The devastation that accompanies a motorcycle accident can be life-altering for injured individuals and their families. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we understand the emotional, physical, and financial impact that accidents can have on victims.
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable due to the exposed nature of their bikes. Head-on motorcycle accidents are among the most deadly and dangerous types of crashes. Our experienced Chicago head-on collision motorcycle accident lawyers help injured victims assert their legal rights following a crash.
We provide dedicated, efficient legal representation focused on seeking maximum compensation for our clients so that they can focus on their recovery. We have 75 years of combined experience, and we’re ready to help. Contact us now to learn more about how our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can fight for you.
Why Choose Our Head-On Collision Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Chicago, IL?
Our Chicago personal injury lawyers understand what you’re going through after a crash and are ready to assist with all your legal needs. We adjust our services based on the unique circumstances of each client.
You can rely on us to:
Give You Fast Answers to Legal Questions
You may have many questions throughout the personal injury claim process. We take the time to listen to you so we can give you straightforward answers that allow you to make informed decisions. You can count on us to take the guesswork out of handling your injury claim.
Explain What You Need to Do Throughout the Legal Process
A Chicago head-on collision motorcycle accident attorney can help you get back your peace of mind after a crash by explaining exactly what you should expect as we handle your claim. We’ll explain each step you need to take and help you avoid potentially costly mistakes.
Handle Communication with Insurance Companies and Other Lawyers
We take over all communications involving your charges when you rely on us for assistance. Allowing us to handle communications can protect your claim and keep insurance representatives from trying to push you into accepting a subpar settlement or even taking the blame for the crash.
Work Tirelessly to Resolve Your Claim
We work quickly to secure the funds you need to cover all of your financial losses after a crash. Depending on your circumstances, we may focus on negotiating an insurance settlement or helping you file a lawsuit against the liable party. We’ll review your circumstances and discuss your options when you reach out.
We’re ready to help after a collision in West Chicago, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Oakbrook Terrace, or anywhere else in our area.
Compensation for Your Head-On Motorcycle Crash
You may qualify for funds to cover all of your losses after a collision. Your economic and non-economic damages can include:
Medical Costs
Future costs of expected medical care are particularly important for a damages award, as injured motorcyclists often face future surgeries and ongoing rehabilitation. We believe the liable party should have to cover all of your medical expenses, including the costs for surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
Lost Income
You may receive compensation for lost wages if you miss work due to the severity of your injuries. Some of our clients get additional compensation for their reduced earning potential if the accident leaves them disabled and unable to return to their career.
Pain and Suffering
We understand the non-economic damages you could qualify to receive after your accident. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive funds to pay for your physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
We work with you to determine an accurate value for all of these losses, so we can add them to your claim.
Property Damage
A head-on collision motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago can take steps to bring you funds to cover the cost of repairing your vehicle or other personal property damaged in a crash.
We Know How to Establish Fault for Your Crash
The first step following a head–on motorcycle crash is to establish fault. When a driver fails to meet their duty of care through negligent or reckless conduct, they may be held legally responsible for the resulting harm.
Negligence is the legal term for failing to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances and causing injuries. To prove negligence, therefore, the injured party shows that they were owed a duty of care which the defendant breached, and that this breach directly caused an accident and resulting harm.
We establish fault by thoroughly investigating the facts surrounding your crash. Depending on your circumstances, we may need to:
- Visit the scene of your motorcycle collision
- Take statements from eyewitnesses who saw the crash
- Get a copy of the official police accident report
- Look for surveillance footage of the collision
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists
We’re here and fully prepared to offer the guidance and support you deserve after an accident. Allow us to investigate the crash so we can identify the liable party and move forward with your claim.
Comparative Negligence and Motorcycle Crashes
Note that you can hold a percentage of fault for a motorcycle accident and still seek some compensation due to comparative negligence laws in Illinois. Basically, the legal system will reduce the compensation you qualify to receive based on your percentage of fault.
For example, let’s say you sustained $10,000 in losses in a crash, but were 30% responsible for the accident. In this case, you’ll only qualify to receive $7,000 to cover your losses.
What to Do After a Head-On Crash on a Motorcycle
Head-on motorcycle accidents usually cause catastrophic injuries. You will likely need to focus solely on getting medical care for your immediate healthcare needs after a collision.
However, if possible, we recommend taking several steps after your crash. You should notify the police about the collision to create an official report about what happened and gather evidence.
You should also reach out to a personal injury attorney for immediate legal support and guidance. The faster you get help on your side, the stronger our team can make your legal claim.
