As warmer weather arrives in Illinois during the spring and summer, many motorcyclists are looking to hit the road. After spending most of the last year indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cyclists will be glad to be back on the open road. However, many other drivers will also be spending more time on the road, which may increase the likelihood of dangerous motorcycle accidents. Cyclists who are injured in a collision will want to understand who was at fault and determine how they can pursue financial compensation for their injuries and damages.

Driver Negligence Leading to Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are much more likely to be injured in a collision than people in passenger vehicles. While cars and trucks include seat belts, airbags, and other safety systems, motorcycles do not offer this type of protection, and a cyclist can suffer serious bodily harm or wrongful death in an impact with another vehicle. Most of the time, motorcycle accidents are caused by driver negligence, and this negligence may include:

• Speeding - People who drive above the speed limit are more likely to lose control of their vehicle or be unable to stop in time to avoid colliding with a motorcycle. Drivers who speed may also run red or yellow lights or stop signs, causing them to strike a motorcyclist who is traveling through the intersection legally.

  ...

Motorcyclists face serious risks whenever they use the road, since they are much more likely to be seriously injured in a motorcycle accident than the drivers or passengers of other vehicles. These risks increase substantially during the winter, since cold-weather conditions not only make motorcycles and other vehicles more difficult to control, but visibility is also often limited, increasing the chances that drivers will fail to see motorcycles and be unable to avoid a collision. 

Winter Motorcycle Safety Tips

While it is often impossible to avoid a collision caused by a negligent driver, motorcyclists can take some precautions that will increase their safety on the road:

• Use the proper equipment - No matter the time of year, wearing a helmet can help avoid serious brain injuries in a crash. During the winter, a helmet with full-face protection ensures that you will have full visibility, even when snow is falling and strong winds are blowing. Wearing warm clothing, including heavy-duty boots, pants, jacket, and gloves, can provide additional protection against cold temperatures.
• Winterize your motorcycle - Make sure your bike is in good working order. Use fresh antifreeze and check the engine hoses, brakes, and tire pressure.
• Drive slowly - Snow and ice on the road make it more difficult to stop or turn. In addition, cold temperatures reduce the traction on your tires. Slowing down and giving yourself extra room to maneuver can help you avoid accidents.
• Increase distance from other vehicles - Cold weather conditions affect other drivers as well, and cars and trucks have difficulty slowing down or turning on snowy or icy roads, which may cause them to be unable to avoid colliding with a motorcycle. Avoid following other vehicles too closely, and try to maintain a safe distance in all directions, providing yourself with room to maneuver if necessary.
• Watch for dangerous road conditions - Winter weather can cause damage to the roads, so it is important to be aware of potential dangers. Watch out for cracks and potholes, as well as black ice, and take steps to negotiate these hazards safely.

Contact a DuPage County Personal Injury Attorney

The attorneys of Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC understand the dangers motorcyclists face and the harm they can suffer at the hands of negligent drivers. We work with victims and their families to help them recover the full and fair compensation they deserve. In one case, we secured a $757,867 verdict for the family of a man in Kane County who was killed in a crash after two drivers stopped their vehicles in the middle of the road to talk with each other. If you want to know more about how we can help, contact our office today at 312-236-6324 to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer.