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Chicago Intersection Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Accidents in the IntersectionIntersection motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes that can impact drivers on the road. Chicago streets can be dangerous places, and the unfortunate reality is that many intersection collisions involving motorcyclists occur across the city every year.

The failure of motorists to acknowledge traffic signals can account for the high number of intersection crashes that cause severe injuries to Chicago motorcyclists.

Hiring an Intersection Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Chicago, IL

If you or a family member sustained serious injuries or was killed in a motorcycle accident at Chicago intersection due to a careless driver, speak with a lawyer right away. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC has years of experience representing injured motorcyclists in Chicago and across Illinois.

Contact our personal injury lawyers to discuss your legal rights and options for pursuing a claim to recover financial compensation for your injuries.

Stoplight and Intersection Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Who has the Right of Way in a Green Light?

If you are approaching a green light to make a left-hand turn, all oncoming traffic has the right of way. You must always give the right of way to any oncoming motorists or motorcycle traveling toward you through the intersection when the light is green, even if you reached the intersection first.

When Coming to a Two-Way Stop, who has the Right of Way?

Any intersection with a two-way stop requires drivers approaching the stop sign to come to a complete stop and look for all traffic not required to make a stop at the intersection before moving into the junction.

If two vehicles approach an intersection with a two-way stop and there is no approaching cross-traffic, the vehicle that reached the stop sign first has the right-of-way to turn left, turn right, or cross the intersection.

Who has the Right of Way at a Four-Way Stop Light?

All vehicles at a four-way stoplight must come to a complete stop and then turn left, turn right, or cross the intersection in the order they arrived. If two vehicles reached the intersection simultaneously, and the vehicle on the right goes first. The driver who is left can proceed to the intersection before any other vehicles arrive at the stoplight.

When Traffic Lights are not Working, who has Priority?

You must treat the intersection like a standard unmarked crosswalk if the traffic light is not working or blinking yellow and red. If the light is blinking yellow in one direction and red in the other direction, drivers with a yellow light have the right-of-way. Motorists with a red blinking light must wait until the traffic with yellow blinking light is cleared before turning left, turning right, or moving through the intersection.

If the light is blinking red in all directions, treat the intersection like a traditional four-way stop sign junction. Each car should make its move in the order they arrived at the intersection. If two cars arrived at the same time, the vehicle on the right moves first.

Can You Turn Right on a Green Light Without Stopping?

Legally, you can turn right at a steady green light if there is no sign prohibiting that movement. However, when you make the turn, you are legally required to yield to any pedestrian, bicyclist, or other vehicles in the intersection at the crosswalk.

When Turning Left, You Don't Need to Yield to Oncoming Traffic, True or False?

In all cities and states, turning left requires the driver to yield to oncoming traffic moving toward them. If you reached an intersection with a four-way stop, you could proceed before any other motorists arrive after you have come to a complete stop.

Statistics for Illinois Intersection Motorcycle Accidents

The Illinois Department of Transportation carefully tracks the number of motorcycle collisions that occur in the state on an annual basis. The department has reported that 3,869 motorcycle accidents involving an injury occurred in Illinois in 2017.

Out of those reported collisions, 177 took place when a motorcycle driver was making a left turn. Over 140 accidents took place while a motorcycle driver was making a right turn. Out of the 3,869 motorcycle accidents that happened in 2011, there were 143 riders ultimately killed.

A 2018 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) A report revealed that over 33,000 accident fatalities occurred the year before. Over 7000 of the fatal motorcycle crashes occurred at an intersection, making it clear that intersection accidents pose a grave danger to bikers.

Motorcycle riders should be particularly cautious when crossing intersections and should do whatever they can to avoid involvement in collisions. Motorcycle riders should be on the watch for intoxicated driving in other vehicles, always wear a helmet, and stay alert to pedestrians crossing at intersections.

Intersection Motorcycle Accidents Causes

Many factors can cause a motorcycle accident at an intersection or red light. Motorcycle riders have an advantage when aware of the common causes of accidents and take steps to limit their exposure to the known risks.

Common causes of intersection accidents in the Chicago area include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to see oncoming traffic or coming to a complete stop
  • A failure to acknowledge traffic lights, stop signs, and red lights
  • Sudden or sharp turns
  • Failure to utilize defense driving tactics
  • A failure to yield the right of way
  • Intoxicated driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs
  • Lane changing without looking at blind spots
  • Texting while driving or riding on the road
  • Listening to loud music and ignoring traffic signals

Were you, or a loved one, involved in a crash in Illinois? If so, speak with a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC as soon as possible.

Our excellent track record of successful recoveries for injured motorcyclists via insurance company settlements and litigation has helped our clients. We obtain financial recovery for medical expenses and future medical care necessitated by your injuries.

Time is of the essence. Your attorney can analyze the factors involved in your case, determine who is at fault, and submit a personal injury claim on your behalf.

Multiple factors might have caused an intersection accident in your motorcycle accident claim, such as a failure to acknowledge traffic signals and driving while intoxicated. Common injuries associated with stoplight motorcycle accidents include:

  • Broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Road rash
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Disfigurement

The Importance of Defensive Riding to Avoid Intersection Accidents

Defensive driving saves the lives of motorcycle drivers sharing the roadway with commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Responsible motorcycle drivers use defensive driving tactics, such as veering to the side of the road when there is an oncoming car.

It is also vital for motorcycle drivers to pay attention to signs that another driver may be intoxicated because this could also result in an intersection collision. Driving defensively requires remaining alert when other motorists on the roadway are acting recklessly or negligently.

Trusted Illinois Stoplight Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC

Are you an accident victim involved in an intersection collision? If so, our car accident lawyers can provide immediate assistance with your motorcycle accident case.

Family members who have lost a loved one in a severe accident have the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek financial compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, burial costs, loss of consortium, pain, suffering, and loss.

Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or through the contact form to schedule a free consultation for legal advice on your motorcycle injury case. All discussions with our motor vehicle injury attorneys remain confidential through an attorney-client relationship.

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Client Reviews
★★★★★
Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld. Michonne Proulx
★★★★★
Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own. Ethan Armstrong
★★★★★
This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you. Daniel Kaim
★★★★★
Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan! Giulia
★★★★★
Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa
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225 W Wacker Dr #1760
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757
We serve the following localities: Cook County including Arlington Heights, Chicago, and Cicero; DuPage County including Wheaton; Kane County including Aurora and Elgin; Lake County including Waukegan; Macon County including Decatur; Peoria County including Peoria; Sangamon County including Springfield; Will County including Bolingbrook, Joliet, and Naperville; and Winnebago County including Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockford, and Roscoe.View More

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