Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of riding their bikes on the open road. Unfortunately, when bikers are involved in accidents, the results can be devastating. While you’re trying to recover, you’re probably juggling many other important matters at once. You’re wondering when you can return to work, how you’re going to afford medical care, and the process for your motorcycle accident claim. Having a trusted legal representative at your side will provide you peace of mind that you’re protecting your rights. Seek help from Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP. Our Peru motorcycle accident lawyer will assess the validity of your claim and discuss all of your legal options with you.
We understand how uncertain this time can be. You need people on your side who you know will fight for your rights. Our lawyers will stand up for you and make sure your voice is heard.
Why Are Motorcyclist Injuries So Dangerous?
Bikers tend to face more risk on the road than those who drive vehicles like cars or trucks. Motorcyclists are exposed. They lack the protection that comes with a car: the car’s body absorbs impact, seat belts keep occupants from ejecting from the vehicle, and air bags provide extra cushioning along with preventing the occupant from hitting their head on the wheel or dashboard.
Illinois motorcyclists have the potential to have a higher injury risk than others in the United States, as it’s one of the few states that doesn’t have motorcycle helmet laws. Of the 155 fatal motorcycle accidents in Illinois in 2016, 116 of those bikers weren’t wearing a helmet. Lack of helmet use accounts for about 75% of fatal accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and head injuries by 69%.
Illinois had 118 fatal motorcycle accidents in 2018. While Peru motorcyclists can take preventative measures on the road, they can still suffer from potentially life-threatening injuries.
What Injuries Can Motorcyclists Get in an Accident?
Whether a motorcyclist is involved in a low-speed crash or high-speed crash, it’s likely that they will fall or be thrown from their bike and sustain injuries. Their injuries could include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Sprains
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of limb
- Burn injury
When a motorcyclist falls from their bike, they may try and catch themselves with an arm. This will result in the arm taking most of the impact from the accident. Also known as “biker’s arm,” when a motorcyclist braces their fall with an arm, it will likely sustain a broken bone or in other cases significant nerve damage. Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Peru, Illinois will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve when the negligence of another caused you to be injured on your motorcycle.
Some other injuries are more preventable than others as well. When a motorcyclist is thrown off their bike and hits the ground, the friction between their skin and the road can cause burn injuries or “road rash.” If the biker is wearing thick, long-sleeved clothing, the damage may not be as bad, but if a biker’s bare skin hits the road, they can sustain a severe burn.
After the first few layers of skin are broken, the burn injury can reach the muscles, tendons, soft tissues, and sometimes bone. Debris from the road like gravel or dirt can enter the wound and possibly cause infection. Burn injuries require intense medical care and the biker may have issues with mobility or sensation in the injured area.
When a biker takes all the precautions and are still in accidents, they may be wondering what caused the collision. Let’s look into how Peru motorcycle accidents occur.
What Forms of Negligence Lead to Illinois Motorcycle Wrecks?
Responsible drivers know that they need to keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and their focus on driving. However, many motorists still collide with bikers.
When a driver is changing lanes or making a turn, they may be used to looking for cars, but not motorcyclists. The motorcyclist is a much smaller object to spot, which can lead to cars swerving into motorcyclists, or turning when a motorcyclist is coming toward them.
Motorists may also have trouble navigating around a biker. If they incorrectly judge the space between their vehicles or how fast the biker is traveling, it could result in a collision.
There’s always the chance that a driver isn’t following the rules of the road. If they’re doing the following, then they could easily cause a motorcycle wreck:
- Texting while driving
- Eating and driving
- Gawking at something else on the road
Some motorists may not feel that they have to share the road with bikers and resort to other unsafe driving behaviors. Speeding and tailgating are forms of reckless driving that puts motorcyclists’ lives in danger.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Crash Lawyer?
Even when the accident may seem clear-cut, you should still consider having a skilled Peru motorcycle accident attorney represent you. We’ll work to gather evidence that shows you weren’t at fault and were wrongfully injured. This is important to have a successful outcome.
After the accident, you may find yourself inundated with medical bills and other expenses. The financial damages the accident cost you can be significant—your claim can give you the compensation you need so you can afford these bills and pay them back, as well as keep up with your financial responsibilities.
Motorcyclists may not know about a hidden obstacle they may encounter through the claims process. Insurance companies may believe that bikers are inherently more dangerous than other motorists. They could wrongfully assume that you had something to do with your accident, which could result in you getting a low-ball offer. Our Peru motorcycle accident lawyer won’t let you take the blame for something that wasn’t your fault.
Speak with Our Attorneys in Peru Today
You deserve to be able to recover without worrying about financial matters. That’s why we’re here to help. The lawyers at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP can provide you with answers to your questions about your case.
Contact our firm today and we can schedule a free consultation. During this time, we’ll be able to discuss your case in further detail. Then, we’ll start to work on getting you the compensation you deserve.
