Getting on a bike as a passenger can expose you to serious, life-altering injuries if you get involved in an accident. This is because you have less control of the bike in comparison to the rider, and for the most part, you will bear a lot of the injuries as you become collateral at the moment of impact. That being said, it is important to be cognizant of your rights as a passenger should you ever get injured as a result of a Chicago motorcycle accident.
Are you looking for a motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago, or anywhere else in Illinois? Please give us a call NOW at 1 (773) 825-3547 and benefit from our over 70 years of combined legal experience as one of Illinois’s premier accident law firm. The first telephone consultation is free, and you’re not obligated to take us on as your attorneys after this call. Just call 1 (773) 825-3547 NOW to speak with a motorcycle attorney in Chicago for free.
Motorcycle Laws in Illinois
According to the law in Illinois and in almost every state, drivers and passengers are both subject to a helmet law. In addition, particularly young passengers under the age of 18 are advised to wear a helmet given the potential for serious brain injuries should they get into an accident. Motorcycle laws also require that your bike be designed to carry more than one passenger, and that every seat should have a pair of foot rests that the passenger can comfortably use. As a rule of thumb, always ask that you be provided with a helmet regardless of whether or not this is state law since wearing one could mean the difference between surviving an accident and perishing on account of extensive head injuries.
Duty of Care in Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle driver owes you a duty of care with regard to keeping you safe. For instance, they are required to give their motorcycle and cars in front of it sufficient time before attempting to switch lanes or make corners, and exercise caution while braking or climbing hills.
If you sustain injuries due to a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you may have a valid claim if:
- You can prove that the driver took a turn too quickly
- The driver was speeding
- The driver was intoxicated
- The driver never allowed ample distance between him and another vehicle
- The driver carelessly wove in and out of traffic
- Drove recklessly
While a motorcycle rider should ideally offer you protective gear before setting out on the road, it is not their responsibility to make you wear it. As a result, you won’t be able to collect compensation if you chose not to wear one if and when it was offered to you.
Need Help? Call Our Chicago Motorcycle Crash Attorneys Now!
If you suffered injuries as a passenger on a motorcycle that was involved in an accident anywhere in Illinois, we can help. Please contact our experienced motorcycle lawyers in Chicago NOW at 1 (773) 825-3547 so we can help investigate the crash to determine fault as well as what you’re owed in terms of compensation. The call is free, and early legal representation will help preserve evidence and witness testimony. Thanks, and we look forward to hearing from you.