Traffic collisions are a leading cause of accidental injuries in Illinois. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, tens of thousands of people are injured in wrecks across the state each year. Michael J. Lichner is a Joliet personal injury lawyer with extensive experience handling both motorcycle accidents and car accidents. In this article, you will find an overview of the differences in these types of cases in Illinois.
Motorcycle Accidents vs Car Accidents: How They Differ
1. Motorcyclists are More Vulnerable
Motorcyclists face a level of physical exposure that drivers do not. A car surrounds its occupants with a metal frame, airbags, and engineered safety systems that absorb force during a collision. A motorcycle offers none of that protection. When a crash occurs, the rider’s body takes the impact directly. Even a low-speed collision can throw a rider onto pavement, into another vehicle, or into a fixed object. The higher safety risk is something motorcyclists need to be prepared for.
Safety Tip: Motorcyclists in Illinois should always wear a helmet, preferably a full-faced one. Unlike many other states, Illinois does not have a comprehensive motorcycle helmet law for adult riders. Still, motorcycle helmets help to prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They can and do save lives. You should wear one every time you ride.
2. Motorcycle Crashes Have a Higher Risk of Serious Injuries
Motorcycle vs car accident statistics are clear: Motorcycle accidents carry a far higher risk of serious or catastrophic injuries. For reference, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injuries to riders. In contrast, only around 25 percent of car accidents result in injuries. The disparity is even greater with catastrophic injuries and fatalities. According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), motorcyclists are nearly 25 times more likely than occupants of full-size passenger vehicles to be killed in a collision.
3. Car Crashes and Motorcycle Crashes Often Have Different Causes
Motorcycle crashes often occur for reasons that rarely cause car accidents. Drivers frequently fail to see motorcycles, misjudge their speed, or assume they have more time to turn or merge. Intersections, left-hand turns, and lane changes present especially high risks. Road hazards that pose little danger to cars, such as gravel, potholes, or uneven pavement, can instantly destabilize a motorcycle. Wind gusts, roadway debris, and abrupt braking by other drivers also play a larger role.
These differences matter legally. Illinois is an at-fault liability state for motor vehicle collisions, including for car accidents and motorcycle wrecks. To hold another driver or any other party legally liable for your crash, you must prove that their negligence was a proximate cause. Every serious accident in Will County should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Joliet attorney.
4. Riders Sometimes Face Bias From Police and Insurance Adjusters
Motorcyclists often confront bias even before a crash occurs. But, once a crash occurs, many assume that the motorcyclist did something wrong. Police officers may assume excessive speed or reckless behavior before investigating fully. Insurance adjusters frequently approach motorcycle claims with skepticism. They often look for ways to assign fault to the rider. These assumptions influence police reports, fault determinations, and early settlement positions. Car accident victims do not always face the same uphill battle—bias forces riders to prove what drivers often receive the benefit of automatically.
Still, with both car accident claims and motorcycle accident claims, it is important to remember that insurance companies are not on your side. Injured victims need strong, reliable legal representation. A top-rated local, IL attorney can review your case, gather evidence, and help you handle all of the correspondence with insurance companies. A proactive, well-targeted strategy can help position you to secure the maximum financial compensation in a settlement.
Two Big Similarities for Motorcycle Accident Claims and Car Accident Claims
1. Fault Matters
Illinois treats both motorcycle accident claims and car accident claims as fault-based civil actions. An injured victim must prove that another party acted negligently and that the negligence caused the crash and resulting injuries. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault system. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, an injured victim may recover damages only if their share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. If the injured person’s fault is more than 50%, then they are barred from receiving anything. Every percentage point of fault matters in a traffic accident claim. If you are held partially at fault for your own crash, then your percentage of fault, called contributory negligence, reduces your recovery by your own percentage of fault.
2. Two-Year Statute of Limitations
All motor vehicle accident injury claims are time-sensitive. Illinois imposes the same statute of limitations on motorcycle accident claims and car accident claims. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, an injured victim must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of the crash. It is a strict deadline with only minimal exceptions. A proactive approach is a must: Consult with a Joliet car accident and motorcycle accident lawyer right away after a crash.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims
Both motorcycle and car crash victims share something very important in common: They need full and fair compensation for their injuries. In Illinois, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for any non-economic losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies can make the claims process hard. They want to resolve cases for less. Our Joliet motor vehicle accident attorney can help. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Motorcycle repairs/automobile repairs
- Ambulance costs and other emergency room care
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative services
- Loss of current or future wages
- Long-term disability or physical disfigurement
- Wrongful death of a family member
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Joliet Accident Lawyer Today
Michael J. Lichner is a Joliet personal injury attorney who has the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle both motorcycle crashes and car crashes. If you were hurt in a serious collision, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. With an office in Joliet, we handle motorcycle and car accidents in Will County and throughout Northern Illinois.