The warmer months of the year are ideal for Illinois residents to get out and enjoy spending time on their motorcycles. When they do this, they know that they must drive safely, and they count on other drivers to do the same. Unfortunately, there are instances in which motorcyclists suffer injuries at the hands of other motorists.
The issue here is that some drivers see motorcyclists as inferior vehicles. They don’t provide the bikers with the right of way they’re due. In Illinois, the laws clearly put motorcyclists on an even plane with other drivers, so they all must respect the rights of the others.
Motorcycle versus car crashes
When a motorcycle and a car collide, the fault likely lies with the motorist. In two-thirds of these wrecks, the motorist failed to comply with the right of way laws in a manner that impeded upon the motorcyclist’s rights. Whether they meant to or not isn’t the issue. The problem here is that the motorist was negligent in some manner.
Some drivers claim that they slammed into a motorcycle because they didn’t see it. This isn’t acceptable. It is every driver’s duty to be vigilant to watch what’s happening on the roadway. Paying attention for motorcycles isn’t optional. It is a duty that must be complied with at all times.
Great risks for motorcycles
A person on a motorcycle doesn’t have the protective shell around them that an occupant of other vehicles types has. This puts them at serious risk. A biker who’s involved in a crash is around five times more likely to suffer an injury than a person who’s in a car. Even worse, they are 26 times more likely to die in a crash.
The possibility of someone being injured or dying should be enough to spur all drivers to pay close attention when they drive. Unfortunately, some drivers get into the habit of driving while they’re distracted, impaired or fatigued. None of these are acceptable.
Motorcyclists who are involved in crashes with other drivers can have considerable medical bills, but there’s no reason for them to be liable for these costs if a negligent or reckless driver caused the wreck. Injured motorcyclists can opt to seek compensation from the liable driver. This can help them to recover the costs of their medical care, their lost wages and other similar financial impacts of the crash. Since time is limited, acting quickly is vital.