Every year, thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries while riding motorcycles. Motorcyclists are more susceptible to severe injuries in a collision, due in large part to the small size of their vehicles and the lack of protection offered to motorcyclists and their passengers. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatal motorcycle accidents are on the rise throughout the United States. If you or a loved one are involved in a motorcycle accident, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you receive full compensation for the injuries you have suffered. 

Motorcycle Injuries Throughout the United States 

In 2016, motorcycle fatalities throughout the United States rose by more than 5% in comparison to 2015. The 5,286 fatal motorcycle collisions that occurred that year marked the highest number of motorcycle fatalities since 2008. As mentioned above, motorcyclists have limited protection in comparison to travelers within standard passenger vehicles. Unsurprisingly, the NHTSA states that motorcyclists are more than 28 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a collision than passengers within automobiles. Despite the fact that helmets can often make the difference between life and death in a motorcycle collision, a large percentage of motorcyclists choose to not wear a helmet. In 2016, approximately 60% of all motorcyclists killed in collisions were not wearing helmets. 

Motorcycle Collisions in Illinois

Here in the state of Illinois, motorcycle accidents and fatalities are much more common than most people would like to assume. Throughout 2016, over 2,600 Illinoisan motorcyclists suffered injuries that required hospitalization. Approximately 150 of those severely injured motorcyclists ultimately suffered fatal injuries. Despite the fact that motorcycle accidents only accounted for 1% of all motor vehicle collisions throughout Illinois, fatal motorcycle injuries made up 15% of all statewide traffic fatalities in 2016. 

Accidents involving motorcycles almost always involve bodily injury, as bikers are not as protected as motorists riding in cars. In fact, motorcyclists in Illinois are not legally required to wear helmets, which can protect against injury.

Despite being at a greater risk for injury, motorcyclists still have rights on the road. If they are in an accident that is caused by another driver, their injuries should be treated at the cost of the at-fault party and their pain and suffering should also be compensated.

In 2015, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in the United States. These are some common injuries sustained by motorcyclists:

People may presume that if a motorcyclist is in a car accident, then he or she is responsible for his or her injuries, even if fault lies with another driver. Additionally, they may reason that the motorcyclist assumed the increased risk that comes with riding a motorcycle and that the motorcyclist should be responsible for his or her injuries.

This is not true. If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault while on a motorcycle, you will likely be entitled to damages for your injuries. Motorcyclists have the same rights as motorists and passengers on the road.

Helmet Law in Illinois