Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
by
Matthew Willens on May. 13, 2015
Accident & Injury Accident & Injury Car Accident Accident & Injury Personal Injury
Summary: Although motorcycle accidents are not as common as other motor vehicle accidents, the risk of fatalities are 35 times higher.
Motorcycle riding is dangerous due to a number of reasons. Balancing a two-wheeler at a high speed is a risky task in itself, and when you combine it with poor peripheral visibility due to the helmet, things get even more dangerous. It just takes a pothole or a small stone to cause a motorcycle to overturn. As many as 56 percent of deaths caused by motorcycle accidents are a result of a collision with another vehicle. In 78 percent of cases, it is a frontal collision that kills the driver. Listed below are common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Lane Splitting and Overtaking
In an attempt to avoid traffic, some motorcyclists often indulge in dangerous driving. Motorcycle riders will drive between the spaces of other vehicles and overtake them. However, this puts the motorcyclist at risk for an accident as other vehicles are not able to see them coming. If a car shifts, makes a turn, or gets out of the lane, a serious accident can occur.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk drivers are responsible for about 50 percent of motorcycle accidents. A motorcycle is more susceptible to a crash compared to larger vehicles on the road, so it important for a motorcyclist to be fully attentive and in control at all times.
Potholes and Roadblocks
About a fourth of motorcycle accidents are caused by a collision with an unexpected object. Anything that comes in the way of a motorcycle, including a pothole or roadblock, can cause a serious accident.
Glares and Blind Spots
Even with the best quality helmets, a motorcycle driver will have blind spots. Other drivers might not be able to spot them if the weather or light conditions are not right.
Road Conditions
Uneven roads, ongoing construction work, wet roads, and other road hazards can pose a serious threat to the life and safety of motorcycle drivers. These hazards can cause the motorcycle to overturn, skid, or throw the motorcyclist off the seat.
Preventing Motorcycle Accidents
Many motorcycle accidents can be prevented if both motorcycle drivers and other vehicles they are sharing the road with follow the rules of the road and take necessary precautions. A motorcyclist should wear a proper helmet and protective clothing, get proper training and a valid license, maintain the bike well, inspect it before every ride, adjust the speed to road conditions, be extremely cautious while on the road, and be defensive.
Unfortunately, motorcycles do not offer any protection to the driver, and in the event of an accident, the driver often suffers serious injuries and is even killed in many cases. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to claim both economic and non-economic damages from the driver at fault. In order to get the compensation that you deserve, contact a motorcycle accident law firm Willens from The Willens Law Office.