
Left-turn motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous crashes on Illinois roads. When a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, the results are often catastrophic. The Crannell Law Group represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Illinois. The firm handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered. Call [phone-number linked=true] for a free consultation.
Why Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous
Left-turn accidents occur when a vehicle turns left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle. The motorcycle driver often has no time to brake or swerve. The impact can cause severe injuries or death.
Motorcycles offer no protection like a car’s frame, airbags, or crumple zones. Riders are exposed to the full force of impact. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, road rash, and internal injuries are common.
Left-turn accidents often result from driver negligence: failure to see the motorcycle, misjudging the motorcycle’s speed, or turning without checking for oncoming traffic. Lane splitting is another maneuver that can complicate liability in a motorcycle crash, and understanding how fault is determined in a lane splitting accident can help clarify your legal options.
Why Choose The Crannell Law Group for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
The Crannell Law Group brings courtroom experience to motorcycle accident cases. The firm was founded by Jonathan P. Crannell, an experienced trial attorney who has recovered millions for clients. The firm also includes Meenaz I. Pradhan, an associate attorney with defense-side experience, and Antonio Arriola, a trial attorney.
The firm states that it has secured a $1.18 million brain injury verdict in DuPage County and is available 24/7 with same-business-day responses. It works on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs.
The firm serves DuPage, Kane, Will, Kendall, DeKalb, and Cook counties from its Naperville office at 55 Shuman Boulevard, Suite 525, Naperville, IL 60563.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Left-turn motorcycle accidents result from various forms of driver negligence:
- Failure to see the motorcycle is the most common cause. Drivers may not notice a motorcycle approaching because of blind spots, inattention, or the motorcycle’s smaller profile.
- Misjudging the motorcycle’s speed leads drivers to believe they have time to turn when they do not. Motorcycles can accelerate quickly, and drivers often underestimate their speed.
- Turning without checking for oncoming traffic occurs when drivers fail to look both ways before turning left.
- Distracted driving prevents drivers from seeing motorcycles. Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can cause a driver to miss an oncoming motorcycle.
- Impaired driving reduces a driver’s ability to see and react to motorcycles.
- Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop or avoid a motorcycle.
Injuries From Left-Turn Motorcycle Accidents
Left-turn motorcycle accidents cause severe injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries can cause lasting cognitive changes, memory loss, and personality changes.
- Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures require surgery and rehabilitation.
- Road rash and lacerations can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Wrongful death.
- These injuries often require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
Illinois Motorcycle Accident Laws
Illinois allows accident victims to recover compensation if the at-fault driver was negligent. Under Illinois law, a person may still recover damages if they are less than 50% responsible for the accident.
You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit and five years to file a property damage claim. Missing these deadlines can affect the ability to recover compensation.
How The Crannell Law Group Can Help
The firm investigates motorcycle accidents thoroughly by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police reports. It also works with medical professionals to document injuries and evaluate damages.
The firm handles settlement negotiations with insurance companies and prepares cases for trial if settlement does not resolve the matter. It also keeps clients informed throughout the process and explains available legal options clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a left-turn motorcycle accident claim in Illinois?
You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit and five years to file a property damage claim. Acting quickly can help preserve important evidence.
What compensation can I recover?
You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In serious cases, additional damages may be available for permanent disability or disfigurement.
Do I have a case?
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may have a claim. A consultation can help evaluate the facts and possible options.
How much does it cost to hire The Crannell Law Group?
The firm works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless compensation is recovered, and the fee comes from the settlement or verdict.
How long does a motorcycle accident case take?
The timeline varies. Some cases settle in months, while more complex cases may take longer.
What is comparative negligence in Illinois?
Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault, though recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Contact The Crannell Law Group Today
You do not have to handle this alone. The Crannell Law Group represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Illinois. Call [phone-number linked=true] for a free consultation.
The firm serves DuPage, Kane, Will, Kendall, DeKalb, and Cook counties. Its office is located at 55 Shuman Boulevard, Suite 525, Naperville, IL 60563, and it responds to calls 24/7 with same-business-day responses.
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