Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a huge issue in every state across the country. Due to hazy vision, slower reaction times, and overall impaired judgment, drunk drivers pose a risk to everyone else on the road, and especially to motorcyclists, who do not have any protection.
If you were hit by a drunk driver while riding your motorcycle, our drunk driving motorcycle accident lawyers in Chicago are here to help. We are steadfast in our commitment to getting victims the compensation and justice that they deserve after drunk driving motorcycle accidents.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we’ve been fighting for clients for 24 years. We offer free consultations to motorcycle accident victims. Choose Charlie and get partnered with the right Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer today.
Why Choose Charlie After a Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident?
After an accident, it matters who you choose to lead your claim. The right personal injury attorney after a DUI motorcycle crash can make the difference between an insurance claim that barely covers your medical bills and one that truly reflects the full scope of your losses.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we bring the experience and personal commitment that injured riders need on their side. Here’s why motorcycle accident victims turn to us:
- Over $100 million recovered: Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have secured real results and settlement offers for injured clients across Illinois.
- 75 years of combined experience: We have extensive experience in handling serious personal injury claims.
- Founded in 2002: Our personal injury lawyers have a deep understanding of Illinois law and DUI regulations.
- No win, no fee: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and owe us nothing unless we win your case.
- Client-oriented service: We treat every motorcycle accident client like family, keeping you informed and supported at every step.
What Damages Can You Recover After a DUI Motorcycle Crash?
As the victim of a drunk driving motorcycle accident, you have the right to pursue full and fair compensation for everything the crash has cost you.
Illinois law allows injured motorcyclists to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek a wide range of damages from the at-fault drunk driver. Below is a breakdown of what you may be entitled to recover.
Medical Expenses
From emergency room visits and surgeries to physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation, your medical expenses can add up quickly after a serious motorcycle accident.
You can seek compensation for all past, current, and reasonably anticipated future medical bills directly related to your injuries with a drunk driving motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago.
Proper documentation of your medical records is critical to building a strong case, and our team will help you gather and organize everything needed to support your motorcycle accident claim.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injuries forced you to miss work, you can recover the lost income you were unable to earn during your recovery. If your injuries are severe enough to limit your ability to work in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Illinois law recognizes both current and future income losses as recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the physical injuries, a drunk driving crash can leave lasting emotional and psychological damage. Pain and suffering damages account for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life you have experienced as a result of the accident.
Pain and suffering damages often represent one of the most significant components of a motorcycle accident claim, and our attorneys know how to present these damages compellingly.
Property Damage
A motorcycle accident with an impaired driver can total your bike and destroy your gear. You are entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Punitive Damages
Because drunk driving is a reckless and willful disregard for the safety of others, Illinois courts may award punitive damages in DUI accident cases. These damages go beyond compensating you for your losses and are designed to punish the at-fault drunk driver and deter similar conduct in the future.
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in a drunk driving motorcycle accident, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Recoverable damages can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
What are Common Injuries in Impaired Driving Motorcycle Accidents?
Drunk drivers often fail to brake, swerve, or react in time, meaning motorcyclists absorb the full force of a high-speed collision. The injuries that result are frequently severe, permanent, and life-changing.
Victims are often left facing extensive medical treatment, mounting medical bills, and a long road to recovery. Our firm has recovered over $100 million for personal injury clients who suffered injuries just like these, and we know exactly what it takes to build a case that reflects the true cost of your suffering.
Our motorcycle accident team can work closely with your medical care providers, review your medical records thoroughly, and pursue every available avenue of compensation on your behalf for injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, the violent impact of a crash can cause concussions, skull fractures, and long-term cognitive damage requiring ongoing medical treatment
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, permanently altering every aspect of a victim’s life and generating significant medical expenses
- Road rash: When a rider is thrown from their bike, severe skin abrasions can cause deep tissue damage, scarring, and serious infection that demands immediate medical care
- Broken bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are among the most common injuries in motorcycle crashes and often require surgery and extended rehabilitation
- Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, causing life-threatening bleeding that may not be immediately apparent in medical records following the crash
- Facial and dental injuries: Impact with the road or another vehicle can cause severe facial fractures, eye injuries, and permanent disfigurement
- Soft tissue injuries: Torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles can cause chronic pain and long-term mobility issues that affect your ability to work and earn lost wages
Understanding Illinois DUI Laws
Every driver has a responsibility to drive in a cautious and sensible manner in order not to jeopardize the safety of other people on the road.
Under Illinois law and the legal system, a person can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) when they operate an automobile with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or greater.
Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol may face criminal charges as well as civil lawsuits brought by victims of an accident. If you have any questions about personal injury laws, don’t wait to call a motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm today.
Get a Free Case Consultation With a Chicago Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident Attorney
A drunk driving motorcycle accident can upend your life in an instant, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Filing a personal injury lawsuit and facing an insurance claim after a DUI crash is challenging, but the right accident lawyer can make all the difference.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., has been standing up for injured Chicagoans since 2002, with 75 years of combined experience and over $100 million recovered for our clients. Partner with our drunk driving motorcycle accident lawyers in Chicago now.
Contact us today for a free consultation. To learn more about your rights and the motorcycle accident claims process, you can visit our FAQ page. Choose Charlie, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
