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Motorcycle accidents are a frightening experience. When riders are struck at a high rate of speed, the tremendous force can cause painful and debilitating injuries. Riders do not have seat belts or a steel frame to protect themselves, and the immediate force can cause injury to all parts of the body.
An experienced motorcyclist, obeying traffic laws and riding defensively, can still be struck by a reckless motorist. If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, a Hazel Crest motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue a personal injury claim.
Motorcycle accidents are often caused by motorists failing to see the motorcyclist. Every biker has a responsibility to stay alert of their surroundings and look out for danger. Even when motorcyclists are careful, other drivers’ negligence may lead to accidents. A driver may cause crashes by:
While it is impossible to predict the actions of other drivers, motorcyclists can reduce the risk of a collision by knowing and obeying all traffic laws. In Hazel Crest, under Illinois law, motorcyclists are required to follow all traffic laws the same as any other motor vehicle.
For example, motorcyclists cannot pass between two cars unless there is an open traffic lane in between them. Motorcyclists also may not pass a vehicle on the right unless there is eight feet of clear pavement to do so. Although there is no helmet requirement in Illinois, the use of a helmet is encouraged at all times, given the possibility of severe head trauma in motorcycle accidents. A Hazel Crest motorcycle crash attorney could check to see if the victim followed the laws before a lawsuit is filed.
Victims of motorcycle accidents sometimes suffer from more than one type of injury. These injuries are often critical, and may result in death. Common motorcycle injuries include road rash, broken bones, amputations, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. The severity of the injury will determine the amount of damages a motorcyclist may recover.
The law entitles personal injury victims to compensation for accident-related losses. These may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and diminished quality of life. A Hazel Crest personal injury attorney can evaluate the injuries to accurately calculate past and future damages in motorcycle accident cases.
Under pure comparative fault law in Illinois, a plaintiff’s damages are reduced by their share of the blame. For example, if a plaintiff is awarded $100,000 in damages but was found to be 30 percent at fault for the injury, then the damage award is reduced by 30 percent. The plaintiff could receive a reduced award of $70,000. It is important for a personal injury attorney to gather all of the facts of the case so a plaintiff could receive just compensation.
When a motorcycle accident occurs, it can be daunting to determine your next steps to recovery. A Hazel Crest motorcycle attorney understands these cases and could be an advocate for you. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately to ensure the protection of your rights.