Motorcycles are a popular method of transportation, but there are risks involved. You do not have much protection from injuries, and you could easily be thrown off the bike from even the smallest crash with a larger vehicle.
Many motorists are held responsible for injuring motorcyclists because they are careless or not aware that a motorcycle is in their path. Motorcyclists usually sustain extreme injuries when a motorist slams into them because the bike offers far fewer protections than cars or trucks. If you have been injured on the road, a Waukegan motorcycle accident lawyer can discuss your legal options – we can speak with you in either Spanish or English.
There are thousands of motorcycle crashes nationwide every year, which can sometimes lead to fatalities. Those who survive usually suffer catastrophic injuries that include:
Motorists responsible for these accidents might be legally obligated to compensate injured motorcyclists for their physical, financial, and emotional losses. Motorcycle crash attorneys are committed to winning big for their clients in Waukegan. Money becomes extremely important when injured people cannot work, pay their bills, and provide for their family.
Negligence occurs when one party, such as a truck driver, has a duty to drive safely to protect others sharing the road. If they breach that duty and act in a way an unreasonable person would act, and these actions (or inactions) cause a motorcyclist to be injured, a lawyer could establish negligence for that person. A Waukegan motorcycle accident attorney could explain what compensation might be available in that situation.
Personal injury cases must be filed within a timeframe that Illinois law requires. This is to prevent the possibility of evidence or witness memories fading over time. Illinois Compiled Statutes, Section 735 ILCS 5/13-202 imposes a statute of limitations in motorcycle injury cases to two years from the date of the accident.
Some exceptions apply, especially if criminal charges are involved for intentional acts like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When escrow accounts are established in the defendant’s name under the Criminal Victims’ Escrow Account Act, plaintiffs also have two years from the time the account is established to file suit. Other exceptions include situations where the defendant is a government employee on the job or is incarcerated.
These laws are unforgiving, and missing a filing deadline usually bars a claim forever. A motorcycle crash attorney in Waukegan could keep track of any deadlines to prevent the claim from being dismissed.
Although lawyers do initially negotiate with insurance companies, it is important to be aware that they put shareholder profits over an innocent person’s medical bills. If a lawyer can convince them that litigating is far more costly, it is possible to reach a settlement that accounts for most or all of a plaintiff’s losses. If a trial is necessary, a jury will determine fault and how much damages to award.
Most motorcyclists are safety-oriented and know what to do to avoid a collision. However, other motorists may not be as cautious, and incidents happen nearly every day.
If it happens to you, the Law Office of Jonathan Schlack can fight for the compensation you need to pay medical bills, replace your wages while recuperating, and ease the emotional trauma you and your family are experiencing. Call us now to schedule a free consultation and speak with a Waukegan motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
