Motorcycling is risky and riders must be aware of the dangers.

• Poor road conditions, gravel or debris, animal crossing, other vehicles, blind spots, slippery surfaces such as bridge joints, and bad weather are all hazards to avoid.
• Rough roads make it hard to navigate, so always stay alert and look ahead. Gravel or debris on the road can cause slipping, so be cautious.
• Watch out for animals crossing unexpectedly. Other vehicles may not see you, so be aware of your surroundings.
• Slippery and uneven surfaces and bad weather make maneuvering difficult, so check the weather and be careful.

Knowing these hazards can help reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident and the severe injuries that often come with them.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, call Ktenas Injury Attorneys at at (312) 300-2515. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers.

What are the Most Common Road Hazards Faced by Motorcyclists?

Motorcyclists face many dangers on the road, like potholes and distracted drivers. Common road hazards include poor conditions, road debris, and other vehicles. Poor conditions can cause a rider to lose control and crash.

Motorcyclists should watch for debris and potholes. Other vehicles are a common hazard. Drivers may not see or anticipate motorcycles. Motorcyclists should be aware, and visible, and use defensive driving techniques to stay safe.

Hazardous Road Surfaces

Motorcyclists should be cautious of hazardous road surfaces. These include wet roads, loose gravel, potholes, and animal droppings. Wet roads are especially dangerous due to reduced traction. Loose gravel can cause wheel slippage or loss of control.

Potholes during inclement weather can create a bumpy ride and can lead to loss of control. Animal droppings can cause slipping. To stay safe, know the common hazards, wear protective gear, and be aware of your surroundings when riding.

Slippery Surfaces

Motorcycles are dangerous. Motorcyclists need to be aware and take extra measures for safety. Slippery surfaces are a hazard. Damp roads or oil patches make it hard to control a motorcycle and can cause accidents.

Look out for these surfaces and ride with caution. Avoid wet or icy conditions. These reduce traction and increase the risk of slipping. Slow down and hold onto the handlebars tightly to maintain control.

Slick Surfaces

Slick surfaces are dangerous for motorcyclists. They can be wet pavement, oil spills, leaves, or gravel. These surfaces make motorcycles unstable and prone to skidding.

Related: How Fault is Proven in Illinois Motorcycle Accident Claims

To avoid slick surfaces, be aware of them beforehand. Look for wet patches, oil spills, and slippery leaves. When you encounter slick surfaces, slow down and grip the handlebars firmly. Don't brake suddenly or make sharp turns.

Uneven Road Surfaces

Motorcyclists should be aware of and avoid uneven road surfaces. These include potholes, cracks, soft shoulder edges, manhole covers, and gravel or dirt sections. These hazards can cause them to lose control or be thrown from their motorcycles.

To avoid them, motorcyclists should be cautious, reduce speed, and maintain a firm grip on the handlebars.

Expansion Joints and Edge Breaks

Motorcyclists should avoid expansion joints and edge breaks on the road. Expansion joints are gaps in the pavement that expand and contract with temperature changes. These gaps can be deep and dangerous for motorcyclists. Edge breaks are abrupt drops along the road edges, also posing safety risks.

To avoid these hazards, motorcyclists should approach these areas with caution, reduce speed, and hold the handlebars firmly.

Oil Spills and Debris

Oil spills and debris are dangerous for motorcyclists. Motorcycles offer less protection than cars. Slippery surfaces like oil spills and debris can cause them to lose control and crash. Oil spills occur when vehicles leak oil onto the road. This can happen due to engine issues or a punctured oil tank. Debris can be anything from branches to rocks left on the road.

To avoid these hazards, motorcyclists should always be aware of their surroundings. They should watch out for debris and oil spills. They should reduce speed in these areas and maintain a firm grip on the handlebars.

Weather-Related Risks

Weather can be one of the biggest risks for motorcyclists on the road. Wind, rain, fog, and extreme temperatures can all create dangerous conditions that should be avoided when possible.

Strong Winds

Strong winds are dangerous for motorcyclists. They can cause accidents by making riders lose control of their motorcycles. Before riding, check the weather forecast for strong winds. If there are strong winds, it's best to wait until they calm down. When riding in strong winds, go slow, stay in control, and watch out for other vehicles.

Rain and Fog

Rain and fog are dangerous for motorcyclists. Riders should wear appropriate clothing and gear to stay safe. This includes water-resistant jackets, full-finger gloves, non-slip sole boots, and a helmet with a face shield or good visor. Visibility is reduced in rain and fog, so drive slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Learn More: How Much is a Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

Other Potential Risks

Motorcyclists face many risks on the road, including bad weather, potholes, and losing control due to speed. They should also watch out for animals on the road to avoid accidents. Motorcyclists are at higher risk of being hit by distracted drivers, so they should be alert and aware of other vehicles.

Additionally, they should be cautious of the condition of the roads they are riding on, as poorly maintained roads can lead to unexpected hazards.

Blind Spots and Low Visibility Areas

Motorcyclists must be aware of their surroundings on the road. Blind spots and low visibility areas are common hazards to watch out for. These areas can be hard to see and put motorcyclists at risk of accidents. Blind spots occur when motorcyclists are not easily seen by other drivers, especially around large vehicles, intersections, and curves.

