If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Waukegan, you may be worried about medical bills, time away from work, and how to deal with insurance adjusters. You’re not alone in this. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Waukegan can help you build a strong case.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our Waukegan personal injury lawyer will help you learn how Illinois law applies to riders, what steps to take, how fault is decided, and what compensation may be available.
How Long You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Illinois
In Illinois, motorcycle accident claims are controlled by strict filing deadlines known as statutes of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the motorcycle crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you miss this deadline, the court will almost always dismiss your case, no matter how serious your injuries are or how clear the other party’s fault may be.
If a motorcycle accident results in a fatality, Illinois law generally allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Surviving family members often bring these cases, and they can involve different legal and financial considerations, but the deadline is just as firm. Waiting too long can permanently cut off a family’s right to pursue compensation.
Claims against government entities can have shorter deadlines and notice requirements. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Waukegan can help you make sure that you meet the deadline so you are eligible for compensation.
Steps To Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Right after a crash, your actions can shape the claim. Focus on safety, documenting the scene, and avoiding missteps with insurers. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 and request police and medical help.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, skid marks, and your gear.
- Gather names, phone numbers, and insurance details for all drivers and witnesses.
- Seek prompt medical care even if symptoms seem minor.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers before legal guidance.
- Save your helmet, jacket, and damaged parts as evidence.
A Waukegan Police Department report or an Illinois Traffic Crash Report can help demonstrate what happened. If nearby businesses have cameras, footage may support your version of events.
Why You Should Choose Charlie For Your Accident Case in Waukegan
Our team brings 75 years of combined experience and has recovered over $100 million for injured clients across Illinois.
One of our founding partners previously worked on the insurance side, which gives us valuable insight into how insurance companies evaluate claims and where they try to cut corners during negotiations.
We also know that many clients worry about medical bills and access to care after an accident. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you, and we have relationships with medical providers who may accept treatment on a lien.
Damages Available To Injured Riders
Your compensation can reflect both financial losses and the human impact of injuries. In a motorcycle case, injuries often include fractures, road rash, joint damage, and traumatic brain injuries. These can lead to long rehab periods and long-term limitations.
Compensation may include:
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and loss of normal life
- Motorcycle repair or total loss value
- Out-of-pocket expenses tied to the injury
- Scarring or disfigurement damages
We document the full scope of losses with medical opinions, vocational assessments, and repair or total-loss valuations. When future care is likely, we work with your providers to project costs so the claim reflects long-term needs.
Insurance Issues After a Waukegan Motorcycle Collision
Illinois drivers must carry liability insurance, but some drivers carry minimum limits that may not cover serious motorcycle injuries. Your own policy may include MedPay, which can help with immediate medical bills, and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage for shortfalls by the at-fault driver.
Insurers routinely try to minimize payouts by disputing fault or downplaying injuries. Common tactics include quick low offers, broad medical record requests, and premature recorded statements.
Our Waukegan motorcycle accident attorneys handle adjuster communications, gather records, and present a clear damages package so you can focus on recovery.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Waukegan Can Prove Fault
Fault often depends on the duty to keep a proper lookout and yield the right of way. In left-turn collisions, distracted driving, or unsafe lane changes, negligence can be shown through physical evidence and witness accounts.
We build a liability case with items such as:
- Crash reports and supplemental officer notes
- Event data recorder (EDR) downloads from involved vehicles
- Cell phone records where distraction is suspected
- Motorcycle inspection and crash reconstruction analysis
- Medical records linking injuries to the crash forces
Comparative fault arguments are common. An insurer may claim speed or lane position contributed to the crash. We work to counter those claims with objective proof and qualified testimony where needed.
Benefits of Working With a Personal Injury Law Firm
When you work with us, you get a team that handles the legal heavy lifting while you get medical care. We investigate the crash, secure evidence, and open claims with all carriers. If settlement talks stall, we prepare the case for court in Lake County.
Our approach includes:
- Early scene and vehicle inspections
- Fast requests for camera footage before it’s overwritten
- Coordination with your doctors and therapists
- Careful evaluation of current and future losses
- Settlement negotiations anchored by documented proof
- Litigation is used when needed to protect your claim
We keep you updated and explain the next steps in plain language. You’ll always know where your case stands and what to expect.
Speak With Our Waukegan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If a motorcycle crash in Waukegan has disrupted your life, you don’t have to handle the claim process alone. Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. can evaluate liability, gather evidence, and pursue the full damages available under Illinois law.
Contact us through our website to schedule a free case review, and let’s talk about your options and next steps.
