Motorcyclists are overrepresented among traffic fatalities and injuries. They face unique risks on Chicago streets, including heavy congestion, frequent lane changes, and sudden stops in dense traffic. By following these safety tips, you can reduce your risk of getting in a motorcycle accident.
However, if you have been in an accident in Chicago, IL, Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys is here to help. Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers have decades of experience and have recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
Contact our law office today at (312) 726-1616 to schedule a free consultation.
How Zayed Law Offices Can Help After A Motorcycle Accident In Chicago, IL
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver’s carelessness, our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys can:
- Discuss your accident and explain your options for seeking compensation
- Collect medical records, crash reports, and other evidence to support your case
- File a claim with the other driver’s insurer and negotiate with the claims adjuster
- Sue the at-fault driver if their insurer refuses to pay a fair settlement
A motorcycle accident in Chicago, Illinois, can result in permanent injuries because the rider lacks protection. Contact Zayed Law Offices to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
Motorcycle Safety Tips For Chicago Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycles are exhilarating for riders. They also involve a different set of skills and operate in a different environment than automobiles. Thus, you cannot necessarily approach riding the same way that you drive.
Several tips can reduce the risks associated with riding your motorcycle.
Wear A Helmet
Motorcycle helmets can significantly reduce your risk of a head injury. Head trauma and brain injuries can have serious consequences, including physical and cognitive symptoms, such as paralysis, confusion, and memory loss. Serious brain trauma can result in coma, permanent brain damage, or death.
Take A Safety Course
Inexperience is a major contributing factor to motorcycle accidents. Riders must learn physical skills and road strategies distinct from those that drivers use. For example, riders must be able to make emergency maneuvers without laying down their motorcycles.
Illinois does not require riders 18 or older to pass a motorcycle safety course to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement. However, the state recommends that all riders voluntarily complete the course to learn these essential skills.
Stay Visible On The Road
Motorcycles are more difficult to see than automobiles due to their size. Additionally, drivers often suffer from a cognitive bias called “inattentional blindness.” This phenomenon occurs because so much information floods the brain while driving that it must filter it to focus on what it deems important.
Unfortunately for riders, this filtering often leads drivers to fail to recognize motorcycles on the road, even when they are in plain sight. Riders like you can avoid these accidents by staying visible and assuming that drivers might not spot them. For example, riders should overtake cars quickly, as drivers may not see them when making lane changes.
Follow The Law
Motorcyclists must obey the same traffic laws as drivers. Riders should ride sober and follow the speed limit. Moreover, they should stay between the lane lines unless passing. Specifically, riders should not engage in lane splitting, which is currently illegal in the state.
Maintain Your Motorcycle
A well-maintained motorcycle is essential for safety. Routine checks and maintenance can prevent mechanical failures that could lead to an accident. Before every ride, check your tires for proper inflation and tread wear, test your brakes, ensure all lights (headlight, taillight, turn signals) are working, and check fluid levels.
Pay particular attention to the chain or belt drive. Addressing minor issues before they become major problems is a critical safety measure.
Practice Defensive Riding
Defensive riding is paramount in a dense urban environment like Chicago. Assume that other drivers do not see you and plan your maneuvers accordingly. Maintain a safe following distance from vehicles ahead to give yourself adequate reaction time for sudden stops.
Always look ahead and scan for potential hazards, such as potholes, unexpected debris, or cars preparing to change lanes or turn. By anticipating the actions of others and expecting the unexpected, you create a buffer zone that drastically reduces the likelihood of a crash.
Contact Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Even the most cautious rider can be hit by a careless driver. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Zayed Law Offices for a free consultation. Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys can explain your legal rights and help you fight for compensation.
