Aurora Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Aurora Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Few events in life can be as physically and mentally devastating as a motorcycle accident. Due to the small size of the vehicle and the speed that motorcycles tend to drive at before an accident, the potential for an accident is considerable. Motorcycle riders often have little to no protection while on the vehicle, apart from padded clothing and a helmet if they decide to wear one. If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident, you should contact an Aurora, IL, motorcycle accident lawyer.

How to Protect Your Claim in a Motorcycle Accident

If you manage to survive the potential devastation of a motorcycle accident, you may be able to pursue legal action for compensatory damages from the party deemed liable for your incident. You could potentially seek compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and even emotional distress. An experienced lawyer can help you effectively navigate your case and maximize your potential settlement payout.

Thanks to Illinois state law, it is illegal for any vehicle involved in a bad vehicular accident to flee the scene. If your accident involves another driver and they try to flee, be sure to mention this to the police. If you do decide to pursue legal action against the liable party, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Illinois is two years. This means that you will have two years to develop a case, gather evidence, speak to an attorney, and file a claim for damages.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming and disorienting. You may not know what to do. Above all, you have to take the proper steps to protect your own interests. That can mean knowing how to handle the fallout of your accident. Here are some important ways to protect yourself:

• Stay Calm: Motorcycle accidents are shocking and violent. You are going to feel overwhelmed and likely scared. You may feel the urge to panic. Try your hardest not to panic, as that can only serve to make your situation worse. It may be hard but try to keep yourself calm. Take some deep breaths, analyze your situation, and survey the damage.
• Look for Injuries: Depending on the nature of your accident, you may have suffered severe injuries. Be sure to check yourself and your passenger, if you have one, for injuries. Look for bloody wet spots, bruises, protrusions, and any possible sprains. If you are seriously injured, do not try to move yourself. Wait for EMTs.
• Call 911: You need to call 911 as soon as you are able. If you are too injured to do so, have someone else at the scene call 911 for you. The sooner you can get police officers and EMTs to the scene, the easier it may be to keep the situation under control. Be sure to get checked out by EMTs when they arrive.
• Move Your Motorcycle: If you are not seriously injured, you may want to move your motorcycle to the side of the road. The last thing you want is to inadvertently cause another accident because your vehicle was in the path of oncoming traffic. So long as the police give you the all-clear and the motorcycle is not too damaged, feel free to move it to the side.
• Speak With the Police: The police are going to write up their own report of the accident for their own records. You can use this report for your claim later. When speaking to the police, do not admit any degree of fault for the accident. Even if you are fully aware that it was your fault, do not say that. Admission of fault can hurt your claim later on.
• Gather Evidence: You should start documenting the scene of the accident for your own records. Anything you get can be used in your claim. Take plenty of photos of the scene, including the damage done to your motorcycle and other vehicles, the conditions of the road, any posted signs, and the other driver’s contact information. Be sure to speak to any witnesses and get their contact information, too.
• See a Lawyer: When you decide that you are ready to pursue legal action, you should speak with an experienced lawyer. They can help you build your case into its strongest form and give you advice on how to proceed.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois?

A: Generally, the most common cause of motorcycle accidents in Illinois is other drivers. Motorcycles tend to move quickly through traffic and often find themselves in other drivers’ blind spots. It can take other drivers a minute before noticing the motorcyclist; by then, it could be too late to do anything about it. Distracted drivers may hit motorcyclists by accident simply because they weren’t paying attention.

Q: What Do I Do If I Am Accused of an Accident That I Did Not Cause?

A: If you are blamed for a motorcycle accident that you did not cause, the very first thing you should do is retain the services of an experienced motorcycle lawyer, who can help you fight the charge against you. A good lawyer can help you figure out a path forward for your case, and that includes challenging any accusations made against you.

Q: Who Compensates Me for My Medical Expenses?

A: In the event of a motorcycle accident, the party who is found to be liable by the court will be responsible for fully reimbursing you for damages. This can include your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and property damages. The amount you receive will depend on the severity of your case.

Q: Can I Make a Legal Claim for a Defective Motorcycle?

A: Yes, you can make a legal claim for a defective motorcycle. If it is determined that a mechanical problem with your motorcycle was the cause of your accident, you can pursue legal action against the manufacturer with the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer. Be sure to preserve the evidence.

Contact Our Aurora Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Now!

At Connolly Injury Law, we can help you build your case, gather the right evidence that supports your claim, and ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.