Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Chicago
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 vehicles.
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 & Scarring
- Mutilation
- Other Life-Changing Injuries
How Our Experienced Injury Lawyers Can Help in Chicago
Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers are prepared to pool our collective experience, legal knowledge, 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 legal claim with as much peace of mind as possible.
Understanding the critical steps to take after a motorcycle accident is essential for protecting your rights. Our team will guide you in compiling necessary evidence, obtaining accurate medical records, and effectively negotiating with insurance companies. This proactive approach can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your claim.
Additionally, awareness of the statutes of limitations in Illinois is key. Typically, you have a limited time frame to file your claim and pursue compensation. Our attorneys ensure these deadlines are met, safeguarding your opportunity for justice and financial recovery.
Motorcycle accidents often involve complex legal challenges due to biases against riders. Our focused legal attention works to counteract these prejudices, presenting a factual and compelling case highlighting your right to safe travel and fair treatment under the law.
Chicago Motorcycle Accidents: What You Need to Know
Chicago is a city bustling with traffic, and the number of motorcycle accidents is a severe concern. Recent statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation indicate an increase in road accidents involving motorcyclists. Understanding local traffic patterns and risks can help riders take precautions.
In Chicago, densely trafficked areas, such as the Kennedy Expressway or the Dan Ryan Expressway, present notable hazards. Aggressive driving and weather conditions like heavy snow or rain can further exacerbate the likelihood of motorcycle crashes. Riders should always be aware of these challenges and practice defensive driving techniques to stay safe.
The Legal Landscape in Illinois for Motorcyclists
Illinois does not mandate motorcycle helmet use by law, but safety experts consistently advocate for it. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in accidents. Despite the lack of legislation, riders should consider safety gear an essential part of a safe riding practice.
Insurance regulations in Illinois also play a critical role in how motorcycle accidents are handled. Understanding the type and extent of coverage required, as well as the implications for liability, is crucial for any motorcyclist engaged in an accident. Legal assistance can ensure that you are fully covered and adequately advised on these complex legal nuances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
What Should I Do Immediately Following a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle accident, prioritize safety and well-being. First, check if anyone is injured and call 911 to report the accident and request medical aid. Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, a medical evaluation is critical as some conditions worsen over time. Secondly, collect contact and insurance information from other parties involved, and gather evidence by taking photographs of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries. Third, avoid making statements that could be construed as admitting fault. Limit discussions to factual information only.
How Is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident?
Determining fault in motorcycle accidents rests on evidence collected from the accident scene, witness testimonies, and expert reconstructions. In many instances, the insurance companies involved in the claim will conduct their investigations to assess liability. However, having a legal advocate to ensure a fair determination of fault is crucial. Our legal team can conduct a comprehensive investigation to support your claim, focusing on securing witness statements, analyzing police reports, and utilizing accident reconstruction experts to build a compelling argument on your behalf.
What Compensation Can I Receive After a Motorcycle Accident?
Compensation after a motorcycle accident may cover various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The extent of compensation often depends on the severity of the injuries and the accident's circumstances. Our legal team works diligently to assess all potential areas for compensation, ensuring no aspect of your loss is overlooked. We engage with medical practitioners to forecast future medical needs and employ financial analysts to quantify economic impacts accurately.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After an Accident?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident typically is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this crucial deadline generally forfeits your right to seek compensation. However, specific exceptions may apply depending on the details of your situation, which is why immediate legal consultation is recommended. Our attorneys are here to guide you through these timelines, ensuring your rights and potential compensation are preserved.
Why Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Chicago?
A seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago brings a wealth of knowledge to the complexities of a motorcycle accident claim, which can be instrumental in navigating the legal system. Chicago's unique traffic laws, coupled with the potential for disputes over fault, necessitate experienced legal guidance to ensure a just outcome. Our legal team provides comprehensive support from consultation through case resolution, leveraging our experience against insurance companies and other adversaries determined to minimize your recovery.
Don’t go in alone. Call (872) 401-8863 to speak with a Chicago personal injury lawyer or fill out the form below to tell us about the circumstances of your claim.
Types of Cases We Handle
Because of our deep experience, our Chicago personal injury firm has the ability to take on all types of personal injury cases, including claims and lawsuits stemming from:
If you or a loved one has been injured in one of these accidents, you could be entitled to compensation. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers can help you seek financial restitution for property damage, medical bills, continued treatment and medication, and pain and suffering.
trust MR.LAW Accident & Injury Attorneys
don't stress. let us handle your case so you can focus on recovering.
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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
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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
Our Chicago injury attorneys also have extensive experience representing clients after car accident in Chicago and truck accidents in Chicago.
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What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
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 well-being, 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 MR.LAW Accident & Injury Attorneys is prepared to stick up for you.
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"Attorney Raphael & Attorney Mathias are both very forthcoming & handle each case with care!"I have worked with this office on many different life care plans for personal injury cases and each time it’s been wonderful. Attorney Raphael and Attorney Mathias are both very forthcoming and handle each case with care. I would definitely recommend them!- Brandy C.
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"Damon took my case when others would not consider it."
Damon is the one attorney who took my case when others would not consider it. He is good at explaining the next steps and possible outcomes. Professionalism shows through in all he does. I recommend him for your legal matter.
- Carolyn -
"Mr. Mathias went above and beyond for me!"
Mr. Mathias went above and beyond when I got in an automobile accident making the situation stress free. He allowed me to concentrate on getting a new vehicle and getting the appropriate treatment instead of worrying about medical bills and settlements.
- James -
"Truly amazing attorney!"
Truly amazing Attorney! This guy went above and beyond my expectations, from a broken wired up jaw. To a well deserved settlement. Thanks again!
- S. Plowden -
"Better outcome than imagined."
MR.LAW Accident & Injury Attorneys handled our case well and gave us a better outcome than we could have ever imagined. Thanks to Damon, Ori and their entire team!
- Eric B. -
"Attorney Ori Raphael fights for you!"Ori gives it his all to fight for you!- Amir A
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"Hire these guys!"These guys are great! Ori really went above and beyond and every time I needed good advice or help, he was there for me.- R.J.
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"Mr. Raphael was very helpful and responsive to our needs!"Mr. Raphael was very helpful and responsive to our needs. He provided excellent service with polite,gentle and sensitive care,from the time he greeted us all through the process. I felt very confident trusting him with our case and he came through for us and got us more than we imagined.- Avi P.