I-88 and I-80 Motorcycle Crashes Results in Catastrophic Brain Injury for Two Illinois Riders

October 22, 2011

A motorcyclist was killed on Interstate 88 in Warrenville, Illinois, on his way to Chicago, when he was thrown from his bike and hit by a passing truck. At the time, Nicholas Linton was riding with a group of other cyclists on his way to Chicago when he lost control, swerved, and was thrown from his bike. The accident is still under investigation; eye witness statements give conflicting reasons for the cyclist's loss of control.

On I-80, another motorcycle rider was thrown from his bike after hitting a bump in the road produced by recent road construction. The rider and his friends were on their way home from a concert in Tinley Park when the Chicago motorcycle accident occurred. The rider suffered severe head trauma and was air-lifted to Loyola University Hospital.

Linton was wearing a helmet at the time of his crash; the other rider was not. Neither survived their injuries.

Motorcycle Safety on Illinois Roadways

Approximately 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injuries or death, compared to about 20 percent of car accidents. Because motorcycles are not enclosed and do not have seat belts, they offer little protection to their drivers when a crash occurs, increasing the chance of catastrophic injury or fatality.

The number of Illinois motorcycle registrations continues to rise at approximately the same pace as Illinois fatal motorcycle accidents, according to the Illinois State Police. Driving too fast, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and failing to properly drive in one's lane are the most frequent causes of Illinois motorcycle accidents. While weather and road conditions may be thought to play a major role in motorcycle crashes, statistics reveal that 95 percent of fatal crashes happen on dry roads in clear weather.

The Illinois State Police offers a rider safety program to Illinois residents age 16 and older. The program is intended to coach riders in braking and steering skills and increase driver knowledge of motorcycle handling and traction dynamics. But, the single most important safety step a motorcycle rider can take is to wear a helmet every time you are out on the road.

Motorcycle Safety is Everyone's Responsibility

While the Illinois State Police are offering classes to promote safe driving skills for motorcycle riders, it is everyone on the roads' responsibility to protect the safety of his or her passengers as well as others with whom the Illinois roadways are shared. Injuries in a motorcycle crash that were caused by the negligence or inattentiveness of another driver on the road can range from scrapes and bruises to death.

If you've been injured while riding a motorcycle in Chicago, throughout Illinois or across the country, a motorcycle accident attorney in your area can help you understand your options if another driver caused your accident.

Article provided by Clancy Law
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