Motorcyclists should stay away from blind spots when possible. Low visibility, such as poor lighting at night or heavy fog, also poses a danger as drivers may not see motorcyclists on the road.

Speed Limits and Reasonable Control of Speed

Motorcyclists must obey speed limits on the road. Exceeding the speed limit is dangerous and can result in collisions and fines. Always maintain a safe and controlled speed, even if there is no posted limit. This is especially important in unfamiliar or low-visibility areas. Avoid distractions like cell phones and music players while riding. These distractions can impair your awareness and speed control, leading to dangerous situations on the road.

Related: Most Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

The Importance of Wearing Protective Gear

Motorcycling can be an exhilarating form of transportation, but it is important to be aware of the various hazards that exist on the road. One of the most important safety measures motorcyclists can take is to wear protective gear.

Wearing protective gear such as a helmet, gloves, boots, and reflective clothing will help protect motorcycle riders from serious injury or death in the event of an accident.

Call Ktenas Injury Attorneys Today for More Information

Motorcycle riders need to be aware of road hazards. These hazards include dangerous road conditions, distracted drivers, and vehicles passing too close. To stay safe, always wear protective gear and stay alert while riding.

If you're injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver's negligence, contact Ktenas Injury Attorneys. Our experienced Chicago auto accident attorneys will fight for your fair compensation. Call us today for a free consultation.

Compared to cars motorcycles are less stable. When a crash occurs a motorcycle does not have the protection of an enclosed vehicle. Motorcyclists are likely to lose their lives twenty-six times more in a collision compared to passengers in a vehicle and are five times more likely to obtain injuries according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

It is unfortunate that drivers that have been in a motorcycle collision are at risk of getting serious injuries compared to if they were in another type of accident. On a per-mile basis compared to passengers and car drivers motorcycle riders are twenty-eight times more likely to die in a car accident or collision.

They can survive the injuries but most of the time the injuries are more severe. Most of the individuals that have been in an accident hire attorneys to help them recover what they have lost as a result of the injuries they have obtained. They need a personal injury lawyer to help them file and pursue an accident claim for a common motorcycle crash injury.

A study conducted by NHTSA shows that accidents that are likely to be most fatal and incapacitating are obtained when the front of the motorcycle is the point of impact. Here are some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries that motorcycle riders suffer from.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBI or traumatic brain injury affects the brain and occurs when an individual’s brain suffers trauma. The injury occurs when; a person’s head is hit by an object, the skull is punctured, and the head gets shaken back and forth. All these movements have to have great force for a TBI or skull fracture to occur.

Traumatic brain injury is among the serious injuries obtained in a motorcycle crash. Most TBI’s are suffered when a cyclist is involved in a collision and they are not wearing a helmet. Data provided by the NHTSA shows that at the time of the crash just a bit below 7% of unhelmeted riders at the time of the crash obtained serious head injuries in comparison to the 5% of helmeted riders.

Around 15% of motorcyclists that got involved in a cycling accident and received medical attention were found to have suffered from a traumatic brain injury. The severity of the injury was determined by whether the individual wore a helmet at the time of the collision.

A motorcycle accident victim that has sustains a traumatic brain injury is likely to suffer from cognitive and physical deficits. There are individuals that will find relief for TBIs through treatments or surgery. Even so, most of the people that suffer from a head injury have to deal with lifelong effects.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a highly sensitive part of the human body. When a person injures their spinal cord after a motorcycle accident the result of the accident can be severe. The accident victim can lose their ability to walk, use their arms, and may even not ever move again depending on the spinal injury they have.

When a motorcyclist gets pierced by an object or if they land on their back or neck there is a high likelihood of a spinal cord injury occurring. It is possible for a motorcycle rider to get pinned or even crushed between two objects and it can end up causing severe damage to the spine as well the spinal cord. Permanent or temporary Paralysis can occur if the case where the victim is injured.

Know The Law: Illinois Statute of Limitations

Fractures and Broken Bones

When a collision involving a motorcycle and vehicle occurs it is possible for a motorcyclist to get thrown off or knocked off from their bike. There is a certain angle that a motorcycle rider can hit the ground and end up being forced into an unnatural position. When this happens a bone fracture or broken bone in the limb or another part of the body can easily occur. It is possible for broken bones to occur in any part of the body but the majority of injuries are sustained in the limbs and can result in internal organ damage.

In the motorcycle endorsement class, there is a lot of emphasis on all the gear all the time system. What this means is that as you take safety precautions you should be wearing safety equipment and gear. Of all fractures ankle injuries and the most common, they are the most common injuries that you are likely to obtain when operating a motorbike. Aside from practicing motorcycle safety by being attentive on the road and obeying set traffic rules, it is advisable to be appropriately dressed when riding a motorcycle.

Thorax Injuries

Almost 1 in 7 injuries from a motorcycle collision are thoracic injuries. The thorax is the chest area. It can be on the ribs or sternum. These kinds of injuries are dangerous since as a result of the ribs being hurt other parts of the body that are near the rib can end up getting punctured. Internal organs close to the rib can get injured. It is possible for one to get punctured and collapsed lungs as a result. There are people that have developed illnesses such as pneumonia and other infections as a result of getting these severe injuries.

