Motorcycle crashes are all too common in Joliet, Illinois. In Will County alone, in 2022, 160 motorcycles were involved in motor vehicle crashes, resulting in 118 people injured and 13 killed [1].
To Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, you and your loved ones are more than just a statistic. We can help you build a case against the at-fault party in your motorcycle accident to recover compensation for any damages suffered.
A Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm will give you a free consultation to discuss the merits of your case. From there, we will help you choose a path forward to file your claim and obtain fair compensation if someone else’s negligence led to your serious injuries.
Although the emotional and physical recovery journey may be long and arduous, your finances can get back on track with full compensation for damages with a successful injury claim.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Joliet
Following the proper steps after a motorcycle accident is important if you want to prioritize your health and your financial future. Victims must understand how to proceed in the immediate aftermath to produce the best possible outcome, even after a tragic event.
Call Emergency Authorities
Your top priority is to take care of yourself. You may have minor or severe injuries, which is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
You must also report the collision to the police, so contacting emergency services immediately is the first step. Once you receive medical treatment and report the incident to the authorities, you can then move on to the next step.
Gather Evidence
If you plan to file a personal injury claim or even an insurance claim after the accident, then you need to start collecting evidence immediately. Evidence can include images of the accident scene, eyewitness accounts, police reports, medical bills from your treatment, pay stubs, and other empirical data.
To obtain the official police report of your Joliet accident, you can file a FOIA request. The more information you have about the other drivers involved, the more likely you will be able to prove liability in any motorcycle accident claims.
Contact a Joliet Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Even if you gather plenty of evidence yourself, your best chance of winning a personal injury claim is with the help of our team of attorneys.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers specialize in motorcycle accidents, so you are in good hands when you work with one of our legal professionals. Our goal is to build a strong case, assess damages, and win fair compensation to help you financially recover after a motorcycle accident.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Joliet, Illinois
Motorcycle accidents happen for several reasons. As a rider in Joliet, IL, it is important to understand these common causes so you can protect yourself while on the road. Since motorcycle crashes can lead to serious injuries, extreme caution is needed to avoid the following types of scenarios.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Driver negligence, road conditions, and defective products can cause motorcycle accidents, but the range of injuries will vary. You may only suffer some minor cuts and bruises, but it is also possible for a victim to die from the crash.
If your loved one has passed away from a motorcycle accident, you may have a wrongful death case you can pursue with the help of our Joliet wrongful death lawyers.
Possible injuries in a motorcycle wreck include:
- Lacerations
- Bruises
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Death
There’s Limited Time to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Filing your claim as soon as possible is important for several reasons.
First, there is a statute of limitations in the state of Illinois for personal injury cases. Victims or surviving family members have two years from the date of the incident or death to file their claims against the responsible parties, so there is a legal reason to do so quickly.
Additionally, to give your motorcycle accident lawyer the best chance of building a strong case, pursuing a lawsuit shortly after the incident is your best hope for success. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to collect evidence for your claim.
Liability in Motorcycle Crash Cases
Determining who is liable for your motorcycle accident is an important step in the claims process. Multiple parties could be responsible, and knowing who is at fault will help you build your case.
Some examples of liable parties in motorcycle crashes include other drivers, trucking companies, local governments, vehicle manufacturers, and even body shops. Talk with your Joliet personal injury attorneys to figure out who may be liable in your case.
Negligence in a Motorcycle Accident Case
Negligence is the primary factor in a motorcycle accident claim. With the help of your Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer, you must be able to prove that someone behaved negligently and directly caused the accident as a result.
Under Illinois law, comparative negligence will factor into your settlement package. This means you must be less than 50% responsible for the incident in order to obtain compensation.
The primary tenets of negligence include:
- Duty of care – The at-fault person had a certain level of responsibility to keep you safe
- Breach of duty – That person failed to uphold the expected duty of care
- Causation – Their actions or inaction resulted in the incident in which you were injured
- Damages – You suffered from legal damages because of the incident
How a Joliet Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim
There are many reasons why you should call Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to help you with your motorcycle accident case. First, our team will provide a free initial consultation so you can understand the claims process and make an informed decision about your legal options.
Second, our personal injury firm will work to gather evidence on your behalf and strengthen your case. We will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your settlement. Although most cases settle out of court, if a trial is necessary, then our team will represent you.
How Much Is Your Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
It is tough to predict what level of financial compensation you can recover after a motorcycle accident. This is because there are so many factors that affect the calculation. What percentage of the collision was your fault? What damages were suffered as a result? Does the evidence support your claim? Are there ongoing damages or expected future costs?
Our personal injury law firm has a strong history of winning cases for motorcycle crash victims. Here are a few examples to give you a sense of how we can help.
- $5,250,000 for a motorcyclist hit by an older driver
- $1,250,000 for a passenger injured in a motorcycle accident because of an abrupt stop
- $3.500,000 for a motorcyclist hit by a left-turning vehicle
Damages Our Joliet Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover
The amount of financial compensation you might receive in a motorcycle accident settlement comes down to the damages suffered. Two types of damages might play a role in your claim: economic damages and non-economic damages. Here are a few examples of each:
Economic
- Medical bills
- Cost of future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Funeral or burial costs
Non-economic
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Consistent physical pain
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
How Much Does a Joliet Motorcycle Accident Attorney Cost?
The personal injury attorneys at our firm work on a contingency fee basis. We understand you may be facing financial hardship from lost wages or high medical bills, and the last thing you should worry about is legal fees.
With a contingency fee, we only get paid if we win your case. Once a settlement is reached, our fee is deducted from your compensation package first. This means you don’t have to worry about spending any upfront fees to pursue your legal options. Plus, it incentivizes our attorneys to work as hard as possible for every client.
Contact a Joliet Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!
Facing high medical expenses, a long physical recovery, and the emotional trauma of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. The last thing you may want to think about is a legal proceeding. However, with the help of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, your financial future can be secure after suffering from legal damages because of your injuries. We will guide you through your personal injury case to ensure you hold the responsible party accountable and receive full and fair compensation.
To get your free consultation and learn more about filing a claim, call our law office at 888-424-5757 or fill out our contact form.
Resources: [1] IDOT