Fatal Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the risk of a fatal motorcycle accident is 35 times greater than the risk of a fatal car accident per mile traveled on the road in the U.S. While more than 85,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic accidents last year, more than 4,800 were killed in fatal motorcycle accidents.

The leading cause of motorcycle accident deaths is head injuries, and motorcyclists not wearing helmets have a 40 percent increased likelihood of dying in a traffic accident due to a head injury (as compared to motorcyclists who wear helmets while riding). Because the state of Illinois currently does not have a helmet law in place, motorcycle riders in the state who choose not to wear a helmet can be subject to serious, potentially fatal injuries – even when riding at very low speeds – in the event they are involved in a traffic accident.

Causes of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Although some fatal motorcycle accidents may not be attributable to the negligence or recklessness of another driver or another party, in many cases, such negligence does play a role in creating the conditions that lead to motorcycle accident deaths. Examples of negligent or reckless behaviors that increase the chances that fatal motorcycle accidents will occur include (but are not limited to):

• Distracted driving by another driver (While cellphone use when driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving in modern times, other examples of distracted driving include playing with vehicle GPS systems and eating or putting on makeup while driving.)
• Drunk driving by another driver
• Fatigued driving by another driver (Some studies have shown that driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.)
• Failure to properly train truck drivers on driving safety techniques (in which case a trucking company would likely be the liable party)
• Failure of another driver to obey traffic laws (by, for example, speeding or running a red light)
• Motorcycle equipment failure (in which case the manufacturer of the motorcycle or a technician who worked on the motorcycle could be held legally liable)
• Unsafe roadway conditions (such as potholes in the roads and/or construction materials left in the roadways both of which could make the city or county be held legally liable)

At the law firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., our experienced Mount Vernon motorcycle accident lawyers have been providing client-centered representation to our Southern Illinois clients since 1950. Our trusted attorneys focus on our clients’ needs, and we do everything we can to help them get the maximum possible compensation for their injuries so they can focus on recovery and moving on with their life. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact us by calling (800)-553-3125 for a free, thorough assessment of your case, along with professional advice regarding the best manner in which to move forward.