Motorcycle Accidents

Though motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy their vehicles year round, the warmer weather months in Illinois will certainly mean extended trips to revel in the scenery of the Prairie State. As the month of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, it is an excellent time to remind motorcyclists of the basic safety tips that may help prevent a dangerous IL motorcycle accident.

In honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, here are four simple motorcycle safety tips to remember before you hit the open road:

1. Prepare your bike: Give your motorcycle a thorough inspection to ensure all equipment is working properly, such as the bike’s brakes, lights, and turn signals. Also, be sure to check fluid levels and the motorcycle exhaust.
2. Increase your visibility: Visibility is key for a motorcyclist’s safety, so wear bright clothing and consider keeping your lights on in the daytime to increase visibility and ensure other motorists can see you. In addition, always keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles.
3. Take a safety course: Brushing up on your riding skills is essential to being a safe rider whether you are experienced or just starting out, particularly with constantly changing laws and road conditions. Consider taking an American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) safety course to polish your skills.
4. Invest in quality safety gear: Good motorcycle safety gear can save a rider’s life in the event of a crash, so keep these selection tips in mind: choose a properly fitting helmet, leather is the best material for jacket and pants because of its durability, use non-slip gloves, and wear shoes or boots that cover your ankles.

Motorcyclists who drive with safety in mind and amply prepare before a trip can reduce their chances of being in a serious crash; unfortunately, not all accidents can be prevented. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by another’s negligence, contact a skilled Chicago motorcycle accident attorney at the Bradley Law Firm for assistance with your case. Call (312) 252-1488 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

While certain parts of the country may be saying goodbye to winter weather and getting ready for spring, Illinois residents know that cold-weather and snow is still a possibility in the weekly forecast. Driving in the winter time can be especially dangerous as it presents unique hazards, particularly for motorcycle riders. Motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy riding their bike year-round, so safety during the snowy season is imperative to prevent a dangerous collision.

Whybike.com offers the following tips for safe winter motorcycle riding:

Motorcycle Maintenance

• Have your bike inspected by a qualified mechanic before hitting the open roads.
• If you don’t already have one, install a windshield to protect yourself against severe wind chill. Also, make sure your bike’s battery can withstand winter chills and keep it charged.
• Use the right oil for your motorcycle, and for those motorcyclists with liquid-cooled bikes, make sure the reading on the anti-freeze is sufficient for the cold temperatures you’ll be expecting.

For Riders

• Check weather forecasts and road condition reports before you start your ride, especially if you plan on traveling a long distance.
• Make sure to cover up your body and try to eliminate any places where cold air can enter. Riders may also want to try electric gloves and vests, which can help stay warm.
• Be patient when using protective gear that can sometimes restrict overall movement.

As winter motorcycle riding can be particularly hazardous, properly maintaining your motorcycle and wearing protective gear can help keep you safe when the thermostat drops. However, simply because you practice safety on the roads does not mean that other motorists may be as cautious. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another party, the Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys with the Bradley Law Firm can help you hold any at-fault parties legally responsible. Call (312) 252-1488 for a no-cost consultation with our law team.

According to the Digital Journal, a spike in motorcycle accident fatalities this year is providing a bleak reminder to motorcyclists to be extra cautious and safe at all times. In the summer of 2011, motorcycle-related fatalities were alarmingly high; four bikers were killed in accidents near Peoria in July and August alone.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reports that in 2009, 130 motorcycle riders were killed in the state, which represented 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. Though motorcycle registration has increased by 76 percent over the last decade, motorcyclists still only account for 3 percent of registered vehicles; basically, motorcycle riders are overrepresented in the number of annual fatalities.

Motorcycles lack the same protection as other motor vehicles on the road, making bikers more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash. Cars and trucks are enclosed, have airbags, and are heavier than small a motorcycle, which ultimately provides more protection to their drivers and passengers. A study conducted by European safety researchers entitled Motorcycle Accidents in Depth Study (MAIDS) investigated 921 motorcycle accidents to explore the causes of this type of crash. The study found that the main causes of motorcycle accidents include: dangerous drivers (drivers of other motor vehicles tend to not see motorcycles, causing a collision) and loss of control resulting in crashing into the roadway itself.

To stay safe while enjoying the open road, protective gear, such as helmets and protective clothing, is strongly recommended. Wearing a motorcycle helmet is not required in Illinois, but safety advocates suggest wearing them to prevent potentially serious injuries; 82 percent of motorcycle riders killed in 2009 were not wearing a helmet. Motorcycles, because of their size and lack of protection, are inherently dangerous, making safety on two wheels and following motorcycle safety tips extremely important.

However, a biker cannot prevent others from driving negligently and endangering drivers on the road. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by the reckless actions of another driver, the Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers of the Bradley Law Firm can help you obtain compensation for your injuries. For a no-cost consultation, please call (312) 252-1488.

Buying a motorcycle can be exciting, whether you’re buying your very first bike or upgrading your existing ride. When you’re comparison shopping for your new motorcycle, consider the following motorcycle safety tips to help protect you and your new purchase from a serious crash.

Take a motorcycle safety course
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) provides motorcycle safety courses in many U.S. states, including Illinois. Safety courses are available for both beginning riders and riders with experience. A course can help you learn how to handle the most common risks on the road.

