ANSWERING YOUR FAQS: MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT EDITION
Q: What Causes Motorcycle Accidents? In 2018 alone, 2,973 motorcycle crashes happened in Illinois. What causes these accidents to occur in the first place?
in cars. All it takes is one second fiddling with the radio or a smartphone for a driver to hit an unsuspecting motorcyclist.
Q: What Injuries Are Associated with Motorcycle Accidents?
Just like any other collisions, motorcycle accidents can be caused by:
Motorcycles require skill and technique to operate safely. While they’re fun to ride, they are one of the most dangerous vehicles to drive due to a lack of protection to the biker. According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are about 27 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle accident. In 2018, motorcycle crashes accounted for 35 percent of all injury crashes in Illinois. In total, 2,266 motorcyclists sustained injuries that year. Of those injured, 811 suffered serious permanent injuries. These injuries include serious lacerations, broken bones or fractures, skull or chest injuries, and abdominal injuries.
Manufacture defects. Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and manufacturers alike recall motorcycles due to safety defects. If left unresolved, these defects put bikers and passengers at risk for serious injury or death if the motorcycle malfunctions while in use. Go to the NHTSA’s website to find out if your bike was recalled. Driving under the influence. In 2018, motorcyclists accounted for 12% of all fatal crashes in Illinois. Just like any motorist, bikers can be seriously injured by drunk drivers. Reckless driving. Speeding and making unsafe lane changes are just a few examples of reckless driving. Several motorcycle accidents are caused when drivers don’t “see” bikers on the road before they make a turn or lane change. Distracted driving. There are countless distractions in any vehicle, but especially
To learn more about motorcycle crashes, visit our website at Shannonlawgroup.com. If you have any questions about motorcycle accident lawsuits, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.
– Pat Cummings
ASBESTOS REMAINS A HEALTH RISK
Q: What Is Asbestos? And Is It Legal in the United States? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found in rocks and soil. It used to be called a “miracle mineral” because it is very resistant to heat, electricity, and chemicals. It was used widely for years in construction materials, automotive parts, and fire- resistant textiles because of these properties. Today, however, it is well understood that asbestos is a toxic and carcinogenic pathogen. In fact, asbestos remains the number one cause of occupational cancer in the United States. Asbestos fibers can separate very easily into tiny pieces when handled or damaged. These loose fibers, when inhaled or swallowed, build up in the respiratory system, which can cause diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestos becomes a health risk when it is encountered in large quantities or is disturbed and distributed into the air (such as when a building is demolished or home remodeled). Loose asbestos fibers are odorless and tasteless, as well as invisible to the naked eye. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. However, the longer and more intense the exposure, the more likely an individual is to develop an asbestos-related disease. Is Asbestos Illegal in the United States? Today, asbestos is banned in more than 50 countries throughout the world, but not the U.S. While not banned, asbestos use and
removal are heavily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other government entities. Asbestos is now only used in products that have historically used asbestos (and only if there is no adequate substitute). It is typically used in products that require fireproof properties such as protective clothing, cement, and brake linings. As a result, the use of asbestos in new products and construction use has decreased significantly in the United States since its peak in 1973. Asbestos remains in older buildings, particularly homes, factories, schools, and commercial buildings throughout the U.S. Likewise, older products containing asbestos, including common household items such as toasters and hair dryers, remain in use. Americans will continue to be impacted by the toxic mineral for many years to come.
I wrote a book called “Meso Killers” to explore this part of American history and what you can do if you or someone you love was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Text “Meso Killers” to 312-847-2428 to get a free copy. on us
– Joseph Shannon
2 www.shannonlawgroup.com
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