Motorcycle use is on the rise here in Illinois, which means the NHTSA has seen a proportional rise in motorcycle accidents. Although the vast majority of these accidents occur in collisions with cars and trucks, there is a small subset of such injuries that occurs every year through collisions with mass transit. Here in Chicago, that includes everything from Metra trains through Pace buses and other public vehicles. No matter what kind of machinery is involved, the results are typically violent and destructive.
Why Motorcycles Get In More Accidents
Motorcycles are fleet and fluid machines, capable of negotiating traffic and obstacles with greater facility than any other motorized vehicle. The problem, of course, is that such maneuverability can frequently catch other drivers off-guard, especially if the traffic flow is comprised almost entirely of cars and trucks. Mass transit conductors and operators often keep their eyes peeled for larger vehicles, leading to the occasional deadly impact with an unsuspecting motorcyclist.
What You Can Do
What can you do if you were hit by a mass transit vehicle here in Chicago, or anywhere in Illinois? The law is squarely on your side, provided you followed the available signage and road signals. Trains and buses often operate even when signs, lights and bells are inoperable, and if your accident occurred under such circumstances, you may be entitled to a significant settlement from the city or municipality in which the accident took place. Major injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, paralysis, amputation or wrongful death have all spawned successful lawsuits in the Chicago area in recent years.
Work With The Experts
The key is to work with attorneys who understand how to navigate Illinois' laws governing mass transit liability. The Law Offices of Joseph Klest is just such a firm, committed to protecting motorcycle victims in accidents with cars, trucks and mass transit vehicles. If you want to start a conversation with an expert, we urge you to call 888-694-0245 or fill out our contact form today. We never take any fee unless we win you money.