Learn More: 8 Tips to Maximize Personal Injury Compensation

Road Rash

During a collision the motorcycle rider is likely to come into contact with the pavement and a road rash injury can be the result. The angle of the crash can cause them to slide across the road. Even if motorcycles may be wearing protective gear most of the times there is not much to protect their body from this kind of injury. The injury is acquired when the skin comes into contact with the pavement.

The concrete on the pavement can graze the skin away and as a result, the person can acquire burn-like injuries on their skin. When these kinds of injuries are severe one may require having skin grafts so as to repair their skin and avoid permanent scarring. Debris can lodge itself into the body in the area where the skin has been grazed and if the injury is not given proper treatment it can result in a serious infection.

What You Can Do After a Motorcycle Injury?

There is not one answer that tells that answers the question of what to do after a motorcycle accident injury. Your actions after a collision depend on whether you have been injured in the crash, the severity of your injuries, and the type of injury you have. Here are some of the things that you can do after an injury;

• Acquire a police report.
• Take as many pictures as possible of the scene of the accident.
• Get medical treatment.
• Collect the insurance information as well; as the contact details of all involved parties.
• Get in touch with your insurance company even if you were not at fault.
• Stay calm.

When you get to a point where you are stable after a collision what you can do next is find an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help protect your rights. A lawyer from Ktenas Injury Lawyers group who is experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases can help you in filing your paperwork if you intend to claim compensation. If you were injured as a result of the other party’s negligence you can get compensation for the medical bills and medical expenses you have acquired as a result.

With the help of a motorcycle accident attorney, you can focus on your medical treatment process as they represent your right to get adequate compensation and help you get the maximum settlement. You can call our personal injury law firm if you need help getting financial compensation after a motorcycle accident-related injury.

If you or a loved one were severely hurt or killed in a Chicago motorcycle accident because of another person's negligence, contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at Ktenas Law today. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers are experienced and compassionate and they'll respond promptly and start working on your personal injury claim. If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, we can guide you through filing a wrongful death claim.

At Ktenas Law, our legal team offers:

• Decades of experience in representing personal injury clients, including those who sustained catastrophic injuries in motorcycle accidents.
• A proven track record of recovering fair compensation for motorcycle accident victims.
• The integrity and honesty you expect from a personal injury law firm you want representing you and your family’s best interests.

We'll help you recover the financial compensation you need to cover your medical care costs, lost earnings, property damage, pain and suffering, and other financial losses. Contact our Chicago law offices today at (312) 300-2515 to schedule a free initial consultation.

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

Motorcycle crashes cause substantial damage. Most motorcycles don't make it out of catastrophic crashes intact. Often, motorcycles require full replacement, and motorcycle riders have minimal protection from collision impact. A motorcycle crash can easily cause substantial economic damages, and if you're contemplating taking legal action for a recent motorcycle accident, it's essential to know how to calculate the value of your motorcycle accident claim.

Determining Economic Damages

A motorcycle accident injury claim can cause substantial economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include the direct financial costs of an accident and noneconomic damages are the intangible damages and financial losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional trauma.

• Vehicle repair and replacement costs qualify as economic damages. If the at-fault driver completely wrecked your motorcycle, you can seek compensation for the full value of your motorcycle. Other types of property damage are also covered under economic losses.
• Medical costs normally form the bulk of an injured motorcyclist’s financial damages. If a negligent driver causes a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle accident victim can pursue monetary compensation for immediate and future medical expenses, such as emergency room costs, hospital bills, and long-term medical costs for rehabilitation and physical therapy. 
• Lost wages also form a significant portion of a claimant’s economic damages if the crash makes him or her unable to work for a prolonged time. If an accident causes a permanent disability or disfigurement, you can claim compensation for your lost future income.

Typically, economic damages are easy to prove because you can easily produce medical records, medical bills, and medical receipts to prove the extent of your losses and expenses. Further, your motorcycle accident attorney can help you establish causation between those financial damages and the at-fault driver's actions. 

Calculating Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are difficult to prove. Thus, it's difficult to determine how much a plaintiff will receive. The physical pain and emotional trauma from a motorcycle accident can be more severe for a victim than the economic losses. The justice system allows defendants to recover financial compensation for emotional distress, physical pain, and mental anguish resulting from the at-fault driver's negligence. However, different courts have different methods for determining pain and suffering damages. The nature of your damages can also influence your compensation for pain and suffering.

Some courts use the multiplier method to award compensation for pain and suffering as a lump sum. For instance, if you sustained severe bodily harm and incurred $40,000 in medical bills, the court might multiply this number by four to reflect the pain and suffering associated with your motorcycle accident injuries and award $160,000 as compensation for your pain and suffering. Further, an injured person who only suffered minor injuries might recover a small amount of compensation for pain and suffering, such as an additional $6,000 for $6,000 worth of medical expenses for treating a physical injury that'll fully heal with minimal recovery time.

