Being in a motorcycle accident is upsetting. The incident can result in unimaginable pain and suffering, mental stress, and financial crises. Though the post-accident time is depressing, Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can help. We will assess your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and do all we can to claim the financial compensation you deserve.
How We Help As Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers In Chicago
Going through the legal process is another challenge for injured motorcyclists. It can be complex and lengthy, depending on the case type. Chicago Injury Lawyer will help you simplify the process and fight for your justice. Here is how we support our clients:
1. Evaluation Of Your Case
We will review your case in detail and evaluate the damages and injuries you have suffered. Proper evaluation will help us find unnoticed clues that can be game-changers.
2. Detailed Investigation
Our motorcycle injury lawyers will carry out a detailed investigation. Witness statements, police reports, and medical reports will help to gather proper evidence for your motorcycle accident case.
3. Explaining Legal Rights
We will clearly explain all the legal rights you are entitled to, including insurance claims, medical expenses, etc. Our goal is to ensure the victim is well-informed of all the proceedings.
4. Dealing With Insurance Agencies
Our lawyers will take responsibility for dealing with insurance companies on your behalf. We will do all we can to make sure you receive maximum compensation.
5. Building a Strong Case
We will prepare a case and take it to court if you do not receive fair compensation for your motorcycle accident. Our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers will strengthen the case by gathering relevant evidence so that you get justice.
6. Ensuring Maintenance Of Motorcycle Laws
One reason why we differ from other law firms is that we ensure our clients are on the safe side. Our Chicago motorcycle accident injury attorneys will investigate whether you maintained the motorcycle’s laws, such as wearing a helmet and riding in the correct lane. Doing so will ensure that no problems arise when claiming compensation.
Common Causes And Injuries In Motorcycle Crashes
Through handling numerous motorcycle accident cases in Chicago, we have identified some common causes behind these mishaps.
Here are the most frequent ones we notice affecting the victims we work with:
- Speeding: Many motorcyclists tend to go fast on empty roads, which is why accidents occur.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: If a motorcyclist changes lanes, it can disrupt other drivers and cause an accident for the rider.
- Stopping Suddenly: Sometimes motorists suddenly stop intentionally or for some reason in the middle of the road, which causes serious crashes.
- Visibility Issues: Unfortunately, other drivers may not see motorcyclists, which can cause vehicles to collide with motorbikes.
- Alcohol or Drug Use: They affect judgment and reaction times, making it difficult for riders to navigate safely, leading to dangerous situations.
Motorcycle injuries are deadly compared to other mishaps. Victims have a higher risk of severe injuries and fatalities in most cases. Here are the common injuries we see:
- Road Rash
- Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Injuries
- Lacerations
- Dislocations
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Chest Injuries
- Pelvic Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Ankle Injuries
- Wrist Injuries
- Foot Injuries
- Facial Injuries
- Burns
- Vision Impairment
- Hearing Loss
- Psychological Injuries
- Amputation
Long-term Costs Associated with Motorcycle Accident Injuries In Chicago
Some motorcycle accidents can result in long-term costs. They even make your financial condition worse in such a depressing moment. We assess all these costs while filing a compensation claim. It makes the case stronger and more logical.
Here are the prolonged costs some motorcycle accident survivors may need to bear:
1. Medical Expenses: Motorcyclists who face severe injuries may require ongoing medical treatment such as follow-ups, regular medical tests, physiotherapy, etc. Many injured people may need to be on medication for an extended period to heal, which also increases costs.
2. Low Income: A motorcycle injury requires the person to rest for a certain period. During this time, they cannot go to work, and their source of income becomes uncertain. It will make it difficult to run the household and provide other family members with necessities.
3. Emotional Damage: A severe accident could make one suffer from trauma, which affects their mental health. Some people find it difficult to forget an accident they were involved in, which destroys their confidence. Those who suffer emotionally often visit psychiatrists to help them get over the tragedy, which is costly.
How To Prove Negligence And What Factors Can Affect Your Claim?
A huge number of motorcycle accidents happen due to others’ negligence. If you are the victim and seek fair compensation, you must have solid evidence to prove the accident was caused by someone else’s fault. Unfortunately, gathering evidence and proving the other party’s carelessness is not as easy as it sounds, particularly when you are severely injured.
Personal injury attorneys at Chicago Injury Lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, assess police reports, and conduct thorough investigations to prove negligence.
The factors that affect your claim include:
- Whether you were injured in the accident.
- If the other driver broke any traffic rules that led to the accident.
- If the other driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- How much damage does your vehicle have?
What Should You Do After A Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident, you may feel uncertain about what to do next. However, this moment is crucial, where every step matters to protect your well-being and rights. Our attorneys outline what you should and shouldn’t do immediately after an accident in Chicago.
| What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident In Chicago? | What Not To Do After A Motorcycle Accident In Chicago? |
| Inform The Police: Try to provide all the details so the police can make a report that can be used as evidence later. | Do Not Runaway From The Scene Of Crime: You should not leave the accident scene, especially if you were involved. You could face criminal charges. |
| Information: Gather all the information from witnesses who saw the accident. Make notes of the crime scene and take pictures that could help you. | Do Not Neglect Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, you must seek medical attention. |
| Medical Attention: Seek medical attention as soon as you can. If your injuries are not visible, you should still go for a checkup to rule out any internal conditions. Get a copy of all the medical documentation for your motorcycle accident injuries. | Do Not Agree To Low Compensation: Insurance companies will offer you low compensation just to cover the damages to your vehicle, which you should decline. |
| Talk to A Lawyer For Motorcycle Accident Injury: Before you speak to insurance companies, talk to an attorney who will explain the whole legal process and advise you on reviving the maximum amount of compensation. |
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are common in Chicago. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported 3,274 motorcycle accidents in 2021.
