Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
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
– Never drink and drive. Whether you are on a motorcycle or in a car, alcohol and driving should never mix. Alcohol lowers a driver’s ability to make critical decisions and respond quickly in the face of danger, increasing the likelihood of a collision. If you are going to drink, consider using a designated driver or utilizing a means of public transportation instead of driving.
Even if you are as safe as possible, a collision still may result and may leave you with injuries. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today for a free case consultation without any obligation on your part. We are available 24 hours a day to take your call and answer your questions toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575.
If you have been hurt in a collision or if your loved one has been killed, call us now and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Worker Injured in Grain Bin Accident, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published July 17, 2014.