Get a license
A motorcycle license or license endorsement is required to ride legally in many U.S. states. Most tests for a license or endorsement have both a written portion and a driving test. Getting the proper license protects you from tickets for unlicensed driving and may improve your chances of avoiding a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that drivers without licenses are involved in serious crashes almost twice as often as licensed motorcyclists.

Get insurance
Like cars, motorcycles can be insured to help cover the costs of damage to the bike, medical bills, damage to other property, and more. Choosing insurance for your motorcycle can help you if an accident does occur.

Buy and wear proper safety gear
A motorcycle helmet increases your chances of surviving a crash by 37 percent, according to the NHTSA. Eye protection, gloves, a leather jacket, and boots can also help protect you from injury while riding.

Considering safety when you buy a bike can help you avoid serious injury, but it cannot prevent every crash. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the experienced Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm, P.C. today. Our number is (312) 252-1488, and your initial consultation is both free and confidential.

If you are going to be riding a motorcycle in Illinois, you are required by law to purchase a minimum amount of motorcycle insurance coverage that will protect you in the event of an Illinois motorcycle accident. The state requires 20-40-15 coverage minimums for bodily injury and property liability insurance. These minimum levels may not be enough, however. A lot of thought needs to go into choosing and buying motorcycle insurance coverage that is appropriate for you. The following guidelines, courtesy of Motorcycle-USA.com, will help you confidently choose and purchase the right motorcycle insurance plan:

• Research multiple insurance providers and shop around for multiple quotes. If you are happy with your auto insurance coverage, find out whether your auto insurance provider offers motorcycle insurance as well. You may even get a discount.
• Speak to an insurance agent, do not research solely online. If you call an insurance agent, they may offer better rates or better discounts than those you may have found online.
• Your age, driving record, type of motorcycle, how you store your bike, where you live, how often you ride, and even your credit score can influence the rates your are offered. Don’t jump into research expecting one rate to apply to every rider.
• Take your motorcycle riding habits into account when choosing your coverage plan. Some things to take into consideration are whether you ride all year round or seasonally, with or without passengers, and on a track, street, or off-road.
• If you have taken a recent Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course or are a member of groups like Harley Owners Group (HOG) or the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) you may get a discount.
• Motorcycle passengers are not covered by the driver’s insurance. If you will be carrying passengers, you might consider purchasing Guest Passenger Liability.
• The best coverage is full Comprehensive and Collision coverage, and, though it is the most expensive, it offers the highest amount of protection in the event of a crash, regardless of fault.
• If you are riding a new and expensive motorcycle, going with basic liability coverage that only pays out when you cause injury or property damage to others will not offer protection for your bike, should it become damaged or need replacement.

Choosing the right kind of motorcycle insurance can be a long and frustrating process, but finding the right plan will make sure you and your motorcycle are protected in the case of an Illinois motorcycle accident. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by a negligent motorist, the skilled Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today for a free confidential consultation at 312-252-1488.

Motorcycle riding is a favored activity in the spring and summer months, but it can also be a very dangerous. Being a licensed and seasoned motorcyclist can’t always prevent a Chicago motorcycle accident because it is very often the actions of other motorists that are sharing the road that cause a crash. But following these important safety guidelines can help motorcyclists avoid a serious accident:

• Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear, namely full-face helmet, reinforced gloves, sturdy/padded jacket, and sturdy pants. A motorcyclist is not protected by their vehicle as other motorists are.
• Drive defensively. Many motorists have no idea they are sharing the road with a motorcycle and won’t look for one when maneuvering. If a motorcyclist is aware of other drivers and what they are doing, they decrease the risk of being hit.
• Take a safety course before heading back onto the road. If you haven’t been riding in a while, it is a good idea to take a refresher course so that you are better prepared when heading back onto the road.
• Take proper training courses and get your motorcycle license. Never ride a motorcycle without knowing how to ride, or the laws of riding. An inexperienced and/or unlicensed motorcyclist can easily and seriously injury themselves as well as others.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash caused by a negligent driver, the experienced Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm can determine the validity of your claim and help you recover fair compensation for your losses. Contact us today for a no-cost, confidential consultation at 312-252-1488.

The son of a Chicago area woman who was killed in a motorcycle accident has decided to find out for himself if the driver who caused the fatal crash is fulfilling the terms of her sentence, according to a recent article in The Chicago Tribune.

On the day of the fatal Chicago motorcycle accident, the driver was painting her nails while driving her car. She looked up to see a yellow light and was going to drive through it. Distracted by her nails, however, she did not see the motorcycle in front of her, which had stopped at the yellow light. The driver slammed into the back of the motorcycle, throwing its rider from the bike. The motorcyclist died at the scene.

The driver was convicted of reckless homicide and must spend nights in the Waukegan jail, although she is allowed to leave each day for work. The victim’s son, not believing that the convicted woman is following the conditions of her release, took it upon himself to track her movements until police ordered him to stop. The police have been tracking the woman’s movements with a GPS system, and they say she has never strayed from the court’s rules.

The victim’s son has also founded an organization to fight distracted driving. He is now working to make distracted or negligent driving a crime nationwide.

Drivers who are distracted by cosmetics, cell phones, passengers, and other things are far more likely to cause an accident than those who are paying full attention to the road. A driver whose negligence or carelessness causes an accident may be held accountable for any injured person’s damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and other payments. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Chicago motorcycle crash injury lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights and options. Call 312-252-1488 today for a free and confidential consultation.