Understanding Chicago Motorcycle Accidents through Statistics
Motorcycle accidents in Chicago lead to thousands of injuries and numerous fatalities. Every year 70,000 to 80,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents across the nation.
Additionally, there are somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 fatalities from motorcycle accidents annually.
The statistics of Chicago motorcycle accidents are not meant to frighten, but to shed light on the need for more safety procedures and laws surrounding motorcycles.
Among traffic accidents, motorcycle collisions are more likely to produce injuries. Tragically, some turn fatal at a rate higher than other collisions. This is true, even though the account for a relatively small portion of all crashes.
In 2018, the Illinois Department of Transportation ("IDOT") reported that motorcycles represent less than one percent of all collisions.
Even those who do not ride motorcycles can be involved in an accident with a motorcycle accident. This can occur while they are driving or riding in a car, truck, bus, or van.
If you or a loved one has been involved or injured in a motorcycle accident then contact the Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C.
How Often Are There Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois?
Chicago motorcycle accident Statistics as recorded by IDOT for all of Illinois for 2018 include the following:
- There were 2,973 motorcycle crashes
- Less than one percent of all accidents involved motorcycles, however motorcycle collisions were responsible for 3.1 percent of all traffic-related injuries and 12.1 percent of all traffic fatalities
- 2,266 motorcyclists were injured in traffic collisions
- Motorcyclist injuries saw a 9.9% decrease from 2017
- 119 people on motorcycles were killed in accidents
- The number of motorcyclists killed decreased by 25.6 percent from 2017
- In addition to biker deaths, there were two fatalities from those not on motorcycles
- The most common type of road for a biker to be injured or killed was upon a city road or street where 1,022 bikers were injured and 39 were killed
- An additional 248 riders were injured on state routes in urban areas and 24 bikers were killed;
- Bikers aged 45 years and older were the most likely to be injured or killed in a crash;
- Only one child age 9 or younger was hurt in a motorcycle accident;
- Of the motorcycle operators who were killed in collisions, 85 were tested for the presence of alcohol and 37.6 percent of them had at least a trace amount of alcohol present;
Liability for a Chicago Motorcycle Accident
When a motorcycle collision occurs, it is often due to a mistake, negligence, or reckless conduct on the part of one or more motorists. In some cases, a biker may be to blame, but most of the time it's a driver behind the wheel of a larger vehicle.
Regardless of what the cause of the motorcycle accident the victims of a motorcycle accident have a right to relief under Illinois law.
As the facts and circumstances surrounding each collision vary, it is important to understand the legal options that may result from a crash with injuries.
A negligent driver or the owner of an at-fault vehicle may be held legally and civilly liable for any injuries that result from a motorcycle accident.
There can be liability for medical bills, surgical expenses, lost wages, or even pain and suffering.
Those responsible for a crash can be held liable for monetary damages. In the event that a corporation employed an at-fault driver, that company can also be held liable.
Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Getting into a collision with a car or truck when you’re on a motorcycle is terrifying. You will definitely have lots of questions, concerns, and a ton of stress to deal with.
This article is designed to give you the information you need to understand how a lawyer will proceed with your motorcycle accident claim and the personal injury claims process.
What are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can occur due to countless reasons. But some of the most common causes include:
- Vehicles changing lanes unsafely
- Parked cars abruptly opening their doors (known as doorings)
- Speeding
- A motorist driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Rear end accidents
- Distracted driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Left turns without looking
- Poor road or weather conditions
- Motorcycle defects
Further, many motorcycle accidents are due to a lack of understanding by drivers about how to spot a motorcyclist. Drivers not paying attention or looking out for bikers on the road is one of the most common reasons that motorcycle riders get injured. Lots of accidents could be avoided if drivers simply paid more attention to motorcyclists and properly shared the road.
Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
Each year, more than 89,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents. Some of the most common injuries that riders suffer are listed below.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It is no secret that wearing a helmet is a necessary measure to prevent brain injury in case of a motorcycle collision. Statistics show that only about half of motorcyclists are wearing helmets when involved in accidents. Further, over 40% of all motorcycle crash victims are treated for serious injuries or die because of the impact.