Other courts use a per diem method to award compensation for pain and suffering. Instead of a lump sum, the defendant receives compensation for every day he or she spends in recovery until he or she reaches maximum medical improvement. For instance, if it took 6 months or 180 days to recover from a bodily injury, and the jury awarded $200 per day in pain and suffering compensation, you would receive $36,000 as financial compensation for your pain and suffering.

Punitive Damages

Some motorcycle crash cases involve illegal activity on the part of the negligent driver, such as drunk driving, or the at-fault party's negligence exceeds typical negligence. Here, courts often award punitive damages to further punish the at-fault driver for his or her negligent behavior and improve the plaintiff’s recovery. Some states limit the amount the accident victim may receive in punitive damages. Punitive damages are taxable income for the injured party, unlike the other financial damages associated with his or her bodily injuries. Finally, it's difficult to determine how much a motorcycle accident injury claim is worth without analyzing the specific circumstances of the crash.

What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes?

Even though motorists have the same obligation of safety to motorcyclists as to the drivers of motor vehicles and trucks on the road, most motorcycle crashes involve collisions with motorists breaching a motorcyclist’s right of way.

Common causes of motorcycle collisions include:

• Speeding;
• Distracted driving;
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Tailgating;
• Failure to stop;
• Failure to yield;
• Crossing the centerline;
• Unsafe lane changes;
• Improper passing;
• Improper turns; and
• Poor road conditions

After a motorcycle accident, if possible, get witness contact information and preserve any evidence that proves the motorist’s liability. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, and get the other driver's information, including their license number and vehicle registration. 

Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Collisions?

Like other types of personal injury cases, liability in motorcycle accidents is based on the laws of negligence. If a driver acts recklessly and harms another person, that driver is responsible for the victim’s injuries.

Often, motorists violate traffic rules and regulations, driving while distracted, or don't pay attention to motorcyclists on the road. Similarly, a motorcycle rider may be liable for the accident, especially if he or she violated traffic laws. Also, not wearing a motorcycle helmet can make the motorcycle rider at fault for any head injuries he or she may have sustained. If the motorcycle wreck occurred because of a manufacturing error or defective parts, then the manufacturer is held liable for the accident.

It’s possible for the involved parties to share responsibility for the motorcycle crash. When this happens, the injured person can still seek monetary compensation but the court will reduce the final damages reward by how much the injured party contributed to the motorcycle accident.

What are the Most Common Motorcycle Injuries?

Even minor motorcycle crashes can cause severe injuries to the rider. From skidding on loose gravel to head-on collisions, motorcyclists regularly sustain injuries while riding their bikes, and sometimes they suffer fatal injuries. Common motorcycle accident injuries are:

• Road rash: Motorcyclists often suffer significant abrasions and scrapes on parts of the body that are dragged along the road surface. 
• Burns: Motorcycle riders and passengers also may suffer second and third-degree burns from contact with hot motorcycle engine parts.
• Soft tissue injuries: This includes strains, sprains, and whiplash-type injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
• Fractures and broken bones.
• Internal Injuries: This includes a ruptured spleen, a bruised kidney, and punctured lungs (secondary to broken ribs).
• Head Trauma: This is a common cause of death among motorcyclists who aren’t wearing a helmet. Head trauma includes a concussion, a fractured skull, and a traumatic brain injury.
• Neck and Spine injuries: These include herniated discs, cracked vertebrae, permanent paralysis, and death.

Contact Our Experienced Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today for Legal Advice!

At Ktenas Injury Lawyers, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help you determine all your damages and make sure you submit an accurate insurance claim. Also, we can help you seek a fair motorcycle accident settlement if the insurance company tries to deny your personal injury claim or offer you less than what can cover your financial losses.

At Ktenas Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience helping motorcycle accident victims get financial compensation that matches what their personal injury claim is worth. For a free initial consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate motorcycle crash attorneys, contact us today at (312) 300-2515, or fill out the contact form on this page to learn how we can help you.

At Ktenas Injury Lawyers, our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers have vast experience representing motorcycle accident victims who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents in settlement negotiations and at trial, and we have a successful track record.

As avid motorcycle riders and experienced motorcycle accident lawyers, we understand the true cost of a motorcycle crash and we’re committed to helping those who have suffered injuries and property damage after a motorcycle accident recover the financial compensation they deserve to cover their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other financial damages.

To schedule a free initial consultation, call our personal injury law firm today at (312) 300-2515 or chat with us online to learn how we can help.

What are the Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Illinois?

