If you suffered injuries or your loved one died in a motorcycle vs. car crash in Illinois, contacting an experienced motorcycle accident
attorney at Shindler & Shindler will be one of the most important calls you’ll ever make.
Insurance companies often start working to minimize payouts on accident claims before victims even have a chance to let the extent of their injuries and losses sink in. Their fast-talking representatives prey on people who have been traumatized. They even try to cheat victims who are fighting for their lives. Without a motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights, you could fall victim to their deceitful tactics.
With over 65 years of combined experience in personal injury law in Illinois, accident lawyers Keith and Robert Shindler stand up to big name insurance companies to ensure injured victims recover full and fair compensation.
Let our family fight for yours. Call 847-933-4448.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics Highlight the Risks Bikers Face
In the United States, 6,218 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2022.
Motorcycle accidents account for 15% of all traffic-related fatalities.
Approximately 82,687 motorcyclists suffered injuries in accidents in 2022.
The fatality rate for motorcyclists is nearly 22 times that of passenger car occupants.
For the majority of motorcyclists injured or killed in Illinois, accidents occur in urban areas.
Why Are Motorcyclists at Risk of Severe Injuries and Deaths?
Motorcycle accidents are similar to passenger car accidents in that they both occur because of a wide range of factors that usually involve driver or rider negligence. However, a few factors set bikers apart when it comes to the risk of getting into accidents and suffering severe injuries or wrongful death.
Lack of Awareness – Although distracted driving poses a threat to anyone traveling on the roads of Chicago, Algonquin, and the surrounding areas, motorcyclists are particularly at-risk because they are already more difficult to see. Their smaller size means they can disappear into blind spots more easily than larger passenger cars and trucks, they’re tougher to identify at intersections, and their maneuverability allows them to sometimes “appear out of nowhere”, according to some drivers.
Lack of Protection – Motorcycle riders are not protected by enclosed passenger compartments, seatbelts, or airbags. They must rely on motorcycle helmets and protective clothing instead. Since helmets and protective gear are not required for adult riders in Illinois, these safety measures are often disregarded. In 2022, an alarming 54% of riders who died in motorcycle accidents in states that did not have universal helmet laws were not wearing DOT-approved helmets.
Lack of Experience/Training – Most states require motorcyclists to maintain a special motorcycle operating license, which requires extra effort on the part of the biker. Applicants are tested on their knowledge and skill, and it’s common for them not to pass. As such, bikers frequently ride with minimal training and without obtaining the proper license. In 2022, approximately 35% of motorcyclists in fatality accidents were riding without a valid motorcycle license.
Intoxication/Impairment – Alcohol and drugs impair any driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, but operating a motorcycle while under the influence poses a unique set of risks. In addition to slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and poor overall mobility performance, drunk or drugged riders may face balance issues, problems with coordination, and difficulty with operating the throttle or changing gears. In 2022, roughly 28% of motorcyclists who were involved in fatality crashes were impaired.
Common Injuries Involved in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle accident injuries often lead to significant medical expenses, prolonged recovery times, and long-term impacts on a victim’s quality of life. The severity of a biker’s injuries is frequently a key player when deciding whether to file a motorcycle accident claim or lawsuit. The most common injuries involved in motorcycle accident cases in Chicago and Algonquin include:
Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Bone fractures
Severe road rash
Death
When you hire a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney with our law firm, our team will review your medical records and discuss your prognosis with your healthcare providers and other medical experts. This ensures that you receive compensation that aligns with the severity of your injuries and the impact they are expected to have on your life.
After a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps can help protect your health, rights, and any legal claim for damages.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention Move to a safe location if possible and seek medical assistance right away. Even if injuries seem minor, getting a full medical evaluation is crucial. Some types of severe injuries may not be immediately apparent. Failing to treat your injuries could cause them to worsen and even become life-threatening. Additionally, your medical records can be used as evidence in your case.
Call the Police and Report the Accident A police report is a critical piece of evidence. When officers arrive, provide an honest account of the accident, but do not provide more information than is necessary. Obtain a copy of the report for your records. Refrain from making statements that could imply fault, such as apologies. Limit discussions with others at the scene, and stick to factual information when speaking with the police.
Gather Evidence If you’re able, document the accident scene with photos and videos. Include damage to your motorcycle, other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the other driver(s). If you took photos, videos, or recordings with your cellphone, make sure you back them up. Save them in the cloud, to an email, or on a separate drive in case your phone stops working.
Notify Your Insurance Company Report the accident to your insurance provider. Be concise, and avoid providing detailed statements until you have consulted with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago, Algonquin, or the surrounding area. Your attorney can advise you on what to say to the insurance company, or whether you should communicate with their representatives at all. Most injury lawyers will deal with insurers on their client’s behalf to ensure their rights are protected.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago is vital to the success of your injury claim. Your lawyer will help you understand your rights and legal options, and can guide you through the claims process. They will handle negotiations with insurers and their attorneys, work with necessary experts, and make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
“I would definitely recommend this Law firm. They went above and beyond what I ever expected. If I ever need service from a lawyer again, I will be back in touch. I can’t thank them enough for how much they did for me.”
T.F.
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago and Algonquin
How Do I Afford a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Most motorcycle accident lawyers in Chicago and Algonquin work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if they win your case. Under this arrangement, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award, so you won’t face upfront costs. This structure makes legal representation accessible, allowing you to focus on recovery without the burden of legal fees until your case is resolved.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. If your loved one died because of the crash, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death action is two years from the date the victim died. Exceptions may apply, so consulting an attorney as soon as possible is important. Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and allows your attorney adequate time to build a strong case.
How Much Can I Get in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
The compensation available in a motorcycle accident lawsuit varies based on the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage in each case. There is potential for significantly higher awards in cases of permanent disability, severe or catastrophic injuries, or wrongful death.
Who Is At Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?
According to the NHTSA, most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers who fail to notice motorcyclists. In these crashes, which are often due to distracted driving by car and truck drivers, other drivers failing to yield, or people making unsafe lane changes, the driver of the other vehicle will be considered “at fault”. In other cases, road conditions or defective vehicle parts can also contribute to accidents, and government agencies, road construction companies, and vehicle parts manufacturers are at fault. A thorough investigation can identify the at-fault party or parties in your crash.
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Legally Reviewed By Keith & Robert Shindler
Keith & Robert Shindler are partners at the personal injury law firm of Shindler & Shindler, Attorneys at Law. The brothers focus their practice on protecting the rights of injured victims throughout the Chicagoland area. They take pride in handling every case personally, and delivering top-notch legal services to the people of Illinois.
