Motorcyclists face increased danger on the road because they don’t have the protective barriers that cars and trucks do. While it’s easy to point fingers at careless drivers for crashes, poor road conditions also contribute to incidents involving motorcycles. Potholes put motorcyclists at risk, leading to loss of control, damage to the bike, and decreased traction.
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If you’ve had an accident due to potholes, you may pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact Ankin Law at 312-600-000 for help with your claim.
How Chicago’s Potholes Threaten Motorcycle Rider Safety
Potholes present a serious threat to motorcycle riders’ safety in Chicago because two-wheeled vehicles are naturally less stable than those with four wheels. Here’s how these road hazards can impact motorcyclists:
Loss of Control
Encountering potholes while riding a motorcycle can heighten the chances of losing control, which could result in an accident. Due to their narrower tires and elevated center of gravity, motorcycles are more susceptible to defects in the road compared to four-wheeled vehicles. When a motorcycle hits a pothole, it can suddenly deflect the front wheel, causing it to swerve or wobble and leading to a loss of control.
Even minor potholes or uneven surfaces can create sudden dips and bumps that disrupt the motorcycle’s stability, making it difficult for riders to maintain their balance.
Motorcycle Damage
Potholes can cause damage to motorcycle parts, including tires, wheels, and suspension systems. When a motorcycle hits a pothole, it might harm the rims or tires, raising the chances of a blowout and affecting rider control. Additionally, the suspension may suffer, with bent forks compromising the bike’s handling and increasing the risk of an accident. A hard impact from a pothole could even lead to the rider getting thrown off the motorcycle, resulting in injuries upon contact with the ground.
Reduced Traction
Potholes can interfere with the connection between a motorcycle’s tires and the road. When this connection is compromised, traction diminishes, making it more challenging to accelerate, brake, and navigate turns effectively. Uneven surfaces, such as potholes, can cause the wheels to bounce or even lose contact entirely, further diminishing traction and complicating handling. The decreased grip from potholes increases the stopping distance required to come to a halt.
When a pothole is encountered while braking, it can momentarily disrupt the tires’ contact with the ground, resulting in a sudden increase in the distance needed to stop and causing a loss of control. Additionally, the force of hitting a pothole can destabilize the motorcycle, impacting the braking system and making safe stopping more difficult. If a rider strikes a pothole while leaning into a turn, the motorcycle may lose traction, leading to potential control issues and the risk of sliding or crashing.
The Link Between Poor Road Conditions and Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists encounter heightened risks from road hazards compared to drivers of larger vehicles. While potholes might be a slight inconvenience for car drivers, they can pose dangers for motorcyclists. Since motorcycles are lighter and only have two wheels, they lack the protective features of larger vehicles such as metal frames, airbags, and seatbelts.
Potholes can vary in severity. Some are minor and shallow, but others can be quite deep, reaching the subgrade beneath the pavement. Moreover, while potholes may occupy only a small portion of the roadway, many are unavoidable.
Aside from potholes, motorcyclists face several other hazardous road conditions, including:
- Debris and Loose Gravel: Objects on the road, such as loose gravel, leaves, or trash, can cause motorcycles to skid. Due to their design, motorcycles are less stable than cars when navigating these obstacles.
- Uneven Surfaces: Roads with irregularities or sudden changes in elevation can make motorcycles unstable, creating danger especially at high speeds where even a minor bump can lead to loss of control.
- Inadequate Signage: Missing or unclear road signs can direct riders into hazardous situations.
- Poor Drainage and Standing Water: Hydroplaning becomes a serious risk, particularly for motorcyclists, who can easily lose their grip on the road.
Although motorcycles represent 3% of vehicles in the U.S., they make up 14% of all traffic fatalities. In 2021, there were 5,932 motorcyclist deaths in crashes, with many attributed to road hazards. Road surface conditions, including potholes, are believed to contribute to about 10% of deadly motorcycle accidents.
Who Is Liable When Potholes Put Motorcyclists at Risk in Chicago?
Single-vehicle Chicago pothole accidents may seem like the rider’s fault, but injured motorcyclists could be entitled to compensation from those responsible for unsafe road conditions with the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer. In Illinois, if a pothole causes an accident, the entity that maintains the road, like a city, county, or state, may be liable for damages.
To hold a government entity accountable in Illinois, you must demonstrate that the agency in charge of maintaining the road was aware of the pothole and did not take appropriate action to warn drivers or repair it timeously. Your motor vehicle accident lawyer in Chicago may gather records of complaints submitted to the relevant department, which could help establish the agency’s knowledge of the defect. If you can prove that the responsible entity was aware of the pothole and neglected to address the problem quickly, you might have grounds to pursue a lawsuit. Your lawyer can advise you on how much your motorcycle injury claim is worth, how long you have to sue for a motorcycle accident, and what damages you can recover for a motorcycle accident.
Sometimes, construction companies are responsible for road maintenance, especially during ongoing projects. If a construction company was in charge when the accident occurred, a personal injury lawsuit may be warranted.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to a motorcycle accident involving a pothole, contact us at Ankin Law for assistance. We’ll investigate your case, and help pursue compensation for your damages.
