Does the Safe Operation of a Motorcycle Prevent Accidents?

 Posted on October 30, 2024 in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists who practice safe driving may believe they are fully protecting themselves on the road. But even the safest riders can suffer catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of other drivers. In fact, even for the safest riders, motorcycle accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries that require extensive and ongoing medical treatment. An experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can help injured riders hold negligent drivers accountable, especially when the motorcyclist was not at fault.

Why Do Safe Motorcycle Riders Still Suffer Catastrophic Injuries?

Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road. Even when they drive cautiously, wear helmets, and follow traffic laws, they are still at the mercy of other drivers. Unfortunately, car drivers often overlook motorcycles or fail to respect their space on the road, leading to accidents that can be devastating for riders. 

Injuries from motorcycle crashes are often severe due to the lack of physical protection. Riders are far more vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and severe lacerations, all of which can lead to a lifetime of medical care, rehabilitation, and personal challenges. An attorney can assist injured motorcyclists in seeking the compensation necessary to manage these life-altering consequences.

How Can a Motorcyclist Prove They Were Not at Fault in an Accident?

Proving that a motorcyclist was not at fault in an accident often requires gathering substantial evidence, especially when the other driver’s insurance company may attempt to shift blame. A personal injury attorney can help build a strong case by putting together witness statements, analyzing police reports, and working with accident reconstruction experts. Surveillance footage and black box data from vehicles may also provide crucial details showing the other driver’s negligence.

Common negligent actions by other drivers that lead to motorcycle accidents include failing to yield, cutting off motorcycles, distracted driving, or unsafe lane changes. When a motorcyclist can demonstrate that they were driving safely and that the other driver was at fault, it significantly strengthens the case for compensation.

What Are the Most Common Life-Altering Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries, many of which require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even when wearing helmets, motorcyclists can suffer severe head trauma, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes.

• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal damage often results in partial or complete paralysis, impacting the motorcyclist’s ability to work and perform daily tasks.

• Fractures and dislocations: Multiple fractures are common in motorcycle accidents and often require surgeries, physical therapy, and months of recovery.

• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening and necessitate emergency surgery.

In addition to physical injuries, the psychological impact of a motorcycle accident is often profound, affecting mental health, relationships, and quality of life. An attorney can help secure compensation not only for medical costs but also for lost income and emotional suffering.

How Do People Die in Motorcycle Crashes? 

Motorcycle crashes are often fatal due to the lack of protection for riders, leaving them exposed to severe trauma. Head injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are one of the most common causes of death. Even with a helmet, riders can suffer fatal brain injuries from violent impacts, leading to rapid brain swelling, bleeding, or coma.

Spinal cord injuries are also frequent and can be deadly, especially in high cervical regions near the neck, as these can instantly paralyze the diaphragm and stop breathing. Lower spinal injuries, while not immediately fatal, can lead to severe complications and long-term paralysis.

Chest trauma is another leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. The force of impact can fracture ribs or puncture the lungs and heart, leading to fatal internal bleeding. Since motorcyclists lack the protection of a car’s frame, these injuries are more likely to occur upon impact with other vehicles or the ground. Each of these types of injuries highlights the extreme vulnerability of motorcyclists, even when practicing safe driving and wearing protective gear.

What Happens in a Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death Case?

Over 6,000 motorcycle accidents result in fatalities to riders every year. When a motorcycle accident results in death, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims allow families to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided. A wrongful death attorney can help grieving families navigate the complex legal process and hold negligent parties accountable.

These cases are particularly important when the accident was caused by reckless or intentional actions, such as impaired driving. In Illinois, families of deceased motorcyclists have the right to pursue justice through the courts, ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable for the tragedy they caused.

How Do DUI Accidents Impact Motorcycle Riders?

Drunk or impaired drivers pose a significant danger to everyone on the road, but motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs often lack the reaction time or judgment to safely navigate the road, making them more likely to crash into motorcycles. If a motorcyclist is struck by a DUI driver, they are at high risk of catastrophic injury or death.

When DUI is involved, an attorney can strengthen a claim for compensation, as DUI constitutes a clear act of negligence per se. Motorcyclists injured by impaired drivers deserve fair compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment, so DUI cases often result in larger settlements due to the aggravated circumstances.

Contact a Kendall County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, Schwartz Injury Law is here to help. Our firm has a track record of winning multi-million dollar settlements and works on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay unless we win your case. 

Contact Schwartz Injury Law today at 708-888-2160 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Joliet, IL personal injury attorneys and learn how we can help you seek justice and fair compensation.