If you are a motorcyclist (or you know someone who is), you are likely very aware of the unique dangers. When riding a motorcycle, there’s not much separating you from the cold, hard asphalt and other cars.
If you are in a collision or other accident, you can experience devastating physical damage and major financial and personal loss, such as:
Brain damage
Amputation
Serious burning and scarring
Mutilation
And other life-changing injuries
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and Collisions?
Some accidents caused by other motorists are unavoidable in the moment, such as in cases of:
Inclement weather
Automobile malfunction due to manufacturing error
Or physical debilitation resulting from heart attacks, seizures, etc.
However, many other accidents involving motorcycles occur because of distracted driving and irresponsible roadway behavior. The prevalence of distracted driving by other motorists is a serious contender for the top cause of motorcyclist deaths.
Motorcycles can be difficult to see, but riders are far more likely to be overlooked, crashed into, or run over if another motorist is:
Texting
Talking on the phone
Answering emails
Daydreaming
Or otherwise not paying attention to the road
If you or someone you love has been harmed while riding a motorcycle due to another driver’s failure to exercise appropriate caution while behind the wheel, you may have a viable personal injury case.
Motorcycle accidents can also be caused by common reckless behaviors such as:
Speeding
Not stopping at intersections
Not exercising appropriate caution during bad weather
Cars making left-hand turns
Alcohol use
And more
When to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident Injury
Not all motorcycle accidents are serious enough to warrant a lawsuit. In cases of minor damage, both motorists’ respective auto insurance providers work out the details of compensation for physical damage, injuries, and costs. However, there are certain damages and incurred expenses that necessitate further action.
You will likely need to file a lawsuit against the responsible party if your motorcycle accident has resulted in:
More than 2 or 3 days off work
Significant and limiting physical pain
And/or medical expenses totaling more than several hundred dollars
In some cases, the injuries may not be immediately life-threatening or noticeable in the aftermath of your accident. You may develop common musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries that can stem from roadway collisions, such as whiplash or a concussion.
You may not feel the effects of these until days or weeks after your accident. If this becomes the case, your injuries may begin to take a serious physical, personal, and financial toll on you and you may need to pursue legal action in order to hold the other driver responsible for the consequences of their reckless or negligent driving.
At this point, medical records regarding injuries and a log of all injury-related medical expenses will prove vital in making sure the other driver is held responsible.
With all of this in mind, be sure to do the following after your accident:
Obtain as much contact information as possible from the other driver (email, home address, phone, work phone, etc.)
Swap insurance information
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not sure you are injured
Obtain official medical documentation of any injuries
Keep a log of all time spent away from work due to accident-related injury or pain and tally up any lost wages
Record all medical expenses, keep receipts, and gather as much evidence as you can of the financial effects of your injuries
Contact a motorcycle accident attorney immediately
After you have taken care of your physical wellbeing, be sure to keep track of every cost, inconvenience, and personal loss associated with your accident.
These may seem minor at first, but if they grow beyond small annoyances, a personal injury suit may become necessary in your journey toward recovery. If you are seriously injured, a lawsuit is likely unavoidable, and Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers is prepared to stick up for you.
How Our Experienced Injury Lawyers Can Help
Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers are prepared to pool our collective experience, legal know-how, and resources into working toward the settlement you deserve. We have a track record of proven success and can help you navigate the challenges of filing a lawsuit with as much peace of mind as possible.
