What Are Some of the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois?

 Posted on June 08, 2021 in Motorcycle accidents

Now that we have celebrated Memorial Day and are speeding toward Independence Day, it is safe to say that summer is coming into full swing. This time of year is the perfect time to pull your motorcycle out of storage and take it for a ride, however this fun pastime does not come without its own dangers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were around 84,000 people who were injured in motorcycle accidents in 2019, with slightly more than 5,000 more fatalities. Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe and can affect your life in many ways, which is why seeking legal help after an accident can be beneficial.

Motorcycle Accident Causes

Motorcycle accidents can become very serious very quickly. The NHTSA states that motorcyclists were 29 times more likely than occupants of passenger vehicles to die in a motor vehicle crash. There are various reasons why motorcyclists can get into a vehicle accident. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs - One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is one or more vehicle operators being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The NHTSA reports that 29 percent of motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in 2019 had a BAC of 0.08 percent or more. Being under the influence while you are operating a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous, as riding a motorcycle requires the ability to make split-second decisions and have swift reflexes. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are also at increased risk of serious injury or death when struck by a drunk driver.

• Speeding - Another major factor that contributes to motorcycle crashes is speed. Speed limits exist for a reason. The NHTSA estimates that about 20 percent of motor vehicle accidents involve at least one party who is speeding. Increased speed directly increases the likelihood of death or serious injury in a crash.

• Distracted driving - Texting and driving and other forms of distracted driving are especially dangerous to motorcyclists. Motorists who are not paying attention may not even see a motorcycle - causing disastrous consequences.

Contact a DuPage County Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer

Motorcyclists and their passengers are at an increased risk of severe injuries or even death when they ride on a motorcycle, simply due to the nature of a motor bike versus an enclosed sedan. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should consult with a knowledgeable Bensenville, IL motorcycle accident injury attorney to discuss your options for compensation. At Kaiser Law, we can help you recover various types of compensation, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call our office today at 630-233-9946.

Sources:

https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813112

https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/safebike/anatomy.html