Reports state that there were over 3081 motorbike accidents in 2022, which led to 145 deaths.
The Kinds Of Damages You Can Claim In A Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, the road to recovery can be difficult and overwhelming. As you deal with physical and emotional challenges, learning about the damages you can claim is crucial.
Economic damages cover definite financial losses, and non-economic damages address the pain and suffering you may experience.
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
| Financial damages are called economic damages, and personal injury lawyers can help calculate these losses. They include medical expenses, bike repair costs, and low income due to not attending work. | The losses that do not have a price tag can be identified as non-economic damages. Some examples include emotional suffering, mental instability, permanent scarring, physical pain, etc. |
Can You Receive Damages If You Are Partially At Fault?
Under modified comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), you can still receive damages after a motorcycle accident, even if the fault is partially yours. However, the compensation you receive will decrease in proportion to the percentage of your fault.
For example, if the other party is 85% at fault for the motorcycle accident while your fault is only 15%, you will receive 85% compensation. Remember that if your fault is more than 50%, you may not be entitled to receive any claims.
Our Chicago motorcycle injury lawyers will investigate and find the percentage of your fault in the accident. Even if you are partially at fault, we will use tactics to reduce the blame on you so that you can aim for your compensation.
What Is The Process For Filing A Motorcycle Accident Claim In Chicago?
The filing process may seem complex during a time of recovery and uncertainty. Besides, excessive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress can keep you more distracted. A personal injury lawyer can ease your worries and maintain all steps as required.
Here is the process of filing your claim:
1. Seek Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
We have solid experience in handling motorcycle accident injury cases. We will discuss your case in detail, ask questions, and review all the evidence you provide.
2. Dealing With Your Insurance Company
While you receive medical treatment for the injuries caused by the accident, we will start working on your claim. Once your physical health improves, we will send the insurance company a package containing all the details, including your losses and injuries and the compensation you expect to receive.
3. Compensation Offer
The insurance company will likely offer you compensation much lower than you deserve. We will discuss what we can do to help you claim proper compensation.
4. Filling A Lawsuit
There are times when insurance companies do not agree on a settlement. If that situation occurs, our motorcycle accident lawyers will file an injury lawsuit and take matters to court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do You Have To File A Claim In Illinois?
The period you must file a claim varies according to the claims, as discussed below.
- Damage Claims- If you want to claim your motorcycle’s damage, it must be done within 5 years of the accident as per 735 ILCS 5/13-205.
- Personal Injury Claims – If the motorcycle accident caused your injuries, then the claim has to be made within 2 years of the accident according to 735 ILCS 5/13-202.
- Wrongful Death Claims- If the motorcycle accident resulted in the death of the bike rider, then family members can make a claim. However, under Act 740 ILCS 180/2 the claim has to be made within 2 years of the date of death.
Why Choosing the Right Motorcycle Accident Attorney Matters?
Choosing the right motorcycle injury attorney is crucial since these cases are sensitive and need particular attention.
We know what needs to be done to present a strong case. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers will gather all the relevant evidence, explain the whole process, and deal with all the insurance companies involved on your behalf.
Unlike law firms, our lawyers for motorcycle accidents know exactly what strategies to use. They will put in all effort to obtain proper witness statements and identify the person responsible. We will sum up all the damages, including medical bills, the cost of long-term care, motorcycle repair, and others, to get the compensation you deserve.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys will do all it takes to ensure you receive proper compensation.
Bottom Line
Our motorcycle accident lawyers will help you with what to do after a motorbike accident. Contact Chicago Injury Lawyer to connect with the best attorneys to win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does receiving compensation for motorcycle accident injuries in Chicago take?
You must file a lawsuit within two years of your motorcycle accident. There is no fixed time for you to receive your compensation. A complicated case could take up to a few months for a settlement to be approved. After that, you will receive your check.
2. Will I receive compensation if the accident was partially my fault?
Yes, you could receive compensation even if you were at fault during the accident. However, you must prove that the other party faulted at least 51%; otherwise, you may not make a claim.
3. What should I do when a motorcycle accident causes harm to me or my family members?
The best way to deal with such a situation is to contact a personal injury lawyer. They will help you with all the legal formalities and build a solid case to receive fair compensation.
4. How is a motorcycle accident settlement for pain and suffering paid in Chicago?
Illinois has laws that allow those who suffer from pain to receive compensation. Motorcyclists who suffer from long-term chorionic pain due to an accident can receive a settlement. A jury often decides the amount during the trial.
5. How do you maintain safety from a motorcycle accident?
The best way to maintain safety from a motorcycle accident is to wear a helmet. It will protect you from serious head and facial injuries. You can also wear a riding jacket, boots, and gloves to protect the rest of your body from fatal injuries.
