What are some Illinois motorcycle accident statistics?
Motor Vehicles Accidents - March 14, 2022
According to the United States Department of Transportation, motorcycle riders are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes.
In 2020 alone, approximately 5,579 motorcyclists died in crashes. The level of personal protection for those riding motorcycles is lower while the potential of serious injury or death is much higher.
If you or a loved one has been injured or worse in a motorcycle crash, you could be entitled to compensation. Exploring the unique facts and circumstances of your case with a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will help you determine if you have a case.
If you have a case and we take it, you’ll pay nothing up-front, nothing out-of-pocket, and we only get paid if we win your case. Call us at (800) 985-1819 now.
Fatal motorcycle accidents in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that there were 1,334 accident-related fatalities in 2021, 167 of those were motorcyclists. The IL DOT defines a motorcyclist as any occupant of a motorcycle, whether the driver or a passenger.
Motorcycle drivers do not have a metal chassis surrounding them, or the benefit of seatbelts and airbags, making the drivers and passengers have a significantly greater risk of serious injury or death than occupants of motor vehicles. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, reach out to Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates to discuss your loved one’s motorcycle accident further.
Illinois motorcycle safety laws
The state of Illinois has motorcycle safety laws that are necessary to follow to maintain personal safety and to ensure that other drivers in your crash don’t try to hold you liable for your injuries.
The following information is courtesy of the annual Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual, which provides up-to-date guidance on how to stay in line with Illinois motorcycle rules and regulations.
Motorcycle registration
You are required to register your motorcycle in Illinois for it to be legal to operate on state roads. To register a motorcycle you’ll need to have active liability insurance, as we’ll discuss briefly below.
Liability insurance
Liability insurance is required for you to legally operate a motorcycle in Illinois, which covers damages to others in the event an accident happens. This is an essential step to take before you will be able to register your motorcycle in the state.
Personal protection
The state of Illinois does not require the use of a helmet. However, the state recommends the use of a helmet in addition to face or eye protection and protective clothing to minimize the risk of injury in an accident.
Reflective apparel, lighting, and other measures to make drivers aware of you on the road are also suggested.
Passengers
A motorcycle must have an appropriate seat to safely carry passengers without crowding, and the same protective equipment is recommended for passengers as for motorcycle operators. The passenger must be able to put their feet on the footrest while the motorcycle is in motion.
Passing other vehicles
Under Illinois law, motorcyclists are required to follow the rules of the road like any other motor vehicle driver. When passing other vehicles, use turn signals, only pass over dotted lines, and drive as if you were driving a traditional car.
If a motorcyclist engages in the illegal passing of another vehicle they could be liable the same way a passenger car would.
In Illinois, motorcyclists are prohibited from passing between two other vehicles going in the same direction unless there is an unobstructed lane available to permit safe passing.
This means that you would violate the law if you pass between two cars in parallel lanes, and could be liable for any damages from a related accident.
Injured in a bike crash? We’re here to help.
Being injured in a motorcycle accident can put the brakes on your professional and personal lives, impacting your ability to enjoy life and earn money.
Working with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident will support the best possible outcome in your case.
An experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is standing by to help, so schedule a consultation or call (800) 985-1819 today.
Continue Reading:
Where do most motorcycle accidents occur?
