Motorcycle riders and passengers are more exposed than occupants of any other type of motor vehicle. When a motorcycle is in an accident, the rider and passengers often suffer severe, life-changing injuries. Yet many insurance companies take a tough stand against claims for motorcycle crash injuries. If you’re the injured victim in a motorcycle crash that was another person’s fault, you need aggressive, compassionate, and experienced legal counsel to fight for you. Modestas Law has the right experience and will vigorously pursue the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Causes & Liability
Illinois has at-fault rules for determining financial responsibility for any type of road accident. The person who is at fault or negligent in causing an accident is legally liable and has to compensate the victims. In most cases, that means the at-fault driver’s insurance company will be responsible. Our auto accident page has additional detailed information about Illinois Accident Liability Laws.
In practical terms, there are many different ways that truck and car driver negligence can cause a motorcycle accident. Some of the more common reasons include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, using a cell phone, eating or drinking, adjusting dashboard settings, or just talking with a passenger
- Alcohol or drug intoxication
- Failure to keep a proper lookout or properly gauge distance
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Careless turning or lane-changing
- Failure to follow traffic signals
Determining the cause of an accident involving a motorcycle is critical to identifying the negligence that led to the injuries. At Modestas Law, we examine and analyze all the evidence, looking for any of the myriad types of truck and car driver negligence that can cause a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Crash Injuries
Motorcycle riders and passengers are very exposed when riding on the road. Because of that, injuries can involve any part of the body — and often, multiple parts of the body — and frequently are very severe. One very serious type of injury from a motorcycle accident is traumatic brain injury or TBI. In Illinois, where motorcyclists are not required to wear helmets, TBI is one of the injuries a motorcyclist may suffer. The seriousness varies and can be extreme and life-altering. Other common types of injuries include:
- Fractures of arms, legs, back, and neck
- Joint injuries to multiple extremities
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue damage to back and neck
- Loss of limbs
- Multiple lacerations
On account of the wide variation in the nature of the injuries, the full extent and long-term implications of motorcycle accident injuries frequently are not known immediately following the accident. However, temporary or permanent disfigurement or disability must be factored into the amount of compensation the victim recovers. For that reason, it is essential to have experienced legal counsel who understands the nature and range of injuries that can result from a motorcycle accident represent you. Modestas Law has the right experience to help you and your family.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
If you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by another person, you are entitled to full compensation for your injuries. Illinois has no upper limit on the amount of financial recovery you can receive. You are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical expenses for immediate and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages or income, including loss of future earnings
- Compensation for disfigurement or disability
- Pain and suffering
If you are injured in a motorcycle crash in Illinois, there is a limit on the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit to recover for your injuries, called the statute of limitations. In Illinois, the time limit for a legal action for personal injuries is two years. For property damages lawsuits, the statute of limitations is five years. Because of those limitations and for even more important reasons, like availability of evidence, it is very important not to wait to consult with an attorney if you’ve been seriously injured and someone else may be at fault. It is also important to consult with a lawyer before you talk with the insurance adjuster for the at-fault person’s insurance company.
In addition to an injured victim being entitled to recover damages if a motorcycle accident was someone else’s fault, family members who lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash may be able to file a lawsuit under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act if another person caused the accident.
Contact an Illinois Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Schedule a Consultation
At Modestas Law, we handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingent fee basis, which means you do not pay any attorney fees unless damages are recovered. We will take the time to fully understand your injuries, as well as your family and work situations, which are all important in determining the amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries. We also focus intently on delivering a high level of client service and strive to make our clients feel that they receive the best possible representation and counsel throughout the entire process.
We serve Illinois clients in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, and Will County. Our office is located in Burr Ridge. If necessary, we can meet with you in a medical facility or at your home.
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to serving your Illinois motorcycle accident legal needs.