Orland Park Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Skilled Lawyers Addressing Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Orland Park, IL

Motorcycles are considered a symbol of freedom, and many motorcyclists enjoy the ability to hit the open road and feel the wind on their faces. However, with this freedom comes risks. Motorcyclists who are involved in accidents can be seriously injured. Without the protection that is provided by the structure of a vehicle and safety features like seat belts and airbags, motorcycle riders can be injured by the direct impact with another vehicle involved in a collision. A person may suffer additional injuries if they are thrown from their motorcycle, especially if they land in the path of another vehicle and are run over.

Because the risks of injury are so high, many motorcyclists take care to avoid dangerous situations, follow the rules of the road, and protect their safety. Unfortunately, other drivers may not act with the same level of care. In many cases, negligent drivers are responsible for collisions with motorcycles due to violations of traffic laws or other unsafe behaviors. To address the injuries they have suffered and make sure a driver who caused an accident is held responsible for their negligence, a motorcycle accident victim can work with an attorney to file a personal injury claim.

At Schwartz Injury Law, we recognize the devastating impact that a motorcycle crash can have on the lives of a victim and their loved ones. We provide aggressive representation during motorcycle accident claims, working to ensure that a victim will be fully compensated for the injuries they have suffered, the financial losses they have experienced, and the ways they and their family have been affected by an accident. We will handle all of the legal details involved in a claim, providing a victim with the time and resources they need to heal. Our attorneys will work to obtain the most compensation possible so that injury victims will be able to move forward with their lives.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

More often than not, the fault for a motorcycle accident will rest with the driver of a passenger vehicle who failed to take the proper steps to avoid a collision. Drivers may fail to see a motorcyclist at an intersection, when they are merging, or when they change lanes. Many motorcycle accidents take place at intersections when a passenger vehicle is turning left. A driver may fail to notice an approaching motorcycle, or they may refuse to give the motorcycle the right-of-way. When a vehicle cuts off a motorcycle, the motorcyclist may be unable to avoid a collision, and they may be seriously injured.

There are multiple forms of driver negligence that can put motorcyclists at risk, including:

• Intoxicated Driving: A driver who has been drinking alcohol or using drugs will be much more likely to collide with a motorcycle. Issues such as blurred vision may affect their ability to see motorcycles, and a loss of coordination or delayed reaction times may cause them to be unable to avoid striking a motorcyclist.
• Distracted Driving: The failure to notice motorcycles is one of the primary reasons why drivers cause motorcycle accidents. Distractions such as texting or making phone calls can lead a driver to look away from the road, and they may not notice a motorcycle near their vehicle. This may lead them to collide with the motorcycle when changing lanes, merging into traffic, or making a turn at an intersection.
• Aggressive Driving: Some drivers may take deliberate, hostile actions against motorcyclists. They may follow too closely behind a motorcycle, which could lead to a rear-end accident. They may attempt to pass a motorcyclist within their lane, or they may cut off motorcyclists deliberately. These behaviors can put the safety of motorcyclists at risk and lead to serious injuries.
• Failure to Notice Motorcycles: Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, drivers can easily miss them when they are not fully focused on driving safely. Drivers who do not check their blind spots may sideswipe a motorcycle or run them off the road when they change lanes.

Severe Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Because of the lack of protection provided to motorcyclists, they are likely to suffer catastrophic injuries in a collision. These may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: While helmets can provide some protection, a motorcyclist may still suffer head and brain injuries when they are struck by a vehicle or when they land on the pavement. Brain trauma can have long-lasting effects, including possible memory loss, seizures, intellectual impairments, speech and language disorders, difficulty regulating moods, and more.
• Cuts and Lacerations: "Road rash" is a common injury in motorcycle accidents, and multiple parts of a person's body may be damaged, resulting in serious blood loss and disfigurement.
• Spine Injuries: The impact of a collision can damage the bones and nerves in the spine. When the spinal cord is damaged or completely severed, a person may experience paralysis and permanent disabilities.
• Broken Bones: Multiple fractures may occur when a motorcyclist collides with another vehicle or lands on the ground. Broken arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, or pelvises can limit a person's mobility, and surgery or other forms of treatment may be needed. When serious fractures such as shattered bones occur, a person may never fully heal.

Contact Our Orland Park, Illinois Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

When they are injured by negligent drivers, motorcycle riders need an advocate who is willing to fight to ensure that they will receive full and fair compensation. Aggressive representation from a skilled lawyer can help ensure that a victim's losses and expenses will be covered. In cases involving fatal motorcycle accidents, families will need compassionate support and skilled assistance while navigating through the wrongful death claims process, which can feel overwhelming in the midst of grief. At Schwartz Injury Law, we can provide all of this and more.

Our attorneys stand behind the victims of motorcycle accidents with an unwavering dedication to protecting their well-being and advocating for their rights and interests. We skillfully prepare each case for litigation to help our clients receive the best possible outcomes to their cases. Schedule your free consultation to learn more. Contact our Orland Park motorcycle accident attorneys at 708-888-2160 today.