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Common Motorcycle Driving Errors Can Cause Serious Injury and Death

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As Illinois summer moves into its hottest month, many motorcyclists will be on the road and trying to keep cool. While driving with the wind in your hair may seem like an excellent alternative to crawling into a piping-hot car and waiting for the air conditioning to turn on, driving motorcycles has serious risks and limitations.

Most obviously, motorcycles are small and difficult to see, making them easy victims of car and truck accidents. And while most motorcycle riders exercise caution, the few who take risks on the road contribute to more than their fair share of motorcycle accidents. Whether you are a motorcyclist or sharing the road with motorcycles, it is important to be aware of common motorcycle driver errors that often end up causing accidents.

Common Motorcycle Driver Errors and Risky Behaviors

The feeling of speed and small size can make it tempting to break more rules when driving a motorcycle. The behaviors that most often contribute to crashes include:

  • Driving on one wheel
  • Lane splitting, or driving between cars in two adjacent lanes
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Speeding
  • Texting and driving
  • Going around corners too fast
  • Driving in poor weather
  • Mechanical malfunctions
  • Poorly maintained roads

Larger vehicles around risky motorcycle drivers may find themselves swerving to avoid collisions and, in doing so, crashing anyway. In these cases, even when the motorcycle may not have been involved in the crash, the driver may be responsible for the larger vehicle getting in an accident. Your best bet to avoiding accidents with motorcycles is to always be on the alert for motorcycles and to give reckless drivers plenty of room.

Can I Sue a Driver if I Was Partially At Fault?

Although motorcycle and car accidents are sometimes caused by only one party, fault is often shared between a larger vehicle and a motorcycle. For example, if a motorcyclist was speeding and a car did not signal before changing lanes, the car may hit the motorcyclist but both drivers may share fault. Illinois law allows one party to seek damages from another party as long as the partying suing is less than 50 percent responsible for the accident.

Schedule a Consultation with a Will County Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer

Whether you are a car driver who was involved in an accident because of a motorcyclist’s carelessness, or a motorcyclist who was injured in an accident in which you were only partly at fault, getting the aid of an experienced Plainfield, IL personal injury attorney may be able to help you recover compensation. We offer free, no-pressure consultations so you can ask questions and explore your options. Call us today at 815-730-1977.

 

Source:

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/18064/18064.pdf

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How do I know if I have a case?

The most basic grounds for a case are that you’re hurt and it’s someone else’s fault, legally. There are multiple legal standards that may apply.

Most cases are accidents. The party responsible doesn’t necessarily have to have hurt you on purpose. Simple negligence, which is just an unreasonable absence of care, can be enough for the victim to have the right to compensation. In other words, you might have a case, even if it was an accident.

Ask us for your personal consultation. We can learn about what happened in your case and explain how the law may apply.

How will the value of my case be determined?

The purpose of a personal injury case is to compensate you fairly for the losses that you have suffered. That includes financial losses, plus the physical and emotional suffering that goes along with injuries. The question to answer is – What has the personal injury cost you, financially and personally?

There are other factors that may impact the value of a case. Comparative negligence may apply, for example. Punitive damages may be awarded, subject to statutory limitations and requirements for pretrial motion and hearing to amend the complaint. The legal strength of the case may also impact its value.

At your consultation, we look at your specific case and explain how the value of your case may be determined.

Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?

Most Personal Injury cases don’t go to court, but we’re always ready just in case. In fact, aggressively preparing your case can be exactly what’s needed to reach a fair settlement. We’re always ready to pursue your interests as long as necessary for you to get justice.

It’s normal to be nervous about court. Many people ask us if their case will go to court, hoping that the answer is no. Rest assured that you’re hiring us to represent you. We’ll speak for you to the court. If it’s your turn to testify, we’ll make sure that you’re fully prepared and that you know what to expect.

As your legal representative, Michael L. Lichner works to understand your goals for litigation. He’ll discuss the pros and cons of going to court and help you make the right decisions for your case.

What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover damages for the losses you have – financially and personally. You’ll have direct financial losses which may include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and damaged property. You can put in a claim for these expenses.

In addition, when you have a personal injury, you suffer in a lot of ways that can’t be measured directly. For example, you will have physical pain. Injuries may cause mental injury and emotional anguish. Your lifestyle may change. These are real losses, too.

How can I have attorney Michael J. Lichner represent me?

If you’re interested in hiring Michael J. Lichner, contact us. Call or message us, and we’ll take it from there. We offer free consultations and no fee unless we win.

We’ll start with a consultation, answer your questions, and explain how representation works. When you pick us as your representation we’ll get right to work!

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