Regardless of whether you ride a Harley or a Honda, motorcyclists remain at risk for some of the most severe injuries of any group that uses our roads and highways. The failure of other drivers to keep a proper lookout or distance between their vehicle and motorcycles are the frequent causes of injuries to motorcyclists in accidents.
Vulnerable Motorcyclists at Risk From Other Drivers’ Negligence
Motorcycle accidents caused 4,612 fatalities and 81,000 injuries in 2011. The fatality rate increased by over 1,000 deaths from just the previous year. Although there are more motorcycles on the road, the fatality rate has increased disproportionately to the increase in licensed motorcycles. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in a little over 10 years, the amount of motorcycles on the road went up 63% but the amount of fatalities more than doubled during the same period. While efforts are being made to make the roads safer for motorcycle riders, there is still substantial danger to motorcycle riders from the larger vehicles that they share the road with every day.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that in the last 35 years, the majority of motorcycle fatalities are due to multiple vehicle crashes. In 2009-2010, 55% of these fatalities involved another vehicle crashing with a motorcycle.
As Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers understands that injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents forever change the lives of those who are injured. Our commitment to injured motorcyclists has been recognized in the motorcycling community in Chicago and beyond, as former clients refer many injured riders.
Life Changing Accidents for the Biker & His Family
A motorcycle accident may be responsible for substantial medical expenses and the inability to work resulting in a significant financial impact for both the individual and family. In cases involving significant damages, we will retain experts in particular fields who can help assess the significance of the injuries to decision makers at an insurance company or jurors hearing the matter at trial.
Without much protection, common injuries impacting motorcyclists include:
- Fractures
- Lacerations
- Brain Injury
- Back / Neck Injuries
- Loss of Limbs
- Death
More Evidence of Severe Injuries from Motorcycle Crashes
In a ten-year study, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined the most common injury sustained in a motorcycle accident was a lower extremity (leg) injury, referring to body areas including and below the pelvic region (hip, pelvis, legs, knees, ankles and feet). 47% of the injured motorcyclists had at least one lower body injury. However, injuries to the upper body and head tended to be more serious in nature. 35% had head injuries which were rated at a much more severe level.The chance of a traumatic brain injury is high in any blow to the head region that can have long lasting effects on the victim’s quality of life.
Medical Bills from Motorcycle Accidents Can Result in Financial Hardship
The average cost for the hospital charges for injuries sustained in 2003-2005 in this study was over $65,000, which does not include the costs that were incurred after release from the hospital, which can be substantial. All the costs from the immediate medical care required after accident and the care that will be required in the future needs to be taken into consideration in these types of injury motorcycle accidents.
Legal Experience Working Hard for Injured Motorcycle Riders In Chicago, IL
Our attorneys’ experience representing those significantly injured in motorcycle accidents has enabled us to develop relationships with some of the leading experts in the field of rehabilitation medicine and vocational counseling, which enable us to present your case in a way that maximizes our ability to fight for a significant recovery for you. We are a sponsor of Chicago Motorcycle Injury Lawyers (www.chicagomotorcycleinjurylawyers.com), an active site where you can learn more about the legal rights of injured cyclists. Visit our pages below for further information about specific situations involving motorcycle accidents:
- Injured motorcycle passengers
- Vehicles not seeing motorcyclists
- Hit-and-run / uninsured motorcycle claims
Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers are here to assist you during times of need. We offer complimentary telephone and in-person conferences at a convenient location to discuss your legal rights. Regardless where your accident your accident occurred, we can help you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries. (888) 424-5757
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