In a motorcycle wreck, any part of your body can be hurt. Often, motorcycle riders are at risk of suffering:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Open head injuries, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injury can occur when a motorcycle rider’s head collides with a motor vehicle, the pavement, or another object.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries can cause permanent disability or paralysis. The specific spinal cord injury you suffer from a motorcycle crash depends on the area of the spine that was hurt in the motorcycle crash.
• Broken Bones: If a motorcycle operator or passenger is thrown from the motorcycle, or if the motorcycle lands on top of him or her, this can cause broken bones. The severity of the break and the specific broken bone determine the needed medical attention and a prognosis.
• Chest Injuries: If an external object penetrates or crushes your chest, this can cause significant and potentially fatal injuries to your internal organs, including your lungs or heart.
• Eye Injuries: After a motorcycle accident, you may suffer from permanent vision changes or a substantial pain in the eyes.
• Open Wounds: Scarring and infection are significant risks among motorcycle operators who suffer open wounds after a motorcycle accident.
• Road Rash: A motorcycle rider who is dragged along asphalt or smacks the ground after a motorcycle wreck may suffer significant scrapes also known as road rash. Road rash may leave lasting scars or may be infected.
• Dental or Facial Injuries: Facial broken bones or wounds can cause excruciating pain, trauma, and additional expenses.
• Amputations: Motorcycle accidents can cause leg or arm amputations, especially if an infection occurs in a wound or doctors can’t repair the damage caused by the crash. Rarely, an amputation may occur if a leg, hand, finger, arm, foot, or toe is severed during a motorcycle crash.
• Death: Most of the motorcycle accident injuries described above are fatal.

After a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to seek prompt medical treatment for an accurate diagnosis of your motorcycle accident injury. Not seeking medical attention right away after a motorcycle accident can cause the insurance company to deny or dispute your personal injury claim.

What are the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents?

Any of the motorcycle injuries described above can occur after the following motorcycle accidents:

T-Bone Accident

A T-Bone motorcycle crash is a type of side-impact accident that occurs when a motor vehicle doesn’t stop at an intersection and hits the side of the motorcycle that’s lawfully moving through the intersection.

Rear-End Collisions

When a motor vehicle can't stop when a motorcyclist stops or follows a motorcycle too closely, the vehicle could hit the motorcycle from the back, causing a rear-end crash.

Head-on Collisions

When one car is in the wrong lane, the front of the motor vehicle may collide with the motorcycle that’s proceeding lawfully in its own lane.

Left Turn Accident

Often, drivers think motorcyclists are farther away than they’re because of the motorcycle’s small size. Thus, they may make a left turn when they don’t have enough time to do so safely—and the motorcyclist may collide with the side of their vehicle.

Often, motorcycle accidents are caused by:

• Aggressive Drivers: A driver who is overlapping in and out of traffic or who is following a bike too closely can cause a fatal accident.
• Speeding Drivers: A motorist engaged in speeding or reckless driving has a higher chance of causing a motorcycle collision.
• Drowsy Drivers: A motor vehicle driver who is tired may have impaired judgment and slower reaction times, causing severe motorcycle wrecks.
• Distracted Driving: Talking on the phone, texting, eating, talking to passengers, changing music, and many other distractions can take a driver’s attention away from watching out for motorcycles and a serious accident can occur in less than a second.
• Drunk Driving: It’s illegal in Illinois to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. However, even low blood alcohol concentrations can impair the judgment of a driver and the driver can cause a fatal accident.
• Poor Road Design or Road Conditions: Excessive foliage, Potholes, or slippery roads can make it challenging for drivers, increasing the chances of accidents occurring.

If you or a loved one have been hurt in an Illinois motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, then it’s essential to hire an experienced attorney to help you fight for your fair recovery.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Successful Illinois Motorcycle Accident Case?

While there’s no way to undo the damage caused by a motorcycle accident, you should not have to bear the financial burden of a motorcycle crash caused by another person’s negligence. You should fight to recover fair compensation for past, current, and future:

• Medical Expenses: Medical costs include all health-related expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapies, and assistive medical devices.
• Lost Income: After a motorcycle accident, you’re eligible for any lost wages—whether partial or total.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: These expenses include funeral costs if your loved one died and any other expenses you incurred following the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Your emotional distress, pain, and physical suffering can’t be undone by a financial settlement; you deserve compensation for these significant injuries.

Following an auto accident, you deserve to recover these damages, but you will have to fight for them. Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover the financial compensation you’re entitled to.

What is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?

The Jury Verdict Research published by Thomson Reuters reports that from 1999 to 2006, the median motorcycle injury verdict--after a personal injury trial was $73,700. Motorcycle accident victims who slid on loose gravel and suffered broken vertebrae and nerve damage received $1,600,000 in a settlement.

The wrongful death compensation was $355,000 after the plaintiff was killed when the at-fault party pulled a small trailer and turned left in front of the motorcyclist at high speed. $300,000 settlement after the at-fault party’s truck turned left in front of a motorcyclist. Here the injured party’s bodily injuries were limited to aggravation of pre-existing herniated discs, a torn knee ligament, and soft tissue injuries.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have access to a database of settlements and verdicts, and we’ll use this information to find cases with similar personal injuries and circumstances to yours and the trial verdict amounts or settlements in your jurisdiction.

Who is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Often, motor vehicle drivers are held liable for motorcycle collisions, but the actions of the motorcyclist and the driver are considered in the final decision. When the fault of a motorcycle accident is unsafe roadways, government entities responsible for road construction and management might be held liable for the accident.

Fault is calculated based on arguments made by lawyers using evidence provided in an investigation and then determined by the judge in his or her final decision. Typically, motorcycles pose less of a threat on roadways than passenger vehicles, and the judge considers this when making his or her decision. However, if evidence proves a motorcyclist was partially responsible for the accident, the judge will deduct damages from the final settlement based on his or her calculation of plausible liability.