- Spinal cord injuries. Injuries that affect the neck or back are very common due to motorcycle accidents. In fact, statistics show that around 12% of those involved in motorcycle accidents suffer a serious spinal injury.
- Lower-extremity injuries. Motorcycles leave riders lower extremities, such as the feet and legs, completely exposed. Extensive studies have shown that about 47% of riders involved in a crash suffer some type of injury to the leg or foot.
- Internal injuries. Injuries that occur within the body, including damage to the organs or internal bleeding, can be severe or fatal for riders in a motorcycle crash. One of the biggest risks is surprisingly broken ribs. Statistics show that the more broken ribs a rider has, the greater the chance of internal injuries due to internal puncture wounds.
- Fractures. Fractures (broken bones) are common injuries suffered by motorcycle riders involved in accidents. This type of injury can happen when excessive pressure or blunt force is put on the bone, usually resulting in a break, crack, or shatter. On average, broken bones can take six to twelve weeks to heal. However, it can take much longer to heal for older riders or those who undergo surgery.
- Road rash. Road rash is not only a very painful type of injury to experience. It can leave accident victims with serious complications. In 2013, over 20,400 crashes involved road rash. About 17,000 of these incidents resulted in minor injuries. However, about 2,000 cases required acute care or rehabilitation, and 400 resulted in death. These injuries are also known to cause significant scarring.
What Do I Do After I’ve Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?
After you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should first make sure that everyone is out of immediate danger. If possible, get yourself or others out of the way of road traffic. Next, call 911 to get emergency medical care en route and police on their way.
Others involved in the accident may try to encourage you from filing a police report. However, a report can be critical for your injury claim. Filing a police report provides vital evidence of your accident and injuries, and is helpful if you need to file a personal injury claim later.
After speaking with the police, you should gather the information of everyone who was involved in the accident. Exchange contact information and insurance cards.
Next, seek out any witnesses of the accident. You should get their contact information and let them know that they may be contacted sometime down the line. You should also encourage them to wait and speak with the investigating police officer. A police report with a witness statement on your side is a strong start to your case.
Once everything with the police officer is handled, you should gather more evidence of your own. This includes taking pictures of your motorcycle, any damage to the other car, and any visible injuries. Taking a picture of the scene of the accident is also a good idea if it is safe to do so.
Once you are done at the scene of the accident, get medical treatment for any injuries as soon as possible. Prompt medical care is important to make sure that your injuries are taken care of and that they do not get any worse. Regardless of how you feel in the moment, you should seek immediate medical attention for any pain since some injuries can be masked by the shock and adrenaline in your system.
Finally, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney right away. When it comes to motor vehicle accident cases, the insurance companies for involved parties will immediately move to protect their driver, interests, and money. You should level the playing field as soon as you possibly can by getting qualified personal injury legal representation on your side. At Abels & Annes, we offer a free case evaluation with no obligation and no fee.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive for a Motorcycle Accident?
The amount of compensation that you can receive for a motorcycle accident depends on many factors, such as:
- the severity of your injuries
- the amount of medical treatment you need
- how long you will be out of work
- your pain and suffering
These damages are usually classified into two different categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to losses with a monetary value attached to them. By contrast, non-economic damages refer to losses that are less concrete, like pain and suffering or loss of consortium.
Economic damages cover costs like medical bills (which may include ambulance rides, surgical costs, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, ongoing treatment, and other medical-related costs). These damages also include compensation for lost wages, both past and future.
Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and compensation for permanent disability and disfigurement, among other costs. Non-economic damages are much more subjective and depend heavily on the severity of the injuries, how they have affected your life, and how much judges and juries have awarded for similar situations in the past. Damages like pain and suffering can be difficult to prove. But when someone’s negligence causes serious suffering and lifestyle change, it is important to hire an attorney willing to pursue this option for their client’s best interests.
The amount you can collect for damages will also be affected by liability and the amount of insurance available to cover losses.
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Help from a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are dedicated to representing those injured in accidents. We have successfully represented numerous victims of motorcycle collisions. Further, we are standing by now to help you understand your legal rights if you are a crash victim.
