Motorcycle accidents often cause extensive injury to motorcyclists and damage to their bikes. If you find yourself facing weeks of recovery and limited income as a result of a collision, you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Arlington Heights who knows how to secure the compensation you need to alleviate your losses.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. is a trustworthy, professional, and compassionate law firm that applies our knowledge of the law to get justice for our clients who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents.
Our full-service team is by your side from beginning to end as we provide unwavering support and representation. An Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer advocates for you when you feel overwhelmed by the legal process.
Common Injuries and Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are exposed to the elements and the full force of an impact with a car. As a result, they often sustain severe injuries, with some even resulting in fatalities.
Aside from their helmet, they have little to protect themselves, so they are particularly vulnerable to harm that could have lasting effects. There are 4 types of motorcycle injuries that occur most often in these types of accidents.
Head injuries are the most common since motorcyclists may hit their head against the other vehicle or ground upon impact or falling from the bike.
Motorcyclists may also suffer varying degrees of road rash as they slide across the road. Additionally, broken bones and soft tissue injuries are also particularly common in motorcycle accidents and can create unique challenges even after the injury has healed.
These accidents are typically caused when another driver is negligent. Whether they fail to take the proper steps to check their blind spots as they change lanes or speed through traffic, careless motorists can put motorcyclists at risk of injury or death. Both types of drivers should remain alert and cautious at all times.
Motorcycles Are Vulnerable to Accidents and Fatalities
While motorcycles can be exhilarating, they can also be highly dangerous. With so little protection, motorcyclists are at a disadvantage in a collision.
Unfortunately, these types of accidents can lead to a large number of fatalities. In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on motorcycle safety, they report that there were 6,335 motorcyclist fatalities in the most recent year of data alone.
It is crucial for motorcyclists to be aware of their surroundings and drive cautiously. Because of the lack of outer vehicle protection, motorcyclists should wear sturdy shoes, leather or thick materials, and should follow best practices for helmet use by motorcyclists. Regular bike maintenance and abstaining from lane splitting or alcohol or drugs when riding can help reduce the risk of harm.
Motorists should also be extra careful in traffic since motorcycles are smaller and not always visible right away. Checking mirrors and listening for the sounds of a motorcycle are just a couple of the ways that motorists can do their part to protect vulnerable road users.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Arlington Heights
After a motorcycle accident, your safety is a top priority. Given the potential for severe harm, your first action after an accident should be to call 911 and ensure your safety.
A medical professional can examine and treat you to make sure that no injuries get missed, especially internal or traumatic brain injuries. Swift action can considerably improve your overall prognosis.
There are also other steps you should take after an accident to the best of your ability. Be sure to file a police report to document the accident, injuries, and any other applicable factors.
Exchange insurance and contact information with the other party so you will be able to file your claim. You should also take photos and get statements from available witnesses, so you have evidence to support your claim.
Before filing your claim, you should consult and hire a motorcycle accident attorney in Arlington Heights. They can prepare you for what to expect, discuss your options, and explain how much you may be able to recover.
Your lawyer also knows how to handle insurance companies that try to avoid paying you, and skillfully negotiates a fair settlement that will help you rebuild your life.
An Arlington Heights Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Establishes Liability and Recovers Your Losses After an Accident in Arlington Heights
When drivers are negligent, they can be held liable for the harm they cause in an accident. During a case, a lawyer will demonstrate that the driver disregarded their duty of care and acted recklessly or negligently.
Your lawyer will go on to show that your losses were the direct result of these actions. As such, the at-fault party must pay for your damages, which may include:
- A wide variety of medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Property damage
- End-of-life, funeral, and burial costs, as applicable
- Emotional anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship/consortium
- PTSD, depression, anxiety
- Lost quality of life
Talk to a lawyer after your accident to determine the extent of your losses, how much your case is worth overall, and your resulting options. A lawyer will consider your current and future expenses, as well as other factors, when calculating the value of your case.
They will also negotiate with insurance companies or opposing parties for you so you can recover as much compensation as possible in your case.
Important Factors That Can Impact Your Case Value
Two factors that can have a significant bearing on the outcome of your case are the statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202) and shared fault (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) laws.
The former allows you two years to file a claim before being barred from further legal action. The latter allows you to recover reduced damages in certain instances if you shared fault for the crash. Act swiftly and seek legal help for a favorable outcome.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Provides Compassionate Support and Representation After a Motorcycle Accident
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. protects your rights after a motorcycle accident by communicating with the insurance company and other parties so you don’t jeopardize the outcome of your case.
We also take the stress out of the legal process by handling the logistics of the case for you. To get started, schedule a free consultation today with an Arlington Heights motorcycle accident attorney from our team.
