Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Chicago
Accidents on the road involving any vehicle can be serious, but due to the nature of motorcycles and the lack of protection that riders have in comparison to drivers of cars, trucks and buses, an accident involving a motorcycle can result in much more serious injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2015 and 5,286 motorcyclists were killed in 2016. Per 100,000 registered vehicles in 2016, the fatality rate of occupants of motorcycles was more than 6 times higher than passenger cars and 7 times higher than light trucks.
It can be extremely traumatic to experience the devastating consequences of a motorcycle accident firsthand, either due to an accident you’ve been involved in or an accident involving a loved one. If another party was at fault for the accident, then it may be possible to claim compensation to cover pain and suffering and the many financial pressures of recovery after a serious accident.
A compensation claim may also be possible in the event of a fatal motorcycle accident to help you and your family recover after the loss of a loved one. To learn more about receiving deserved compensation after a motorcycle accident, please get in touch with the motorcycle accident attorneys at William S. Wojcik Ltd. and wojciklaw.com.
Wojcik Law: Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Chicago
Motorcycle accidents can be the result of many errors on the road, which are often no fault of the motorcyclist. Other drivers stopping suddenly, speeding, drink driving, and performing incorrect lane changes can all cause motorcyclists to sustain life-altering or life-threatening injuries. In the worst cases, motorcycle accidents are fatal.
At Wojcik Law, we understand just how extensively a motorcycle accident can change your life in the short and long term. Motorcycle accidents can affect your finances, leaving you unable to work and with enormous medical bills. We’re here to reduce the impact of a motorcycle accident and help you to rebuild your life by getting you the compensation you’re entitled to.
We have the comprehensive legal knowledge and decades of experience you need for exceptional legal representation and support during your claim for compensation. Get in touch with us today to evaluate and discuss your claim. The consultation is free of charge.
When Is It Possible to Claim Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident?
In order to be successful in a claim for compensation after a motorcycle accident that caused you an injury, you must be able to prove that another party acted negligently and was responsible for the accident. Examples of driver negligence include driving while using a cell phone and not signaling prior a lane change.
Even if the other party’s negligent actions are not entirely responsible for the accident, it may still be possible to get compensation. By using comparative negligence as a defense, a reduced amount of compensation – based on the plaintiff’s degree of fault – may be awarded.
If you’re looking to pursue a compensation claim for a loved one who was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident, then the process is very similar. In order to get compensation after a wrongful death, you must prove that the other party owed a duty of care, there was a breach of the duty of care, and the breach resulted in the fatality.
You can get more advice about seeking compensation for your accident or pursuing a wrongful death case by contacting William S. Wojcik Ltd., today. We’re on hand to help you understand whether you’re owed compensation and what you need to prove in order to make a successful claim.
How Much Time Do I Have to Claim for Compensation?
There’s a time limit for making a compensation claim after a motorcycle accident in Chicago. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, then you’ll need to act quickly and get in touch with a motorcycle accident attorney in order to begin your claim before the statute of limitations expires.
The sooner you file your claim, the quicker you’ll be able to receive a settlement if another party’s actions are proven to have caused your injuries.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Motorcycle Claim?
There’s no requirement to hire a lawyer to achieve a settlement after an accident. However, many people choose to enlist the help of an attorney in order to improve their chances of getting the highest possible settlement.
Claiming for compensation with the help of a lawyer is often much easier. Attorneys understand the complexities of the laws surrounding compensation claims and can help you to get the full amount owed to you instead of a minimal payment. At William S. Wojcik Ltd., you’ll have support throughout your compensation claim and access to expert advice when you need it.
What Kind of Compensation Is Awarded in Motorcycle Accident Cases?
The amount of compensation awarded after motorcycle accidents can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injuries sustained. Many common motorcycle accident injuries – such as head injuries, muscle damage, and leg injuries – are very severe, which the compensation awarded will reflect.
