Illinois sees increase in number of motorcycle fatalities

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Motorcycle Accidents

Our lives can change in a split second, and no one is more aware of that reality than someone who has lost a loved one in an accident. The family of a 30-year-old man is recovering after losing the man who was their son, brother, fiancé and friend. The man was killed in a fatal motorcycle accident in Lakewood this summer. The accident occurred when a female driver turned in front of the man&s motorcycle. Police issued the 43-year-old woman a citation. The man died two days later.

The family is devastated by the loss and unfortunately accidents like this are becoming all too common. Motorcycle deaths are on the rise in Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2010 there were 131 motorcycle-related deaths. In 2012, this number jumped to 148, which is an increase of 13 percent.

The accident above occurred in McHenry County. Archives show four other serious motorcycle accidents in the same area in just this summer alone. From those accidents, three people were injured and two people were killed.

Law enforcement and local authorities are trying to figure out the cause of the increased fatalities. Improper training may be one reason. Motorcycle ridership has increased substantially and training may not be keeping up with the new riders. Helmet use is also an issue. Illinois does not require riders to wear a helmet. In 2011, out of 145 motorcycle deaths, 110 riders didn&t wear a helmet.

It is critical that authorities figure out the reason behind the increase and how to make motorcycle riding safer for Illinois residents. But until then, families of victims like the family above can still try to find closure by pursuing the party responsible for the death. A wrongful death claim against a negligent driver affords families or the estate of a victim to recover money for medical expenses, funeral costs and for the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Source: Northwest Herald, "Motorcycle deaths rise in Illinois," Chelsea McDougall, July 28, 2013