Severe Injuries Are Common in Illinois Motorcycle Accidents

 Posted on July 06, 2021 in Motorcycle Accidents

Compared to occupants of other motor vehicles, motorcyclists in Illinois have a much higher risk of being injured in a crash. In many cases, those injuries are severe and catastrophic. According to 2019 data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, around 75 percent of motorcycle crashes result in motorcyclist injuries. Of those who are injured, more than one-third suffer an incapacitating injury. Motorcyclists also make up a disproportionate amount of accident fatalities in Illinois. With these statistics in mind, injured motorcyclists and their families need to understand how to recover compensation for the extensive damages they may suffer.

Common Incapacitating Injuries For Motorcyclists

In a collision between a motorcycle and another vehicle, the motorcyclist often bears the full brunt of the impact because their vehicle offers so little protection. Motorcyclists are also often thrown from their bikes, after which they can suffer additional injuries from their impact with the road surface and other stationary objects on or near the road. Here are just some of the catastrophic injuries a motorcyclist can experience:

• Spinal cord injuries - Severe blunt force trauma from the initial collision or subsequent impacts can damage the motorcyclist’s spinal cord, possibly causing paralysis, lack of sensation, and impaired bodily functions.

• Traumatic brain injuries - While helmets can provide some protection, many motorcyclists suffer concussions or more serious brain injuries. These injuries can affect speech, vision, motor control, and a wide range of cognitive functions.

• Internal organ injuries - Organs in the thorax and abdomen, including the lungs, kidneys, and digestive organs, can be injured due to blunt force trauma or puncture wounds from broken ribs. These injuries can cause internal bleeding and long-term complications with many bodily functions.

• Severe lacerations - The road surface is the most common source of laceration injuries for motorcyclists. These injuries are commonly known as “road rash,” and they can cause permanent scarring.

• Broken bones - A motorcycle accident can cause multiple fractures and severe bone breaks, including injuries to the skull, vertebrae, ribs, arms, and legs. In some cases, broken bones can cause permanently limited mobility.

The amount of compensation available to injured motorcyclists depends not only on the extent of their medical expenses but also on the ongoing effects of their injuries. Incapacitating motorcycle injuries can prevent a person from returning to work, performing regular life tasks, and achieving relief from physical and mental anguish. As such, many injured motorcyclists are entitled to damages for lost wages and pain and suffering.

Contact an Orland Park Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a family member was injured in a motorcycle accident, we can help you determine who was at fault and file a personal injury claim to recover full and fair compensation. Call our office today at 708-888-2160 and schedule a free consultation with one of our Cook County personal injury lawyers so we can get started with your case.

Sources:

https://idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2017%20Crash%20Facts.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217482/

https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/motorcycles-and-atvs

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles