Motorcycle Crashes at Night in Chicago

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Motorcycle Crashes at Night in Chicago

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

You are at a higher risk of getting into a fatal accident driving your motorcycle than operating a passenger car. To make matters worse, a motorcycle is often not seen by other vehicles on congested roads. Add distracted, speeding, intoxicated, and drowsy drivers to the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Motorcyclists are put at even greater risk when they are riding at night when visibility is lower. If you have been the victim of a motorcycle crash, you need a motorcycle accident attorney who has over 25 years of personal injury experience serving Chicago. You need the legal team at Malman Law. Contact us today to receive your free consultation.

Dangers of Motorcycle Riding at Night

In 2020, fifty percent of motorcycle fatalities took place on the weekend, with sixty percent of motorcycle deaths occurring between the hours of 3 pm to midnight.

Riding at night brings inherent risks to motorcyclists that are not present during the day, including:

• Driver Impairment: in a recent year, 1,689 motorcyclists lost their lives to drunk drivers.
• Limited Visibility: dark conditions make it more challenging for vehicle operators to see motorcyclists and to gauge if a motorcyclist is slowing down or changing lanes.
• Poor road conditions: driving in the nighttime can make it more difficult for motorcyclists to see debris and potholes in the road.

Safety Precautions for Motorcyclists

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, motorcyclists can take a number of precautionary steps in order to avoid being hit:

• Be visible: be sure that your headlights work, avoid riding in another car’s blind spot, and flash your brake light when slowing down
• Dress for safety: wear protective clothing, eye protection, and a helmet
• Apply effective mental strategies: constantly search the road for changing conditions; give yourself space and time as you search for traps and escape paths; ride as if you are invisible
• Know your bike and how to use it: know your riding techniques, such as braking and swerving maneuvers before venturing into traffic; know how to handle your bike in adverse conditions, such as wet, sandy, and uneven services, or in high winds

The reality is that even if you take all the necessary steps to protect yourself, you may still be involved in a collision. Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users, and drivers often do not give them the space they need to navigate traffic.

Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Crashes

When a motorcyclist is hit by a vehicle operator, it is common for the motorcyclist to experience lower extremity injuries. This is because when you are riding a motorcycle, your legs and pelvis will take more impact in a crash.

Other common injuries that are found in motorcyclist accidents include:

1. Head trauma, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
2. Facial disfigurement
3. Spinal injuries
4. Broken bones
5. Lacerations and bruises

A Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer You Can Trust

If you have been the victim of a motorcycle crash, know that you are not alone. Passenger car and truck drivers are less likely to see motorcyclists in traffic, resulting in severe injuries and often fatal outcomes. If you have been injured, contact us today to receive your no-obligation, free case evaluation. You deserve peace of mind.