Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Brandon Smith and with everyone affected by this crash in Quincy. The account below comes from Quincy police, the Adams County Coroner, and other local authorities.
What Happened
An accident on Saturday night at 18th and Harrison has left one motorcyclist dead and another injured after colliding with a van. The Adams County 911 Center received a report of an accident at 10:08 pm and Quincy Police, the Quincy Fire Department and Adams County EMS responded. The initial officer who arrived on scene found that two motorcycles and a van were involved in the accident.
An investigation revealed that a 1995 Ford van, driven by John Inghram of Quincy, was stopped at the intersection and preparing to turn onto Harrison. A 2005 Honda motorcycle, driven by Brandon Smith, and a 2000 Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by Dustin Humphrey, were traveling west on Harrison.
The van turned into their path, and both motorcycles struck the driver’s side of the Ford van. Both motorcyclists sustained serious injuries and were transported to Blessing Hospital. Adams County Coroner Jim Keller reported that Brandon Smith of Quincy passed away on Tuesday, October 8th as a result of his injuries, while Dustin Humphrey remains hospitalized.
The driver of the van refused medical attention and was cited for failure to yield left turn. A traffic citation is an allegation, not a finding of civil liability, and it does not resolve who is legally responsible for the crash.
Left-Turn Crashes and Illinois Motorcycle Accident Claims
Left-turn collisions like this one are among the most common and most serious crashes motorcyclists face. When a driver turns across the path of an oncoming rider, there is little a motorcyclist can do to avoid the impact, and the injuries are often severe. Under Illinois law, a driver turning left must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is close enough to be an immediate hazard (625 ILCS 5/11-902), which is why a “failure to yield left turn” citation can matter to an injured rider’s claim.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash in Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to bring a personal-injury claim (735 ILCS 5/13-202). When a crash takes a loved one’s life, a wrongful-death claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of death and is brought by the personal representative of the estate for the benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin (740 ILCS 180/2). Deadlines shrink sharply when a city, county, or other public body is involved, since claims against a local government entity or its employees generally must be commenced within one year (745 ILCS 10/8-101). Illinois also follows a modified comparative-fault rule, so an injured rider can still recover as long as they are not found more than 50% at fault, with any award reduced by their share of the blame (735 ILCS 5/2-1116).
A claim may help an injured rider or a grieving family recover for medical bills, lost income, and the losses that follow a serious crash. The attorneys at 844-SEE-MIKE handle Illinois motorcycle accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. If a crash has caused a death, our Illinois wrongful death attorneys can explain a family’s options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Illinois?
In most cases you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal-injury claim in Illinois (735 ILCS 5/13-202). If a crash results in death, a wrongful-death claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of death (740 ILCS 180/2). Claims against a government entity or its employees carry a much shorter one-year deadline (745 ILCS 10/8-101), so it is best to speak with an attorney early.
Who is at fault in a left-turn motorcycle crash?
Fault depends on the facts, but a driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be an immediate hazard (625 ILCS 5/11-902). A citation such as “failure to yield left turn” can support a rider’s claim, though it does not decide the case on its own. Illinois uses a modified comparative-fault rule, so more than one person can share responsibility, and a rider found more than 50% at fault recovers nothing (735 ILCS 5/2-1116).
What can a motorcycle accident claim cover?
An injury claim may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and other losses tied to the crash. In a fatal crash, a wrongful-death claim may allow surviving family members to recover for their losses. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Do I have to pay upfront to talk to a lawyer?
No. 844-SEE-MIKE offers a free consultation and works on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
If your family has been affected by a motorcycle crash in Illinois, Contact 844-SEE-MIKE anytime for a free, no-pressure consultation. This article is general information, not legal advice.