You must consult a personal injury attorney or wrongful death lawyer to investigate the incident fully to determine which party is liable in your personal injury lawsuit. At Chicago car accident attorneys, are experienced investigators who will examine all the evidence available and help you find those at fault for your accident.

Contact Our Experienced Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today for Legal Advice!

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you need the best motorcycle accident attorney working on your behalf to recover the maximum motorcycle accident compensation that you deserve. At Ktenas Injury Lawyers, we have helped thousands of motorcycle accident victims in Cook County and throughout Illinois recover maximum compensation and we can help you too.

To schedule a no-cost initial consultation, call our law office in Chicago today at (312) 300-2515, or chat with us online to learn how we can help you through the accident claims process. Call us today and schedule a free consultation so we can review your legal options for financial recovery.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, we can also safely arrange a video conference and send you electronic documents so we can start working on your personal injury case right away without the need to visit our Chicago office.

Often, motorcyclists use their motorcycles as the primary mode of transportation. However, some motorcyclists save riding for weekends when the weather is nice. When a motorcyclist is riding, he or she must be aware and alert to stay safe. However, if another driver acts recklessly, they could cause a motor vehicle accident involving the motorcyclist.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can cause devastating injuries. If a motorcycle crash has affected your life, you might not know who to turn to. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault in a Chicago motorcycle accident. You may know that you need financial compensation, but not how to protect your rights. The best way to protect your rights is to hire a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney from Ktenas Injury Lawyers.

We work hard to provide the best legal services to our clients throughout Illinois. Our experienced motorcycle crash lawyers will ensure that your rights are protected. We’ll find the negligent party and make sure they’re held accountable for their negligent actions.

Also, we’ll fight fiercely to make sure you recover the financial compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our personal injury law firm today at (312) 300-2515, or chat with us online to learn how we can help you.

Who is Usually at Fault in a Chicago Motorcycle Accident?

When a motorcycle accident occurs, often it’s because of a mistake, or negligent conduct by one or more motorists. Sometimes, a biker may be to blame, but often it’s a driver behind the wheel of a larger vehicle who is at fault.

No matter the cause of the accident, motorcycle accident victims are eligible for financial compensation under Illinois law. However, since each motorcycle crash is unique, it’s essential to understand the legal options that may result from motorcycle accident injuries.

A negligent driver or the owner of an at-fault motor vehicle may be liable for any motorcycle accident injuries. Those responsible for a motorcycle crash are held liable for monetary damages. In case a company employed the at-fault driver, that corporation can also be held liable.

What is the Most Common Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

The following are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, as seen in Chicago motorcycle accident claims:

Roadside Construction

Chicago roads are perpetually under construction, this includes a lot of roadside construction. Unfortunately, many road construction companies don't put up signs to warn of lane shifts, road obstructions, and other hazards. Road hazards such as this can cause catastrophic motorcycle accidents.

Irresponsible Drivers

This is the primary cause of fatal motorcycle accidents and those that cause catastrophic injuries. Negligent driving practices, such as drunk driving, texting while driving, and distracted driving cause all types of motorcycle accidents. Often when negligent drivers hit motorcyclists, the results are often tragic.

Road Rage

Often, some drivers are too aggressive on the road, and sometimes they direct that aggression toward motorcycle riders. This opens up the possibility of crashes, and these drivers should be held liable for the damage they cause.

Failure to Yield

Motor vehicle drivers train their minds to watch out for other vehicles, and trucks that are hard to miss. But they usually ignore motorcyclists. Some drivers refuse to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists when entering the road or when making a turn.

Defective Automobile Parts

When parts on your vehicle or on the vehicle that hits you have malfunctioned, you can hold the manufacturer of those parts liable for your crash.

Aside from the above potential causes of motorcycle crashes, you can file a personal injury claim against a government agency, especially if the said government agency didn’t maintain safe roads, and that failure caused your motorcycle accident, you may pursue compensation from them.

However, personal injury claims against Illinois government agencies have different rules and deadlines. Thus, you must have a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney by your side as you file this type of accident claim.

In the above scenarios, multiple parties could be at fault for the motorcycle accident and your bodily injuries. However, proving fault in a Chicago motorcycle accident claim requires a ton of evidence and a thorough understanding of legal knowledge, so working with an experienced personal injury lawyer could be beneficial to you.

What are the Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Over 89,000 people are injured in motorcycle crashes every year. The most common motor accident injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Wearing a helmet is one of the best ways to prevent brain injury in the event of a motorcycle collision. According to statistics, only about 50 percent of motorcyclists are wearing helmets when involved in motorcycle wrecks. Also, over 40% of all motorcycle accident victims suffer serious injuries or die because of the motorcycle accident's impact.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries that affect the back or neck are very common during motorcycle accidents. According to statistics, nearly 12% of motorcycle accident crash victims suffer serious spinal injuries.

Lower-Body Injuries

Motorcycle accidents leave motorcycle operators' lower extremities, including the feet and legs, completely exposed. Studies show that about 47% of motorcyclists involved in traffic accidents suffer some type of leg or foot injury.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, including damage to body organs or internal bleeding, are severe or fatal for motorcyclists in motorcycle wrecks. The biggest risk is broken ribs.

