A common misconception may exist among many people in Illinois that the state’s roads and highways belong exclusively to traditional motor vehicles. Yet that is not the case; motorcycles and bicycles have equal rights to be on the road.
Motorcyclists and cyclists often hear of the importance of accident avoidance (principally from the perspective of them needing to make themselves seen by motorists). The responsibility to avoid accidents, however, does not fall solely to the aforementioned parties; motorists must also take care to ensure they recognize motorcycles and bikes on the road around them.
Cyclist killed in West Peoria collision
If and when they fail to do so, the consequences are often tragic. A recent collision between an SUV and a motorized bike illustrates this point. Per the Peoria Journal Star, a witness reported seeing the SUV failing to come to a full stop at a stop sign before entering into an intersection and striking the cyclist. Authorities charged the driver for the failure to stop (reports do not indicate whether she may face additional charges). First responders rushed the cyclist to a local hospital for treatment, yet he later died from his injuries.
Civil liability despite a lack of intent
Most people may look at cases such as this and identify them as accidents (therefore implying that there was no intent to cause a collision on the part of the driver responsible for it). While that may often be the case, it does not change the fact that accident victims suffer due to their actions (and that the expenses associated with that suffering are often expensive). Thus, it may not be beyond reason for such parties to seek compensation through a civil liability claim.
