Accidents involving motorcycles continue to increase from year to year. The majority of these accidents involve injuries and far too often, serious or life threatening injuries or death due to the very nature of motorcycle riding.  When a motorcycle accident has occurred, it is generally advisable to enlist the help of experienced lawyers that are affiliated with a good law firm, because such attorneys will often have years of combined experience representing injured motorcyclists and families in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois. Such a law firm may purposely limit caseloads to ensure that their attorneys always have the time and financial resources required to take on the insurance companies effectively in each case.

Motorcycle accidents can result from various factors and situations.

Here are some common types of motorcycle accidents:

1. Single-Vehicle Accidents:
   • Low-Side Crash: The motorcycle slides out from under the rider, often due to factors like excessive speed, gravel on the road, or a sudden loss of traction.
   • High-Side Crash: The motorcycle flips over, usually due to the rear wheel losing traction and then regaining it suddenly, causing the rider to be thrown off.
2. Multi-Vehicle Accidents:
   • Left-Turn Accidents: A common scenario where a motorcycle is struck by a car making a left turn. The car might not see the motorcycle or misjudge its speed.
   • Rear-End Collisions: A car collides with the back of a motorcycle, often because the driver fails to notice the motorcycle slowing down or stopping.
3. Intersection Accidents:
   • Intersection Collisions: Occur when a motorcycle and another vehicle collide at an intersection. Factors include running red lights, stop sign violations, and failure to yield the right of way.
4. Lane Change Accidents:
   • Blind Spot Collisions: A motorcycle may be in a car’s blind spot, leading to a collision when the car changes lanes without seeing the motorcycle.
5. Dooring Accidents:
   • Vehicle Doors Opening: Happens when a motorcyclist collides with a car door that suddenly opens without warning.
6. Road Hazard Accidents:
   • Pothole Crashes: A motorcycle hitting a pothole or road defect, which can cause loss of control.
   • Debris or Obstacle Collisions: A rider may encounter obstacles like fallen branches, rocks, or other debris on the road.
7. Impaired Riding Accidents:
   • Alcohol or Drug-Related Crashes: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a rider’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to accidents.
8. Weather-Related Accidents:
   • Slippery Conditions: Rain, snow, or ice can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of a motorcycle accident.
9. Mechanical Failures:
   • Brake Failures, Tire Blowouts, etc.: Mechanical issues can lead to accidents if the rider is unable to control the motorcycle.
10. Animals on the Road:
    • Collisions with Animals: Striking animals, such as deer or dogs, can result in a motorcycle accident.

Motorcycle safety is crucial

Motorcycle safety is crucial, and riders should always wear protective gear, follow traffic rules, and stay aware of their surroundings to reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, drivers of other vehicles should be attentive and watch for motorcycles to prevent collisions.

Generally, the same laws apply in cases involving motorcycles as in cases involving automobiles. However, there are some important insurance coverage issues that are specific to accidents involving motorcyclists. More importantly, the principal areas where accidents that involve motorcycles differ from auto accidents are as follows:

1. Proving why and how the accident happened.
2. Accident victims in cases involving motorcycles are likely to be more seriously injured.
3. Motorcyclists injured in an accident are more likely to suffer severe leg injuries (including amputations), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI).
4. Issues involving the “visibility” of the motorcycle.
5. Eyewitnesses (especially if they do not ride themselves) often substantially overestimate the speed of a motorcycle.

Accident reconstruction experts

While it is important in any accident to have a prompt and thorough investigation, it is even more important to do so in a motorcycle accident.  Reconstruction of how the accident happened is often made more difficult when a motorcycle is involved because of the tremendous difference between the weight of the motorcycle and the weight of the vehicle that struck it. A good Chicago personal injury lawyer associated with a reputable law firm is able to work closely with accident reconstruction experts to quickly and thoroughly inspect the accident scene, document any damage to the vehicles, and preserve other vital pieces of evidence that can help the legal team establish and win your case in court.