South Elgin Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Lawyers Serving Bikers Injured in Motorcycle Collisions in Kane County

The state of Illinois ranks as ninth in the number of motorcycle registrations in the United States, with around 290,000 motorcyclists in total. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are at an increased risk of severe injury when collisions occur. In many cases, car accidents are caused by negligent drivers who do not act safely when sharing the roads with motorcycles. Injured motorcyclists will need to understand their options for securing financial compensation for the harm they have suffered in collisions.

After experiencing a motorcycle accident, a victim may be tempted to accept a settlement offer from an insurance provider. Because the costs involved in a motorcycle collision can be high, a person may want to get financial compensation quickly. However, the offers made by insurance companies are often insufficient, especially when a person has suffered severe injuries and may experience ongoing issues related to an accident.

An experienced personal injury lawyer from Ariano Hardy Ritt Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. can investigate the circumstances surrounding a motorcycle accident, establish liability by a negligent driver, and work to ensure that a victim will be properly compensated. We will stand up to insurance company tactics and work to ensure that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve.

Motorcycle Safety Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains statistics about motorcycles and the frequency of accidents. Some notable figures include:

• More than 6,000 fatalities occur each year as a result of motorcycle accidents.
• More than 80,000 motorcycle riders are injured on an annual basis.
• People on motorcycles are 28 times more likely to die in a crash compared to those in passenger vehicles.

Motorcycle Safety Concerns

There is little doubt that traveling by motorcycle is more dangerous than traveling in a passenger vehicle. Motorcyclists may face challenges in maintaining control while driving a two-wheel vehicle that would not exist for drivers of four-wheel vehicles. Motorcycles have no enclosure to protect riders.

Helmets have proven effective in reducing fatalities in motorcycle crashes by decreasing the severity of injuries to the head. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have proven effective in terms of safety by preventing wheel "lock-ups" and reducing fatalities.

Negligence Leading to Motorcycle Accidents

Most motorcyclists are aware of the issues that could affect their safety, and they will often take care to avoid dangerous situations. Unfortunately, other drivers may not use the same level of care. Motorcycle accidents are often caused by the negligence of other drivers, and due to the lack of protection provided to motorcyclists, these drivers can inflict severe or fatal injuries.

Because of their smaller size, motorcycles will have reduced visibility. Other drivers may fail to notice motorcyclists that are in their blind spots, which can cause them to collide with a motorcycle when changing lanes or merging into traffic. Drivers may not recognize how fast a motorcycle is going, and they may pull out in front of a motorcycle when entering the road or turn in front of a motorcycle at an intersection. In these situations, motorcyclists may have no opportunity to react, and they may suffer harm when colliding with a larger vehicle.

Drivers may fail to notice motorcycles for a variety of reasons, but distracted driving is a common issue in these cases. Drivers who look away from the road to check their phones or perform other activities will be more likely to collide with motorcycles. Other forms of negligence can also put motorcyclists at risk, such as speeding, aggressive lane changes, or following too closely behind a motorcycle.

Contact Our Kane County Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

The personal injury attorneys at Ariano Hardy Ritt Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. can provide representation for motorcyclists who have been injured by negligent drivers. We have been handling personal injury cases for over three decades, and we know how to protect our clients' rights and help them recover the compensation they deserve. Insurance companies have effective legal counsel protecting their best interests, and injury victims will need to make sure they also have representation from a legal advocate who will fight for them. Contact our South Elgin, IL motorcycle accident injury lawyers today at 847-695-2400 for a free consultation.