After a tragic motorcycle accident, the world can feel like it’s turned upside down. The pain of their loss is deepened by the confusion and stress of what comes next. If your family is facing this tragedy, we are here to help.
Our experienced motorcycle accident and wrongful death lawyers understand the unique challenges that come with a motorcycle accident. We don’t just fight for justice—we work to ease your burden, handling the legal details while you focus on grieving and healing. Let us help your family find peace and accountability.
What Can You Expect from Our Experienced Chicago Lawyer for Your Legal Process?
Losing a loved one unexpectedly feels unfair and overwhelming, especially when it’s due to a preventable motorcycle accident. On top of your emotional pain, you’re now faced with navigating a complicated legal process. Our Chicago Injury Lawyer handles everything—from paperwork to court representation so you can focus on grieving and healing.
Handling All Legal Documentation
After a loss, dealing with legal paperwork can feel exhausting and confusing. Our team handles every document with care, ensuring that all forms, deadlines, and filings are managed accurately and on time. We make sure nothing is overlooked, so you can focus on your family and your grief while we take care of the legal details.
Gathering Evidence
In wrongful death cases, evidence is crucial for building a strong case. Gathering the necessary evidence—like accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and more can be incredibly stressful when you’re already dealing with loss. Our team takes on this responsibility, investigating thoroughly and gathering all necessary information to build the strongest possible case for your family.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than you deserve. They may offer you an amount that doesn’t fully cover the financial impact of your loss. Our lawyers fight on your behalf, using their experience and skill to negotiate for fair compensation.
Providing Court Representation
Going to court alone can be intimidating and emotionally exhausting. With our experienced lawyers by your side, you won’t have to face the legal process on your own. We present your case clearly and persuasively, ensuring the best chance for a fair outcome.
What to Do If Your Loved One Dies in a Motorcycle Crash?
The sudden death of a loved one in a motorcycle accident can leave you feeling lost and unsure of what steps to take next. It’s important to act quickly, as the legal process for filing a wrongful death claim can be time-sensitive.
Here’s what you should do if you lose someone in a motorcycle crash:
1. Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer Immediately
The sooner you reach out to the experienced Chicago Injury Lawyer, the better. We can guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, and advise you on the next steps.
2. Preserve Evidence and Records
If you’re able to, keep any documents or records related to the accident, including police reports, medical records, and insurance correspondence. This will help your lawyer build a strong case.
3. Notify the Insurance Companies
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Our lawyers can help you navigate the often-complicated claims process and ensure you don’t say or do anything that could hurt your case.
4. Focus on Your Family and Healing
While we handle the legal process, you can focus on being there for your family, grieving, and beginning the emotional healing process. Our team will take care of the rest.
Who Is Liable in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
When a loved one is killed in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to determine who is responsible for the accident. Liability can be placed on different parties depending on the circumstances of the crash.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, the liable parties may include:
- The Driver at Fault: If another driver caused the accident due to reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, they may be held responsible.
- Motorcycle Manufacturers: If the motorcycle accident was caused by a defect in the motorcycle or its parts, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Government Entities: If the accident was caused by unsafe road conditions, such as potholes, poorly marked intersections, or inadequate signage, a government agency may be responsible.
- Other Parties: In some cases, third parties like maintenance companies, vehicle repair shops, or even pedestrians may be liable if their actions contributed to the accident.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Certain family members can file a wrongful death claim. These include the surviving spouse, children (biological or adopted), and parents (biological or adoptive). If the family doesn’t act within three months, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file the claim.
Remember, a wrongful death claim is different from criminal charges. Even if the responsible party faces criminal consequences, your family still needs to file a civil lawsuit to receive compensation. Acting quickly is important to protect your rights. Our experienced lawyers are here to help you through the process.
The Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Death in Illinois
There is a time limit, called the statute of limitations, for filing a wrongful death claim after a motorcycle accident. This is the period within which you must file your lawsuit to seek compensation. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue a claim.
Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1), the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions, such as if the responsible party was a government entity or if certain details of the accident were discovered later.
What Compensation Can You Receive in a Motorcycle Wrongful Death Case?
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is devastating, and no amount of money can bring them back. However, compensation can help ease the financial burden left behind and support your family during this difficult time.
In a wrongful death case, you may be entitled to the following compensation:
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Reimbursement for funeral, burial, and other related expenses.
- Medical Bills: If your loved one received medical treatment before passing, the responsible party may be required to pay for medical bills.
- Loss of Income: If your loved one was the primary breadwinner, your family may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, future earnings, and benefits.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress and pain caused by the loss of a loved one.
- Loss of Companionship: If your loved one was a spouse or close family member, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, love, and guidance.
Our wrongful death lawyer can help you understand the compensation you may be eligible for and work to secure the maximum amount possible for your family.
What Sets Our Wrongful Death Lawyer Apart?
When you face the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who is not only skilled but also compassionate and understanding of your situation. Our team has years of experience handling wrongful death cases.
Here’s why you can trust us to handle your case:
Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers:
Our team has a deep understanding of motorcycle laws and how to navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims. We have successfully handled many motorcycle accident cases, including those where a loved one lost their life.
Compassionate Legal Counsel:
We know that dealing with the death of a loved one is incredibly difficult. Our goal is to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible. We listen carefully to your concerns and provide honest, clear communication every step of the way.
Personalized Legal Representation:
Every case is different, and we treat it as such. We take the time to understand the specific needs of your family and tailor our approach to achieve the best possible outcome. Your family’s unique situation is important to us, and we are here to help.
Proven Track Record of Success:
Our team has helped many families recover substantial compensation in wrongful death cases. With our extensive experience, we are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Book A Consultation To Start The Legal Process
Booking a consultation is the first step toward getting the justice your family deserves. Our experienced lawyers are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and start working on your case. Call Chicago Injury Lawyer today to schedule your consultation!
FAQs
How long will it take to settle my wrongful death case?
Every case is unique, but wrongful death cases often take months or even years to resolve. We work hard to reach a fair settlement as quickly as possible.
Can I still file a claim if the driver wasn’t charged with a crime?
Yes, you can still file a wrongful death claim even if the responsible driver was not charged with a crime. Criminal cases and civil lawsuits are separate.
What if the accident was caused by poor road conditions?
If the motorcycle accident was caused by unsafe road conditions, such as potholes or poor signage, a government agency or other parties may be held liable for your loved one’s death.