Fractures

Most motorcycle accident victims suffer broken bones. This type of injury happens when excessive pressure is applied to the bone, resulting in a crack or shatter.

Road Rash

Road rash is a very painful type of injury to experience. It leaves accident victims with severe injuries. In 2013, over 20,400 traffic accidents involved road rash, 17,000 of these incidents caused minor injuries. However, about 2,000 incidents required acute medical care or rehabilitation, and 400 led to death. Road rash injuries also cause significant scarring.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Accident?

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Ktenas Injury Lawyers understand the financial and emotional suffering you’re facing because of the nature of the injuries and the pain they have caused. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the difficult legal battle ahead of you so that you’re assured of a positive outcome with as minimal stress as possible.

Another reason to seek legal representation is that you need aggressive legal assistance during negotiations with the insurance companies. Often, an insurance company may negotiate a quick, lowball settlement or deny your insurance claim.

Insurance representatives may try to get a statement from you or ask certain questions, hoping that you admit liability for the accident, which could significantly affect the financial settlement you recover in the future. A motorcycle accident lawyer can speak with insurance adjusters on your behalf and ensure you receive the full amount that you deserve.

If issues of liability aren’t immediately clear, an experienced lawyer and legal team can investigate the circumstances of your accident. An accident lawyer can collect the necessary evidence to facilitate your motorcycle accident claim, including police reports, medical records, and eyewitness testimony to establish negligence and liability.

The experienced team at Ktenas Injury Lawyers has extensive experience representing motorcycle accident victims in Illinois, and we can help you. We will ensure you receive fair compensation to cover all the economic and non-economic damages you suffered.

Contact Our Experienced Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Advice!

Motorcycle wrecks can cause considerable financial and emotional distress. You don’t have to deal with this when your injuries were caused by another person’s negligence. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will stand up for you and demand that you get a fair settlement. Your compensation should allow you to recover peacefully.

After a motorcycle accident, you must contact a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney immediately so they can get started on your personal injury lawsuit. As with most personal injury cases, there’s a time limit starting from the date of the accident that you will be eligible to file a claim. In Illinois, you have two years to file your personal injury claim. Waiting could mean losing the chance to recover the financial compensation you need to cover your losses. When you contact a lawyer right away, you’re giving yourself a chance to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.

Also, you must contact a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately after your accident because you can remember what happened and can account for details accurately. As time lapses, you’ll lose more of these details and you won’t be able to provide an accurate account of what happened. A skilled Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer has a better chance of investigating the accident scene and gathering evidence to support your personal injury claim. You can lose physical evidence over time, but the earlier an experienced attorney investigates your case, the more physical evidence can be collected and preserved.

For a free initial consultation, call our firm today at (312) 300-2515, or chat with us online to learn how we can help.

Riding a motorcycle is a unique experience because when you’re on a motorcycle you’re entirely immersed in nature--the open road, and the fresh wind in your face. The speed, the adrenaline, you smell and feel everything when you’re on a motorcycle.

Riding a motorcycle is a combination of both physical and emotional pleasure, and thus it’s addictive. However, to enjoy this hobby for many years and to make the most of it, always wear a helmet to protect your head when you’re riding. Let's hear what the Ktenas Injury Lawyers team has to say about 'How effective are motorcycle helmets?'

A helmet is without a doubt the most essential riding gear you should have. Because severe head injuries are the most common injuries among motorcyclists. The harsh reality is that head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that motorcycles are more likely to be in an accident than motor vehicles. During a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle operator lacks the protection of an enclosed vehicle. Thus, he or she is more likely to suffer severe injuries or even die.

How Effective are Helmets in Preventing Motorcyclist Death?

• Wearing the right type of helmet saves lives and reduces concussions and other head injuries.
• Nationally, 1,772 motorcyclists were saved by wearing their helmets in 2015.
• Motorcycle helmets are approximately 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries among motorcyclists and 42% effective for passengers.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 1984 through 2003, motorcycle helmets saved the lives of 14,922 motorcyclists. During that period, if all motorcycle riders and passengers wore helmets 10,148 more lives would have been saved.
• Data show helmets are effective in preventing motorcycle deaths by about 37% and they’re 67% effective in preventing traumatic brain injuries.
• The CDC reports that motorcycle helmets saved 1,859 lives in 2016. If all motorcyclists would have worn their helmets, 802 more lives would have been saved in 2016.

What Percentage of Motorcycle Riders Get in Accidents?

Motorcycles continue to make up a significant portion of U.S. road accidents. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NHTSA’s NCSA) shows that 5,286 motorcyclists died in 2016. Further, in 2016, motorcycle crashes occurred 28 times more frequently than car accidents when accounting for vehicle miles traveled.

According to the NHTSA, 4,668 motorcyclists were killed in car accidents, which was a decline of 6% from the 4,986 motorcyclists who were killed in 2012. In 2013, approximately 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in motor vehicle traffic accidents, this was a 5% decrease from 93,000 motorcycle injuries in 2012.

