After a person has been injured in a motorcycle accident they may wonder whether not wearing a helmet will affect their chances at a reasonable settlement. That would be an especially pertinent question if the collision caused a head injury. Motorcycle accident attorneys in Granite City, IL can provide insight into how Illinois laws affect these cases.
Helmet Laws
Unlike nearly all other states, Illinois does not require motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Many states, however, only require helmets to be worn by younger riders, such as those under age 21. Although this is a topic of contention among motorcycle safety advocates, the lack of law works in favor of someone who was injured while riding and not wearing a helmet. The insurance company cannot justifiably use that as a reason for not paying a claim.
Common Accident Causes
Most accidents involving a motorcyclist and the driver of another vehicle are not caused by the motorcyclist. One of the more common scenarios is when the driver of a passenger car turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle, apparently not seeing the bike. Another occurrence is when a passenger vehicle pulls out of a driveway or side street in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
No Control Over Other Drivers
Although it’s possible that a helmet would have reduced some risk of injury, the fault still lies with the other driver. Motorcycle accident attorneys in Granite City, IL understand that their clients cannot control the behavior of other drivers, no matter how safely they ride. Even when a motorcyclist wears a helmet, a collision caused by another driver can lead to other serious injuries. Some of the more typical ones include serious skin damage, fractures, and injuries to the feet.
Concentrating on Recovery
While recovering from an accident, the person shouldn’t have to deal with paperwork, legal documentation and negotiating with insurance companies. Those tasks can be handled by an organization such as the Law Office of Keith Short. This allows the client to concentrate on getting well and to have a better chance at a reasonable settlement. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