Call Abels & Annes toll free at (855) LAW-CHICAGO (529-2442) or locally at (312) 924-7575. Let us provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation regarding your accident and your legal options. If you would prefer, feel free to fill out our online contact form.
[Click here to learn what to do after a Chicago motorcycle accident.]
If you have been injured in a Chicago motorcycle accident, call us at (312) 924-7575 or Contact Us online for a free case consultation.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics - Chicago FAQ
1. What do the latest Chicago motorcycle accident statistics reveal?
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Chicago motorcycle accidents contribute significantly to the overall number of motor vehicle fatalities. In 2018, there were nearly 3,000 motorcycle crashes in Illinois, resulting in 2,266 serious injuries and 119 motorcycle fatalities. Although motorcycle collisions represent less than 1% of all traffic accidents, they account for 12.1% of traffic-related deaths, underscoring the severity of motorcycle wrecks compared to other vehicles.
2. Why do motorcycle riders face a higher risk of fatal injuries in crashes?
Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protective barriers for riders. Unlike passengers in enclosed vehicles, motorcycle riders are directly exposed to impacts. Fatal motorcycle crashes often occur because other drivers fail to see motorcycles or violate posted speed limits. Additionally, factors like reckless driving, distracted driving, and failure to wear a motorcycle helmet contribute to the high fatality rate among motorcyclists.
3. What are common causes of motorcycle accidents in Chicago?
Motorcycle collisions in Chicago and other urban areas are frequently caused by:
- Vehicles involved in unsafe lane changes
- Doorings (when parked cars suddenly open doors)
- Inexperienced drivers making left turns without looking
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding and failure to adhere to posted speed limits
- Distracted driving and failure to notice motorcycle riders
These alarming statistics highlight the need to enhance motorcycle safety measures and prevent motorcycle accidents.
4. What injuries are most common in motorcycle crashes?
Motorcycle accident victims often sustain serious injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Many motorcyclists killed in crashes were not wearing helmets, despite studies showing that helmets reduce the risk of fatal injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injury crashes can result in permanent disability.
- Lower-extremity injuries: Legs and feet are often exposed, leading to broken bones and fractures.
- Internal injuries: Motorcycle collisions frequently result in damage to internal organs, which can be fatal.
- Road rash: This painful injury can cause significant complications if not treated promptly.
- Fractures and broken bones: These injuries can take months to heal, especially for older riders.
5. What steps should I take after being involved in a Chicago motorcycle accident?
If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident:
- Ensure everyone is out of immediate danger and call 911.
- Obtain medical attention for visible injuries and any pain you experience.
- File a police report to document the accident scene.
- Gather contact information from other drivers, motorcycle passengers, and witnesses.
- Take photos of the accident scene, damages, and any injuries.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your motorcycle accident claim and legal options.
6. How much compensation can motorcycle accident victims receive?
The compensation for motorcycle accident victims varies based on factors like the severity of injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Economic damages refer to measurable losses, such as medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, while non-economic damages cover pain, suffering, and permanent disability. In Illinois, if the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, victims may be eligible for a personal injury claim.
7. Can I still file a motorcycle accident lawsuit if I was partially at fault?
Yes, Illinois law allows accident victims to recover compensation even if they share some fault, as long as they are less than 50% responsible. However, the compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, your award would be reduced by that amount.
8. How can universal helmet laws reduce motorcycle fatalities?
Universal helmet laws are proven to decrease motorcyclist fatalities by ensuring all riders wear helmets, thereby reducing the risk of severe injuries and death. In Illinois, there is no universal helmet law, but using protective gear remains one of the most effective ways to prevent fatal injuries in motorcycle crashes.
9. What role do city streets and rural areas play in motorcycle crashes?
Accident statistics show that most motorcycle accidents in Chicago occur on busy city streets where traffic is dense. However, rural areas also see a significant number of motorcycle wrecks due to higher speeds and less visibility. Understanding the circumstances surrounding these crashes can help enhance motorcycle safety.
10. Why should I contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer after a crash?
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of Illinois motorcycle accident claims, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation. Whether it’s dealing with insurance companies or filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, having legal support is crucial for protecting your rights.