If you were injured in a motorcycle collision caused by another driver, you may have grounds to pursue compensation under Illinois law. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Norridge can review the crash, determine who may be liable, and handle the insurance claim on your behalf.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., has represented injured people since 2002. Our founding partner previously worked on the insurance side with Allstate, giving our firm firsthand insight into how insurers investigate and value accident claims.
If you were hurt while riding, contact us for a free consultation with a Norridge personal injury lawyer.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries Can Require Long-Term Care
Motorcyclists have little protection between themselves and another vehicle or the roadway. As a result, even a collision at a relatively low speed can cause significant injuries.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Neck and back injuries.
- Broken arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Road rash and skin injuries.
- Nerve damage.
- Internal bleeding and organ injuries.
- Shoulder and joint injuries.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Some injuries may require surgery, rehabilitation, or ongoing treatment. We consider both the care you have already received and the medical treatment you may reasonably need in the future.
How We Prove Fault in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
A police report can provide useful information, but it does not always tell the full story. Our Norridge motorcycle accident attorneys look for evidence that shows how the vehicles moved before impact and what each driver was doing.
Depending on the crash, evidence may include:
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage.
- Dashcam recordings.
- Witness statements.
- Photographs from the scene.
- Vehicle and motorcycle damage.
- Cell phone records, when legally obtainable and relevant.
- Electronic vehicle data.
- Police reports and citations.
- Medical records documenting your injuries.
- Accident reconstruction findings when needed.
The evidence can also help resolve disputes over speed, right-of-way, lane position, and whether another driver had enough time to see the motorcycle.
What If the Insurance Company Blames the Rider?
Motorcyclists can face assumptions that they were speeding, riding aggressively, or taking unnecessary risks. An insurer may rely on those assumptions to argue that you caused or contributed to the crash.
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found more than 50% responsible, you generally cannot recover damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, you may still recover, but your compensation is reduced according to your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if you were found 20% at fault, an award would generally be reduced by 20%. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Norridge use the available evidence to respond when an insurer tries to place more responsibility on you than the facts support.
Does Not Wearing a Helmet Prevent You From Filing a Claim?
Illinois does not currently require motorcycle riders to wear protective headgear, and local governments are prohibited from adopting their own motorcycle helmet mandates. Illinois requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear qualifying glasses, goggles, or a transparent shield.
Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent you from bringing an injury claim against a driver who caused a crash. Questions about fault and damages depend on the facts and the injuries involved.
If an insurer tries to use helmet use as a reason to reduce or deny your claim, we can review whether that argument is supported under Illinois law.
Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident
A claim should account for more than the medical bills you have received so far. Serious motorcycle injuries can affect your ability to work, perform daily activities, and live as you did before the collision.
Depending on your injuries, your lawyer may seek compensation for:
- Emergency treatment and hospitalization.
- Surgery and rehabilitation.
- Future medical treatment.
- Lost wages.
- Reduced earning ability.
- Pain and suffering.
- Disability.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Motorcycle and other property damage.
We review your medical records, employment information, treatment recommendations, and other documentation before assessing what compensation should be pursued.
Who Can Be Responsible for a Motorcycle Crash?
The other driver is often the primary responsible party, but some crashes require a broader investigation.
Depending on what happened, a claim may involve:
A Negligent Driver
A motorist may be responsible for speeding, failing to yield, making an unsafe turn, or otherwise violating traffic rules.
A Driver’s Employer
If someone caused the crash while performing work duties, the employer may also be held responsible under Illinois law in certain circumstances.
A Government Entity
Hazardous road conditions can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. Claims involving public roads require close review because special rules and defenses may apply to government entities.
We identify the appropriate defendants based on the evidence rather than assuming only one party was involved.
How Long Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Illinois?
Illinois generally gives an injured person two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Different rules or shorter procedural deadlines can apply in some cases, including claims involving government entities.
Waiting can also make evidence harder to obtain. Surveillance footage may be deleted, vehicles may be repaired, and witnesses can become more difficult to locate.
Our motorcycle injury attorneys in Norridge can determine which deadlines apply and begin preserving available evidence.
Why Choose Charlie
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., is a boutique injury firm that places a strong emphasis on communication. We want you to know what is happening with your case and to reach out to us with any questions.
Our firm offers:
- More than 75 years of combined legal experience.
- More than $100 million recovered for clients.
- Responsive communication throughout your claim.
- Help dealing directly with insurance companies.
- Relationships with medical providers who may accept patients on liens.
- Electronic options for sending forms and communicating with our team.
- Free consultations, including Zoom consultations.
- Contingency-fee representation, with no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
We work with everyday people who may suddenly be facing treatment costs and missed paychecks after an accident. Our job is to handle the legal and insurance issues while keeping you informed about the status of your claim.
Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Norridge During a FREE Case Review
If another driver caused your motorcycle crash, you should not have to rely on that driver’s insurer to tell you what your claim is worth. We can review the collision, identify available insurance coverage, and explain the compensation you may be able to pursue.
Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Norridge.
Choose Charlie when you want a responsive legal team focused on you and your recovery.