Our Firm Can Fight for You After a Fatal Collision
In the tragic event of a wrongful death following a head-on motorcycle crash, the personal representative of the victim’s estate may file a claim for damages. Often, the personal representative is a surviving relative, such as the victim’s spouse or child.
You can get help navigating this legal process with a compassionate Chicago wrongful death lawyer from our team. We know how to handle all of your family’s legal needs, allowing you to focus on caring for your surviving loved ones in this challenging time.
We also understand that filing a lawsuit or taking legal action against the liable party cannot bring back your loved one. However, filing a claim can help you ease the financial pressures on your family while bringing you a sense of closure.
Where Do Head-On Motorcycle Collisions Happen in Chicago?
Head-on accidents involving motorcyclists can happen anywhere in our city. However, we have noted some areas where crashes occur more frequently. Motorcyclists and other drivers should exercise a high level of care around:
Expressways and High-Risk Arterial Roads
Busy roads like Lake Shore Drive, I-90, and I-94 pose major hazards to bikers. Motorists drive at high speeds on these roads and could cause a head-on crash if they enter the road going the wrong direction or make another dangerous mistake.
Other dangerous roads include Western, Cicero, and Ashland avenues. These roads have numerous intersections and stoplights, along with high amounts of traffic, all of which increase the odds of an accident.
Dangerous Intersections
Head-on accidents often happen at intersections when one motorist makes a mistake and drives in front of traffic or mistimes a turn. Some of the most dangerous intersections in our city include:
- Cicero and Chicago Avenue
- Western and North Avenue
- Ashland Avenue and 79th Street
We’re ready to help with your claim regardless of where your accident happened in Chicago. You can contact us now to discuss your next steps and to learn more about how our Chicago head-on collision motorcycle accident attorneys can assist you.
Head-On Motorcycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Our Chicago head-on collision motorcycle accident attorneys can give you fast answers to all of your questions after a crash. For example, we can answer questions like:
Why do Head-On Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
Head-on motorcycle collisions occur when the front of a motorcycle collides with the front of another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. These tragic accidents may be caused by a variety of factors. For example, they may occur when a driver:
- Disobeys traffic laws
- Enters the highway from the wrong direction
- Speeds
- Engages in drunk driving
All drivers, including motorcyclists, have a duty to drive carefully and avoid causing harm to others. Drivers who enter the highway from the wrong direction or cross the center line while texting behind the wheel may be held liable for a collision.
This means that the at-fault driver will be responsible for harm resulting from their conduct. A sensible or prudent driver would maintain control of their vehicle and avoid texting while behind the wheel, for example, as it increases the risk of an accident.
Motorcyclists hurt in a head-on collision have the right to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver for damages resulting from the crash.
Do Injury Victims Have to Prove Fault After a Crash?
Illinois law requires that the injured plaintiff bear the burden of demonstrating fault by a preponderance of the evidence. This standard requires that the injured party put forth facts that persuade the judge or jury that the defendant was at fault for the accident.
If the injured party can show that the at-fault driver more than likely caused the head-on collision, then according to this standard, the judge or jury should return a judgment in their favor.
Our personal injury team can tell you more about establishing fault for your collision.
What are Common Injuries After a Head-On Motorcycle Crash?
Some of the most common injuries associated with motorcycle collisions include:
- Head, face, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Damage to internal organs
Motorcyclists may sustain severe injuries in the initial collision or when thrown away from the crash site at the moment of impact. You need to get immediate care for any injuries you sustain in a crash in order to improve your chances of making a full recovery.
Time Limits On Your Motorcycle Crash Claim in Illinois
Generally, you only get two years to file a legal claim after a motorcycle collision. In some cases, the deadline will vary, so it’s crucial that you reach out to an attorney to discuss how long you can wait to seek compensation from the party responsible for your collision.
How Much Compensation will I Get After My Accident?
The value of your personal injury claim will vary based on the severity of your losses and other factors, like your potential percentage of liability for the crash. We need to carefully review your situation before we can estimate how much compensation you’ll receive from the liable party.
Get Help From Us After a Head-On Crash in Chicago, IL
If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a head-on motorcycle crash, you may pursue a claim for damages against the responsible party. The Chicago head-on collision motorcycle accident attorneys at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can assist with all of your legal needs.
We can work tirelessly to help you get the funds you need to pay for your medical bills, lost income, emotional pain, property damage, and other expenses. Our knowledge of Illinois motorcycle laws allows us to confidently address all of your legal concerns.
You can reach out to our office by phone or through our online form. We’re here and ready to offer the legal advocacy you deserve throughout all stages of the legal process. Our personal injury law firm will focus on your needs and provide dedicated assistance today. Choose Charlie.