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Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents have increased in the past few
years as motorcycle riding has increased in popularity.
Motorcycle riders are in a unique position on the road. While they enjoy the freedoms
that come with their chosen form of transportation, they are also left exposed to dangers not met
by automobile drivers and other motorists.
The lack of any
substantial protective barriers between a motorcycle and the road, as well as the difficulty
that other motorists may have in anticipating and seeing a motorcycle, leave riders prone to
serious injury in the event of an accident.
Motorcycles have a higher fatality rate per unit of distance traveled when compared
with automobiles.
A national
study found that:
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Motorcycle rider death rates increased among all rider age groups between
1998 and 2000
◊
Motorcycle rider deaths were nearly 30 times more than drivers of other
vehicles
◊
Motorcycle riders aged below 40 are 36 times more likely to be killed than
other vehicle operators of the same
age.
◊
Motorcycle riders aged 40 years and over are around 20 times more likely
to be killed than other drivers of that same
age.
Some of the unique problems faced by motorcycle
riders on the road include:
◊ Riding
Skills: A motorcycle requires much more skill and physical
coordination to operate than a car. Many motorcycle accidents are caused in
whole or in part by a rider's lack of basic riding skills, or failure to
appreciate the inherent operating characteristics and limitations of the
motorcycle.
◊ Road
Hazards: Hazards
that are minor irritations for an automobile can be a
major hazard for a motorcycle rider. These include potholes, oil slicks,
puddles, debris, or other objects on the roadway, ruts, uneven pavement,
and railroad tracks.
◊ Visual
Recognition: Motorcycles make smaller visual targets, which are
more likely to be obscured by other vehicles, or by road and weather
conditions.
◊ Speed "Wobble"
Accidents: Especially at higher speeds, the front end of a
motorcycle may become unstable and begin to shake or "wobble." This
problem may be due to a misalignment of the front and rear tires of
the
motorcycle. If an accident is caused by such a high-speed wobble, the
manufacturer of the motorcycle might be held financially responsible for
any
resulting injuries, under a product liability
theory.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident
in Illinois,
you have likely incurred substantial physical and financial losses:
◊
medical bills,
◊ costs
of rehabilitation,
◊
disability or disfigurement,
◊ lost
wages / income,
◊ and
pain and suffering.
Many motorcycle accident
injury victims believe that their only recourse is their insurance provider. This belief is not
always the only answer as in certain cases the manufacturer or a repair shop may share in the
liability of your claim.
Defective Motorcycle Design or Manufacture
Motorcycles lack
crashworthiness and occupant protection. Unlike a car, a motorcycle is lightweight; it has no door,
no roof, no airbags, and no safety belts. A motorcycle is less stable than a car because it only
has two wheels. Although several factors can contribute to motorcycle accidents, operator
inexperience and failure to appreciate the limitations of the motorcycle are most prevelant, a
defect in a motorcycle's design or manufacture should be considered as a potential cause of an
accident, especially one where only the motorcycle rider is involved. An experienced personal
injury attorney will be familiar with any relevant product liability issues or recalls involving
certain motorcycle models, and can help determine whether you have a claim against the motorcycle
manufacturer.
Protect Your
Rights!
If You were injured in a motorcycle accident:
Do not make any type of statement
or sign any papers without first consulting with us.
Anything said or signed at the time of the accident can be used against you
and may prevent you from receiving compensation that you may have otherwise been able to
receive.
Many complex legal and insurance issues are involved in motorcycle accidents.
Determining who is at fault is one of the more difficult factors. Even if someone involved in a
motorcycle accident believes that they are partially at fault for the accident, they may still
be able to recover damages.
Contact Us
if you have been injured. It is important that you act promptly as
certain statutes of limitations apply and you can lose your rights to be compensated.
The initial review of your case and the consultation is free. We look forward to working with you
and we know you will be pleased with our services.
See FAQs for more information.
We don’t just provide legal services;
We build relationships.
It gives us a genuine satisfaction to meet and help you
in some meaningful way.
The entire staff of the McDermott and McDermott Law
Firm is knowledgeable and sensitive to your needs. Their focus is on making the process as
comfortable as possible.
◊ They explain everything
to you,
◊ keep you
informed,
◊ include you in the
decision making process,
◊ and always return your
phone calls.
Your matter is handled as expeditiously as possible
without compromising your rights.
Check our Resources area, there you will find links
to many helpful services.
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