Motorcycle riding is exhilarating, but accidents caused by other drivers can turn it into a nightmare. Motorcycle riders face an uphill battle not only recovering fair compensation but proving someone else is at fault.
At Therman Law, we provide our clients with exceptional legal resources and insights. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago is the ally you can depend on. Our Chicago personal injury lawyer is here for you. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Chicago
Chicago’s streets make riding a motorcycle challenging, especially in congested areas where drivers may not see you. Nearly all motorcycle accidents are preventable. That includes:
- Distracted drivers who ignore the road and strike a rider because of a text message or changing the radio station
- Left-hand turns in front of motorcycles because they did not see them or thought the bike rider could stop
- Speeding, tailgating, and cutting off motorcycle riders
- Manufacturer defects and design flaws that cause serious injuries if you cannot stop
- Local and state government inefficiencies in maintaining safe roads for riders
After your accident, call our Chicago motorcycle accident attorney for a free consultation. We will review your case and determine all parties responsible. Our evidence-based claims make it hard for insurers to refute your claims. Talk to our Chicago car accident lawyer today.
Significant Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents Create Costly Losses
One of the most important reasons to turn to a lawyer is to ensure you seek as much compensation as possible to meet your challenging injuries and long-term outcomes. Motorcycle riders face an incredible risk of catastrophic injuries and death. Some of the most common injuries we see that warrant legal action include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, which can happen even with a helmet on
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or full paralysis
- Road rash often leads to severe deformities, intense pain, and life-threatening infections
- Broken and crushed bones requiring surgical repair
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Amputations of limbs or digits
- Intense emotional trauma and mental health challenges
Focus on your recovery while we collaborate with medical experts to assess the long-term impact of your injuries. We will build a claim that helps cover your losses now and those you will have in the future. Do not settle your case if you have any of these injuries until you speak to our legal team. Learn more in our FAQs today.
Determining Fault in a Motorcycle Accident
At Therman Law, we believe in our clients. We will do everything we can to prove who is at fault in your case so we can seek compensation from all parties. To investigate your case, we use a variety of strategies, including:
- Accident reconstruction
- Expert witness testimony
- Medical doctor reviews
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Local cameras and dash cams
This information enables us to have a better understanding of how the accident took place. Even if you are partially at fault, Illinois comparative negligence laws allow you to seek compensation. The court reduces your compensation by the percentage of fault attributed to your actions. If you are 51% or higher at fault, you cannot seek damages. We strive to minimize that risk.
Until You Know Your Outcome, You Cannot Settle
Insurance companies pursue motorcycle accident victims to settle their cases quickly. That is never in your best interest. You should not settle your case until you have a good understanding of your expected long-term implications. If you do, you may not get the financial support you deserve and need in these challenging matters.
What Your Motorcycle Accident Case Is Worth
There is no way to provide an accurate average motorcycle accident value. Every case is very much built on its own merit, based on the evidence your motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago obtains for you. The following are some of the most common types of compensation awarded in these accidents:
- Medical costs: Emergency, current, and future medical costs, including for treatment, stabilization, and rehabilitation
- Mental health costs: Treatment for trauma, anxiety, and depression associated with your incident
- Loss of wages: Including losses of salary or hourly work missed, bonuses, and benefits
- Loss of earning capacity: The value of reduced earning ability due to ongoing injuries and permanent losses
- Pain and suffering: Experienced at the time of the accident and continued
- Mental anguish: The emotional turmoil you faced during the accident and beyond
- Loss of quality of life: Losses such as the inability to engage in hobbies or relationships as you did
Let us explore all possible types of compensation owed to you. We bring the fight to your case. That includes building an evidence-based claim that documents your current and future losses. Expect us to maximize your claim to the highest level allowed under the law.
Punitive Damages in Motorcycle Accidents
In some situations, you may receive punitive damages under 735 ILCS 5/2-604.1 in a motorcycle accident.
This type of punishment applied to the at-fault party occurs when there is willful and wanton behavior, fraudulent actions, or egregious conduct that causes the accident. Drunk drivers who hit you or intentionally aggressive driving may apply. This could further increase the compensation paid to you.
Statute of Limitations in Illinois
The Illinois statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202) is two years for most personal injury cases. You must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident, or the court will not hear your case. As a result, we encourage you to contact us immediately to start working on building your claim. You cannot afford to miss this timeline.
Set Up a Free Consultation with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Chicago
Now is the most important time for you to have an ally working on your side through this complicated legal matter. Set up a free consultation with our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer to get the answers you need and the support critical to your future well-being.
Therman Law has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We are available 24/7 to provide you with a free consultation.
