Record $6M Motorcycle Injury Award in Illinois

Recently an Illinois man and his teenage daughter received $6 million in a lawsuit settlement in Joliet, Illinois. It is believed to be a record for Will County, Illinois. In 2006, Richard and Kelly Wright were struck by a pickup truck driven by John Martis when he attempted to turn left at a stop sign. Both Richard and Kelly suffered severe injuries. Richard suffered a fractured wrist and ankle, which required surgery, while Kelly, who was 15 at the time, suffered a severely broken left ankle and a severe right tibia fracture. Though the accident occurred over three years ago, she has not yet fully recovered and is scheduled to have fusion surgery on her ankle later this year.

This case highlights two of the biggest dangers to motorcycle riders. First of all, motorcycles are often hard to see, so are more susceptible to be hit by inattentive drivers, especially at intersections, as in this case. Second, motorcycle riders are more exposed to injuries, so even a minor car-motorcycle accident can cause severe injuries which can incur severely large medical bills. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another vehicle, you should contact a motorcycle injury attorney to discuss your case.