Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
When it comes to traffic accidents in the Chicago area, not all vehicles face the same risks. While numerous types of transit are legal on local and state roads, the rights of some drivers seem to be ignored by others, placing some at a much higher risk for a car accident or other traffic collision than they should be. The best example of this situation arises when motorcycles are considered: motorcycles are a legal form of transportation in Chicago, a prominently used type of transit across the state of Illinois, and yet far too often, drivers of cars do not look for bikers and place bikers in serious risk for harm.
In 2013, 2,699 motorcyclists were injured in collisions in Illinois and another 152 bikers were killed. There were 3,464 traffic accidents involving motorcycles in that year which makes it clear that the odds of an injury or death resulting are very high when a biker is hit. In more than 50 percent of these accidents, the biker who was hit was traveling straight ahead at the time of the impact and in many cases, that means that another vehicle made a move or turn that led to an impact. While motorcycle accidents accounted for only 1.2 percent of all traffic collisions in 2013, they were responsible for 4.1 percent of the injuries that happened on Illinois roads and a stunning 15.8 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.
With such threats to the safety of bikers, it may be surprising to realize how little the typical driver considers a motorcyclist who rides in the Chicago area. But in the end, anyone can be involved in a motorcycle accident – even those who do not ride – so it is important to understand the significance of these collisions.
Shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Thursday night, a 51-year-old man lost his life in a motorcycle collision in Skokie, according to local police. Officials were alerted to the scene of the crash near McCormick Boulevard and Dempster Street and when they arrived, they found the biker injured from a collision. Emergency crews transported the man to an area hospital for treatment but doctors were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead shortly after the crash.
Police are still investigating the incident and trying to determine the facts surrounding the crash.
If every motorists operated with safety in mind, nearly all of the motorcycle accidents that happen in Chicago would be eliminated. Until that time, though, collisions continue to happen every week and with them, bikers sustain injuries and may even lose their lives.
If you have been hurt due to the actions of another in a motorcycle accident or if your loved one was killed in a crash, the personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. want to help you fight for the relief you deserve. We have a lawyer available at all times of the day and night to take your call and to provide you with a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation when you contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575.
If we represent you in your case, we will never charge a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf and we always advance all case-related expenses.
if you have questions or if you need help, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us assist you as you seek the compensation you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Speed a Possible Factor in Park Ridge Car Accident, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 4, 2015.
Resource:
Des Plaines man killed in motorcycle crash in Skokie, Chicago Sun-Times/Sun-Times Wire, published June 5, 2015.