getting to their destination before traffic would otherwise allow but they risk much by engaging in lane splitting. In addition to the risk of harm they take on themselves, lane splittlers may threaten the safety of others in the area by increasing the risk of a collision. Many of these accidents involved multiple vehicles and can leave innocent victims with injuries or other damages, leading to a claim by the victims against a responsible motorist. Additionally, any rider with a passenger on his or her bike risks that passenger’s safety when lane splitting.
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While the weather may be turning cold in Chicago and snow may be in the forecast, there are some motorcycle riders who are still taking to the streets of the city, riding to and from their daily destinations or simply riding for fun. Hundreds of thousands of bikers in more temperate areas of the country, including the south and the west, likewise are riding regularly at this time of year. With motorcycles as legal means of transit across the country, it becomes every driver’s duty to watch for and act safely in the presence of a bike.

Too often, motorcycle accidents occur and leave those involved with serious or even fatal injuries. Victims who are hurt in the Chicago area or in the state of Illinois may be unable to avoid these injuries but may be able to obtain needed financial relief to help them get back on their feet from the damages caused by a crash. The facts and circumstances surrounding an individual accident can determine what legal claims may be available so it is a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer if you have been hurt.

Officials in Georgia have confirmed that a Friday night motorcycle accident has led to the death of Jonathan Athon, best known as the bassist for heavy metal band, Black Tusk. The Friday night crash reportedly occurred when a motorcycle ridden by Athon collided with an SUV in downtown Savannah. Emergency crews responded and transported Athon to a local hospital where he was put into a medically-induced coma and was placed on life support. According to band mates, testing revealed brain damage to Athon that was permanent and therefore a decision was made to remove Athon from life support pursuant to his prior directions. He died Sunday in the Georgia hospital.

At this time, it is not clear what factors led to the collision or whether either motorist involved erred prior to the crash. Officials have confirmed that Athon had a 26-year-old female passenger on his motorcycle and that the woman survived the incident. She is still receiving medical treatment but is expected to make a full recovery at this time. There is no word on whether anyone in the SUV was harmed in the crash.

Black Tusk formed as a band in 2005 in Savannah with its three members calling Savannah home. The surviving members of the band confirmed Athon’s death on their website this week as well on social media outlets, including Facebook, where fans have expressed their support and condolences.
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Freedom. Transportation. Enjoyment. Just some of the many reasons that bikers in Chicago claim they choose to ride motorcycles. And it is the right of these riders because the laws in Illinois make it legal for bikers to take to the roads just as any other driver does. While motorcyclists are required to follow all the rules of the road when they ride, they are also protected by the same coverage that the law affords to other vehicles. This means that motorists in the area of a biker must respect a rider’s right to operate a motorcycle and must act with all due safety to avoid a collision.

Too often, motorcycle accidents in Chicago take place because a driver or another biker failed to act in a safe manner. Bikers are likely to sustain serious injuries or even to lose their lives in the event a crash occurs because there is little to protect a biker from hazards, including the road, upon impact. The victims of these accidents may feel the damage not only physically but financially as well as medical bills and lost wages start to accumulate, causing amplified suffering that may extend to an entire family. Fortunately, the laws in Illinois recognize that victims should not be forced to bear the financial damages that stem from another’s negligent actions, including those that lead to motorcycle crashes. To make things right, victims in Illinois may be entitled to seek and obtain financial relief through the use of a civil claim. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your legal options if you have been injured in a collision.

A Tuesday night collision between a motorcycle and a vehicle left one biker dead and another in serious condition. Authorities confirmed that the crash happened near Hill Avenue and Montgomery Road in suburban Aurora around 9:30 p.m. Officials believe that a 28-year-old man was operating the motorcycle with a 37-year-old female passenger on the back as they traveled southbound in the area. A passenger sedan traveling northbound allegedly attempted to turn left in front of the motorcycle and placed itself in a path that led to a collision.

Both riders on the motorcycle were thrown from the bike and landed on the ground nearby, sustaining serious injuries. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old man’s injuries were too severe and he died shortly after the crash; the female passenger survived and was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries on Tuesday where her current condition is not known.
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On average, motorcycle accidents are more likely to produce injuries or to cause death than comparable car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere across the nation. Annually, motorcycles are involved in approximately 1.5 percent of all traffic accidents yet bike riders make up 3.5 percent of all traffic injuries and nearly 16 percent of all fatalities, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The victims of motorcycle collisions can be injured and can be forced to bear the suffering that comes along with these accidents. Though nothing can undue a crash, those who are injured in motor vehicle collisions, including motorcycle accidents, may be entitled to seek legal relief for their damages from an at-fault driver, responsible vehicle owner, or other person or entity. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago may help you understand your legal options if you have been involved in a crash or your legal rights if your loved one has lost his or her life.

Authorities in Schaumburg were alerted to a collision between a car and a motorcycle yesterday afternoon near the intersection of Roselle Road and Hartford Drive. It is not clear at this time what caused the incident but the motorcycle and the vehicle collided, leading to injuries on behalf of the biker and the woman driving the car.

The injuries sustained by the biker, identified as a 23-year-old man living in Hoffman Estates, were too severe and he was pronounced dead while still at the scene. The female driver of the car was the only occupant of that vehicle. She was transported by ambulance to St. Alexius Medical Center for treatment where she is expected to recover.

As the investigation into this incident continues, it is possible that traffic citations will issue. Officials have not stated what they believe to be contributing factors at this time or whether either driver acted in a negligent manner prior to the impact.
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The weekend weather forecast in Chicago shows idea conditions to ride a motorcycle. If you are in the city or elsewhere across Illinois in the next few days, odds are that you might see a biker or two hitting the roads. Keep that in mind when driving since being aware of motorcycles and operating a vehicle in a safe manner is the best way to prevent a collision from occurring.

Bikers have the same right to ride as any driver of a car has to drive on the streets yet the rights of bikers are not as well respected as those of other motorists. Too often, drivers fail to notice motorcycles, fail to look for them, or knowingly act in a manner unsafe to bikers, leading to dangerous situations and, possibly, even accidents.

When an accident occurs with a motorcycle, the laws in Illinois enable the victims of that crash to seek relief for their losses, including any medical expenses that may be incurred. Speaking with a lawyer who handles claims for motorcycle victims in Chicago is a good place to start if you have been involved in a crash and you were hurt.

In the meantime, it is up to every operator, whether a biker or the driver of a car, to put safety first when on the roads. If you are driving this weekend, keep the following motorcycle safety tips in mind:

– Always check your blind spots before changing lanes. If you are in the habit of regularly monitoring your side and rear view mirrors, you may feel confident that no car can be in your blind spots without your knowledge. But this is not true, especially when it comes to motorcycles that are small and that can easily maneuver into small spaces. Never change a lane, merge, or otherwise move over without making sure it is clear to do so first.

– Remember that the rules of the road apply equally to bikers. Whether you are at a four way stop sign or simply at an intersection controlled by a traffic light, remember that any bikers in the area may have the right-of-way, requiring you to wait until the motorcycle clears the area before you can proceed. Yielding the right-of-way and checking that traffic is clear before progressing are good ways to increase safety and reduce the risk of a collision.

– If you are riding a motorcycle, wear a helmet. Helmets decrease the risk of certain head injuries in the event of a collision and decrease the risk of death among those involved in a crash. Though you might leave home without the intention of a collision, you cannot control the actions of other drivers on the road, so wear a helmet to keep yourself as safe as possible Continue reading