April is more than halfway over and as the year continues to progress, spring temperatures have finally arrived in the Chicago area. With warmer temperatures has come some sun and, with that, an increase in the number of people outside taking advantage of the weather. Though pedestrian traffic is always high in Chicago, it has increased recently, especially on the weekends as people forego other means of transit to take advantage of the walking weather. Bicycle traffic is increasing as well and may be heavily concentrated in areas that promote cycling, like downtown in the Loop. But one sight that motorists are sure to see is a surge in the presence of motorcycles on Chicago streets and on the expressways that fed into the city.
Motorcycles are in increasing in popularity in the State of Illinois with approximately 240,000 registered bikes in the state. Most of these are not used during winter but are ridden in more ideal conditions that accompany spring and summer and for good reason: motorcycles share the same rights and protections while on the roads that are enjoyed by drivers of cars. Though these rights are available and it is the duty of every driver to respect them, often, motorcycle accidents happen in Chicago and threaten the safety of the riders involved. Injuries are common as a result of these crashes and can trigger the right for a victim to seek financial payment when the collision happens in the Chicago area and when another person or entity is deemed to be legally responsible. When damages result, victims may get the help they need by speaking with a personal injury attorney and learning about their rights.
Shortly after 1:00 a.m. today, Illinois State Police officers were alerted to a single motorcycle collision on the Kennedy Expressway near Grand Avenue. The bike was driven by a 29-year-old male and that individual lost his life as a result of the crash, the nature of which remains unclear.
Police began an investigation while still at the scene and are still attempting to review all relevant facts before determining what caused the collision and whether the crash could have been avoided. In cases where a single motorcycle is involved, generally police look at the conduct of the driver but also at the condition of the road, the condition of the bike, and the actions of others in the area that may have caused the crash.
If you have been a victim of a motorcycle accident in Chicago or if your loved one was injured or killed, you may have the right to seek relief for your losses and you may be entitled to a financial payment for your suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by now to help you learn about your claim.
We have successfully represented numerous victims of motorcycle collisions in the Chicago area as well as their families and we will offer you a free case consultation when you call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and we always have a lawyer standing by, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
If you need help or if you have questions, do not wait and do not let your claim get barred. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. now and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Workplace Injury Claims Employee’s Life in Elk Grove Village, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published April 16, 2015.
Resource:
Man, 29, killed in motorcycle crash on Kennedy Expressway, by Quinn Ford, Chicago Tribune, published April 18, 2015.