Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Chicago, Illinois
All motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle accidents, have a legal process in place and requirements to follow.
This includes everything you might need for medical expenses, lost wages, or the possibility of a personal injury claim. If property or bodily damage was incurred, it pays to be aware of comparative negligence too.
Having an Illinois motorcycle accident attorney can save you time and some paperwork, but you can’t just walk in blind. A Chicago motorcycle accident attorney from Wojcik Law explains the step-by-step process of what to do after a motorcycle accident in Illinois below.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Illinois
Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Absent compliance to Illinois law and you’re looking at criminal charges and costly fines.
Before rushing to hire a motorcycle injury attorney, taking the right steps immediately after an accident can protect your health and legal rights as soon as a motorcycle accident occurs.
Don’t Flee the Motorcycle Accident Scene in the State of Illinois
Wait for the police to arrive: Fleeing the scene is a criminal misdemeanor. If someone is injured, it’s a criminal felony.
Move to the side of the street: This is to prevent traffic obstructions
Seek Medical Attention Following a Motorcycle Accident
Even if it’s a minor crash, providing immediate medical aid is always a top priority.
Immediate Evaluation: Even if injuries seem minor, it's essential to get checked by a medical professional to identify any hidden issues.
Document Injuries: Medical records serve as crucial motorcycle accident evidence if legal action becomes necessary.
Call 911: All motorcycle crashes should warrant calling emergency medical aid. Broken bones, injuries, or fatal injuries like head/brain trauma should all be reported and taken into account.
Note: Head injuries are one of the most common fatalities in motorcycle crashes
Document the Accident: Collect Evidence for Your Case
Documenting motor vehicle accidents is required not just for the police but for several matters like motorcycle investigations, insurance settlement negotiations, legal information for your Illinois motorcycle accident attorney, and so on.
In the event a lawsuit is filed against you, documented information is also crucial for the motorcycle accident lawsuit process.
Here’s a list of key information to gather after a motorcycle accident in Chicago, Illinois:
Photographs: Capture images of the scene, vehicle positions, road conditions, and any visible injuries. All of this will provide key information for the motorcycle accident investigation process.
Contact information & vehicle registration details: Gather any contact details necessary such as complete name/s, vehicle registration numbers, insurance details, addresses, license plate numbers, and who the vehicle is registered to. Witness information is also important.
Personal Notes: Write down all recollection of events while they're fresh in your mind.
Important: If a bystander or anyone is seriously injured due to the crash, you can obtain information after medical attention and evaluation has been provided to the injured person.
Report the Motorcycle Crash: Filing a Police Report
Motorcyle crash reports must be submitted if it meets the following conditions:
If the crash caused a death
If there is any person who was injured
A total property damage of $1,500
The Illinois statute (625 ILCS 5/11-408) states that crash reports must be submitted within 10 days after investigation of the motor vehicle accident.
Legal Requirement: In Illinois, accidents involving injury or significant property damage must be reported to the police.
Accurate Reporting: Ensure all details are correctly recorded, as police reports are vital in insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Contact a Motorcycle Injury Attorney: Why Legal Representation Matters
Navigating Legal Complexities: An experienced Chicago motorcycle accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring all paperwork is correctly filed, deadlines are met to prevent additional charges, and to ensure all information details filed are accurate.
Maximizing Compensation: Your lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies to seek fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, it’s always important to discuss compensation and fees associated with the accident.
Here’s a general overview of what you may be entitled to:
Medical Expenses: Coverage for Current and Future Medical Bills
Immediate Costs: Emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital treatment.
Ongoing Care: Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical needs related to the accident.
Lost Wages: Compensation for Time Off Work
Current Income Loss: Wages lost during recovery.
Future Earnings: If injuries lead to long-term disability, affecting your ability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Non-Economic Damages
Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the accident.
Property Damage: Repair or Replacement of Your Motorcycle
Damage assessment: Evaluating repair costs or the market value if the motorcycle is totaled.
Personal Property: Compensation for gear or personal items damaged in the accident.
How an Illinois Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
If you are injured or are a victim of a driver’s negligence, an Illinois motorcycle accident attorney from Wojcik Law Firm in Chicago can help.
Here are a few ways we carry this out:
Investigating the Accident: Gathering Key Evidence
Accident Reconstruction: Work with experts to recreate the scene, providing a clearer picture of what happened.
Collecting Surveillance Footage: Nearby cameras might have captured the incident, offering unbiased accounts.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Maximizing Compensation
In some cases, insurance companies will try to deny and limit claims, especially when substantial costs are involved. Other tactics you may or may not be aware of include the following:
Undervalue your case: Worse, some insurance companies deny your claim without proper reason. Even if the claim is valid, there may be delays due to unnecessary requests for paperwork.
Unfair settlements: It’s not uncommon to be in a state of vulnerability and high stress after an accident. Some insurance companies pressure you into signing an unfair settlement agreement, taking advantage of your vulnerability or lack of legal knowledge.
How a State of Illinois motorcycle accident attorney from Wojcik Law can help:
Handle Communications: Attorneys manage all interactions with insurers, preventing you from making statements that could harm your claim.
Evaluate Settlement Offers: Assess whether offers are fair and advocate for amounts that truly reflect your losses.
Filing a Lawsuit: When Litigation Is Necessary
Preparing Legal Documents: Ensuring all filings are accurate and timely.
Representing You in Court: Presenting a compelling case to judge and jury if a fair settlement isn't reached.
Proving Negligence: Establishing Fault in Your Case
Demonstrating Duty of Care: Showing the other party had a responsibility to act safely.
Breaching Duty: Providing evidence that this responsibility was not upheld.
Causation and Damages: Linking the breach directly to the accident and your injuries.
FAQs About Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois
How to file a motorcycle accident claim in Illinois?
First, always seek medical attention. Then, gather all evidence and any supporting information to document the accident. From here, report it to your insurance provider. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you file a strong claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Who is the best motorcycle accident attorney in Illinois?
The best attorney for your case is one with experience handling motorcycle accidents, a strong track record of winning settlements, and positive client reviews. Wojcik Law Firm is a top choice for motorcyclists in Illinois.
What legal help is available after a motorcycle crash?
The best legal help you can get is through personal injury law firms that specialize in accident claims. Attorneys assist with insurance negotiations, evidence collection, and court representation if necessary.
Can I get a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Illinois?
Yes, there are a number of Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys who offer free consultations to discuss your case and potential compensation. At Wojcik Law Firm in Chicago, we offer a free case evaluation.
Book a Free Consultation With An Experienced Wojcik Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, you don’t have to go through the aftermath alone.
Recovering from a motorcycle accident carries enough stress. The last thing you need is added pressure and aggravation on complex settlements and paperwork.
Working with a Wojcik motorcycle accident attorney can relieve you of the pressure and workload needed to get your life back in order.
For a free case evaluation or consultation, you can visit our website at Wojciklaw.com or call 708-315-6376 if you need immediate help.