Some examples of what compensation can be awarded for, include:
Pain and suffering
Lost past and future income
Past and future medical expenses
Vehicle repair expenses
Disability and disfigurement
Punitive damages
Loss of companionship
Funeral Expenses
If you would like to discuss the compensation you could be awarded for your injuries or in a wrongful death case, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by phone or through our website at Wojciklaw.com.
Motorcycle Accident Settlement Cases
Over the years, Wojcik Law has represented many victims of motorcycle accidents, auto accidents and trucking accidents. Below, you can read three of our previous cases and see how we have helped our clients receive the compensation they were entitled to after an accident on the road:
3.4 Million Dollar Auto and Car Accident Verdict
Female auto passenger who suffered a cardiac tamponade when struck by alleged drunk driver who crossed center line of traffic. Plaintiff returned to full-time work 3-1/2 months after accident. The jury's verdict included $3.25 million dollars in compensatory damages, $50,000 to plaintiff's husband (who did not appear at trial) for loss of consortium, and $100,000 in punitive damages.
3.37 Million Dollar Semi Tractor-Trailer Settlement
Deft tractor-trailer driver made a left turn from northbound Archer into the Dolphin Cartage truckyard near Knox. Defendant driving a Pontiac in rainy conditions, struck the rear tandem wheels of the trailer, causing F-16 backseat passenger to sustain torn descending aorta requiring a Hemishield graft, epidural hematoma, closed head injury causing ongoing headaches, and traumatic Bell's Palsy which resolved.
$950,000 Auto & Car Accident Settlement
42 year old woman injured in 3 car accident near 40th and Western in Chicago, IL. Defendants disputed liability, and the nature and extent of plaintiff's injuries.
$515,000 Auto & Car Accident Settlement
Deft Durley, waived on by stopped drivers in two of three lanes of traffic on southbound Cicero, made left turn onto westbound 78th St. Deft Talvera, driving a Custom Staffing Inc. (CSI) club wagon van (15-seats), switched to the open lane to bypass traffic and swerved onto 78th St. when he saw Durley, and broadsided plaintiff's vehicle as they waited at a stop sign. F-51 sustained C6-C7 herniations with fusion ($53,000 medical, $26,000 LT as computer tech for IRS) and M-5I had two broken ribs ($7,000 medical. expense). Plaintiff brought willful and wanton entrustment count against CSI based on Talvera's poor driving record and alleged illegal alien status. Joint settlement paid $40,000 by Affirmative for Durley and $475,000 by Progressive for CSI.
$200,000 Personal Injury - Motor Vehicle Settlement
$200,000 settlement on May 21, 2014 one deft struck another deft who struck plaintiff M-32 at the intersection of 179th Street and Oak Park Avenue (Tinley Park). Plaintiff suffered aggravation of pre-existing shoulder injury, for which he underwent capsular release and debridement surgery ($41,000 medical expenses). Paid by State Farm: $100,000 for Driver No. 1, $50,000 and $50,000 for Driver No 2 UIM – all policy limits.
Get in touch with William S. Wojcik Ltd. if you would like to learn more about our previous settlement cases and how our expert motorcycle accident attorneys in Chicago can help you.
Can Wojcik Law Still Help Me If I Can’t Afford to Hire an Attorney?
Absolutely! Motorcycle accidents can be stressful enough without having to worry about paying upfront for a lawyer in Chicago.
We understand how motorcycle accidents can affect your finances, and that it may not always be possible to pay for a lawyer after covering medical expenses. Wojcik Law will work on a contingency basis, so there won’t be any fee unless we win your case and you’re awarded the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact Wojcik Law for Expert Legal Advice
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Illinois that was the fault of another party, or you wish to claim compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one, then Wojcik Law are here to help you every step of the way.
As one of the top lawyers in Chicago, and with almost four decades of experience to bring to your case, Wojcik Law are the best choice to fight your corner! Contact us today so we can discuss your case in detail at a free injury consultation.