Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Barrington

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there are over 270,000 registered motorcycles in the state. This actually represents just under 3% of all registered vehicles in Illinois. Yet motorcycle accidents account for almost 15% of all fatal crashes involving motorcycles.

Even taking into account non-fatal crashes, there are roughly 2,000 motorcyclists injured every year in Illinois. Many of these injuries require extensive and expensive medical treatment. And the victims may incur additional losses, such as reduced income due to time missed from work. If this describes your situation, the Barrington motorcycle accident lawyers at SAM LAW OFFICE LLC may be able to help. We are dedicated personal injury lawyers serving the people of Cook and Lake Counties. We can review the circumstances surrounding your accident and advise you of your possible right to seek compensation from a negligent driver or third party.

Did a Negligent Motorist Cause Your Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycles have just as much right to be on the public streets as cars or trucks. Yet every motorcyclist can tell you stories about motorists who do not accept that reality. Indeed, motorcycle accidents are often the result of negligent car and truck operators who refuse to share the road in a safe and responsible manner. And in many cases, a simple careless mistake can end in tragedy for the motorcyclist.

Some common examples of how negligence leads to motorcycle accidents include:

• Left Turns: About half of all motorcycle accidents take place at intersections. The most common reason for this is that an oncoming vehicle will make a left turn and veer into the path of a motorcycle traveling behind them.
• Distractions: Anytime that a driver is distracted–whether by using their phone, talking to people in their car, or eating–that takes their attention off the road. This makes it substantially more likely they will not see another vehicle, especially a motorcycle, which is much smaller and can easily pass into a driver’s blind spot when they are not paying attention.
• Drugs and Alcohol: Any amount of drug or alcohol use impairs a driver’s senses and reaction time. This makes a drunk or drugged driver a special hazard to motorcyclists.
• Defective Motorcycles: In some accidents, the real culprit is not another driver but the motorcycle itself. If a motorcyclist is injured due to a problem with the design or manufacture of their bike–or any of the component parts–the manufacturer can be held responsible under Illinois product liability laws.

It is also important to remember that even a motorcyclist who may be partially at fault for an accident can still recover some of their damages under Illinois’ comparative negligence law, so long as they are not found more than 50% responsible.

Speak With a Barrington Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Motorcycle accident victims often sustain serious injuries that, in some cases, will require a lifetime of care. It is therefore crucial to hold negligent parties accountable for causing such accidents and injuries in the first place. If you, or someone that you care about, needs legal advice or representation from a qualified Barrington, Illinois, motorcycle accident lawyer, contact SAM LAW OFFICE LLC today to schedule a free consultation.