Motorcyclist Injured In Green Oaks Transit Van Accident On Route 176

Automobile Accidents - June 26, 2023

Ford Transit Van Driver Made Left Turn on Bayonne Avenue Before Hitting Harley Davidson Motorcyclist In Green Oaks

Motorcyclist Injured In Green Oaks Transit Van Accident On Route 176

GREEN OAKS, ILLINOIS (June 26, 2023) – A 55-year-old motorcyclist from Skokie was injured in a Green Oaks Ford Transit Van accident along Route 176 by Bayonne Avenue.

Lake County officials are saying that the accident took place around 3:40 p.m. on Saturday. The operator of a Ford Transit Van made a left turn directly into the path of a Harley Davidson motorcycle before hitting it.

The motorcyclist was ejected into the roadway and sustained a severe leg wound. A Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy arrived at the scene and applied a tourniquet on the motorcyclist’s leg to stop the flow of blood.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. An ambulance transported the victim to the Advocate Condell Medical Center with critical injuries.

It remains unclear if the operator of the Ford Transit Van will face any traffic citations. A full investigation into the Green Oaks motorcycle accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Green Oaks Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable in motor vehicle collisions. They are more likely to be overlooked and lack the protection of enclosed vehicles. According to Forbes, “In 2020, a total of 82,528 motorcycle riders sustained injuries. A total of 468 injuries occurred per 100 million vehicle miles traveled over the course of that year.” There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting motorcyclists.

  • Drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the road. Many collisions are due to drivers that are fatigued.
  • Drivers should check their blind spots before turning onto any roadway.
  • Drivers should always follow motorcyclists and other vehicles at a safe distance.

It is common for Ford Transit Vans to be used for commercial purposes. When these vehicles are used to transport people or goods for money, they can be considered “common carriers” under the Common Carrier Liability Act (740 ILCS 25/). The drivers of these vehicles must use an abundance of caution in order to avoid collisions. They must do all that human care, vigilance, and foresight reasonably can do to avoid harming passengers.

All drivers must be particularly cautious when they are about to make left turns. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-707), no person shall make a left turn or U-turn upon a roadway unless such a movement can be made with reasonable safety.  If a driver makes an unsafe or illegal U-turn prior to a collision, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.

Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision could extent beyond any driver. If a transit van driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are vicariously liable for the wrongful acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. Victims of motorcycle accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:

  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Spinal cord injuries

It is important that all evidence is properly preserved after any collision. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to determine liability. Any person that is injured in a Green Oaks motorcycle accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, it is common for drivers to deny all liability when they cause accidents.

Investigating Illinois Motorcycle Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the motorcyclist injured in this Green Oaks collision. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Green Oaks motorcycle accident? Our team of motorcycle safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.