Even though motorcycles make up less than 4% of registered vehicles on the road, motorcyclists accounted for 14.6% of all traffic deaths, and around 4% of all injuries in 2022. Helmet use is a big factor in shaping these statistics. Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers increased 1% from 2021 to 2022. In the last 10 years, the death rate has increased over 32%. In terms of nonfatal injuries, they increased almost 3%.
What Are Typical Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicagoland
- Rear Ender/Reckless Lane Changes: A Chicagoland motorcyclist can tell you that a dangerous/reckless lane change that might only hinder a car driver for a second, could cause a high-speed impact for a motorcyclist. Same thing for a rear-end collision.
- Getting “Doored”: A motor vehicle driver opening a car door into oncoming traffic can severely injure a motorcyclist.
- Speeding: Motorcyclists are at the mercy of the auto vehicles that surround them. If someone is speeding and hits them, the impact can cause devastating injuries that could also result in high medical bills, lost wages and permanent physical injuries.
- Trucking Accidents: We spoke earlier regarding the fact that tractor trailers and semis can cause millions of dollars when they cause an accident. A truck driver could easily kill a motorcyclist if they start a chain reaction of accidents on the road, or if they hit the motorcyclist directly.
When you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be earth-shattering. At The Law Office of Timothy J. Deffet, I have handled many of these cases and know what to expect. I am here to help you recover what you deserve. A list of some of the damages motorcycle accident victims can recover with the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney follows here.
- Medical Expenses: Motorcycle accidents often result in debilitating injuries, leading to huge medical bills. I will work ceaselessly to make sure that all past, current, and future medical costs, including hospitalization, operations, physical therapy, and medications, are recovered.
- Lost Wages: Being unable to work due to injuries can cause a financial burden. I will demand compensation for your lost wages, as well as any loss of future earning capacity, so you can maintain your financial stability.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain caused by an accident can be incalculable. I personally will fight for compensation to ease your suffering and help you on your way to getting better.
- Property Damage: Your prized motorcycle is likely to be totaled. I will pursue reimbursement for the repair or replacement of it.
- Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, some motorcycle accidents result in fatalities. In such cases, I will help the surviving family members pursue a wrongful death claim, and pursue any wrongdoers during this difficult time.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be applicable. I will explore all possible ways to hold responsible parties accountable for the damages they have done to you.
At The Law Office of Timothy J. Deffet, we are committed to making certain that motorcycle accident victims receive the full scope of damages to which they are entitled. I will provide you with personalized legal representation, fighting relentlessly to protect your rights and to obtaining the compensation you need to get your life back on track after a motorcycle accident. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us guide you through the process of recovering the damages you deserve.