4,985 motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle traffic accidents in 2018. Most motorcyclists fatalities in 2018 occurred:

• During good weather (88%),
• On urban roads (61%),
• When wearing a helmet (60%),
• In collisions involving two vehicles(54%),
• During daylight(52%).

Naturally, motorcycles are less crash-worthy than enclosed vehicles. Also, they’re less visible to other drivers and pedestrians and less stable than four-wheel motor vehicles. Thus, riding a motorcycle requires a different combination of both mental and physical skills than driving vehicles.

Why Do Motorcyclists Not Wear Helmets?

According to the NHTSA, motorcycle helmets are the most essential safety equipment a motorcyclist can wear. Based on research, helmets give a motorcyclist a 35% chance to survive a fatal motorcycle accident, a 26% chance to avoid severe injuries that require emergency care, and a 10% chance to avoid any injuries at all.

However, if helmets are so effective and essential, then why do so many motorcycle riders still not wear them in many circumstances? Whenever you hit the roads of Illinois, you’ll probably see a few motorcyclists without a helmet. Why are they choosing to ignore life-saving safety equipment? The answer is more in-depth than a simple yes or no.

Reasons Motorcyclists Might Not Wear a Helmet When Riding

1. Motorcycle Helmet law. Illinois is one of the three states in the US that don’t have official law enforcing helmet use. This means Illinois helmet laws don’t exist. Since not wearing a motorcycle helmet is completely lawful in Illinois, most riders choose to go without it. However, a court of law may find a motorcyclist negligent for not wearing a helmet during a traffic crash. Even though the accident isn’t your fault, you might share part of the responsibility for your own injuries because you weren’t wearing a helmet. Although Illinois doesn’t have motorcycle helmet laws, there’s an eye protection law that requires both drivers and passengers to wear glasses, goggles, or a transparent windshield.
2. Improved eyesight and hearing. Some motorcyclists feel the average helmet obscures their vision because of the visor or the sides of the helmet. Others find it hard to hear vehicles in the adjacent lanes or approaching emergency cars with a motorcycle helmet on. Thus, they believe that by not wearing a helmet they may experience improved eyesight and hearing, which helps them avoid traffic accidents.
3. Comfort. Other motorcyclists don’t wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle because they say it’s uncomfortable. A good helmet should fit snugly to the head. Even the NHTSA points out that a correctly sized helmet may be a little tight and cause pressure around the head. For some motorcyclists, this pressure is distracting and even painful, so they choose to forgo the helmet and focus on being comfortable while riding, which makes them more alert to hazards.

At Ktenas Injury Lawyers, many of our motorcycle accident lawyers are also avid motorcyclists. We have served many motorcyclists who have sustained severe injuries that could have been prevented or lessened if they had worn a helmet. As personal injury attorneys, riders, and people who care about your well-being and health, we encourage you to always wear a helmet whenever you’re riding, even though you’re taking a quick trip to a friend’s house or the grocery store.

What Percentage of Motorcyclists Wear Helmets?

Universal helmet laws are state laws that require all motorcycle riders, including operators and passengers, to wear helmets. Helmet laws are extremely effective.

99% of motorcyclists in states with universal helmet laws wore helmets in 2019. In states with no universal helmet laws, 71% of motorcyclists wore their helmets. In states with universal helmet laws, 89% of motorcyclists complied with federal safety regulations, while 56% of motorcyclists complied in states without such laws.

Today, in the United States, 18 states and the District of Columbia have universal helmet laws, 29 states have laws covering some riders, especially those younger than 18, and three states, including Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire don’t have any helmet requirements.

Why are Painted Lines Dangerous to Motorcyclists When It Rains?

Whether you get caught in the rain unexpectedly, there are a few things you should remember and watch out for. Obviously, you need to follow common-sense rules when you’re on a wet road; slow down, leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you, allow yourself more time to stop, and make turns slowly.

Painted lines, such as crosswalks, can be slippery and dangerous for motorcyclists, especially if you’re turning or crossing the lines at an angle. So, slow down more than usual and maintain a constant speed--accelerating or slowing can cause the rear tire to break loose.

Lane dividers can be unsafe in wet conditions. The biggest problem is when you’re changing lanes to pass someone. Speeding up when crossing lane dividers can cause the rear tire to break loose. Therefore, cross lane dividers at a constant speed and then speed up once you’re in a new lane.

Diamonds in the HOV lanes can be dangerous when you lean into one. The diamond shape allows you to slide across it and continue to slide along it. However, you shouldn’t ride in the center of the lane, especially when it’s raining. Any painted line or surface is dangerous, and until the DOT addresses this issue and comes up with a less slippery texture, you should be careful when crossing painted lines during rains because they’re very slippery.

Contact a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident because of another person's negligence, you deserve compensation for your injuries and losses. To get the maximum compensation you deserve, you’ll need the help of an experienced legal team.

A Chicago motorcycle accident attorney from the Ktenas Injury Laweyrcan help you navigate through the entire process and fight fiercely to make sure you get the best outcome. To schedule a free initial consultation, call one of our local auto accident lawyers today at (312) 300-2515 or chat with us online to learn how we can help.