Naperville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Naperville Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Riding a motorcycle can be a fun, exciting, and wild way to get around, but the small size and great speed of motorcycles can also make a potential accident severe and overwhelming. Motorcycle accidents have the potential to be devastating in certain situations. A motorcycle rider is barely protected by their wardrobe and helmet if they are wearing one. The vehicle itself provides no protection at all. If you survive a motorcycle accident, you should reach out to a Naperville motorcycle accident lawyer.

Illinois Laws for Motorcycle Accidents

If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to seek damages for many types of losses, including lost wages, medical expenses, property damages, and pain and suffering. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you build a case against the liable party. Then, you can pursue a settlement amount that you both feel is appropriate for what you have had to deal with.

Illinois state law makes it illegal for any driver involved in an accident to flee the scene. If the other driver involved in your accident attempts to leave, you should let the police know. In addition, if you wish to pursue legal action against the party responsible for your accident, you will have two years to do so. The statute of limitations for a personal injury case, including a vehicular accident claim, is two years in Illinois. This means that you will have two years to build a case and pursue damages.

What to Do in a Motorcycle Accident

If you find yourself facing the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it is important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your future accident claim. Otherwise, you could miss out on collecting essential evidence that you will need later. Here are some important steps to ensure that you do not miss anything:

• Keep Yourself Calm: Motorcycle accidents can be terrifying, and your immediate instinct may be to panic if it happens to you. Panicking can only make things worse. It is vital that you calm yourself, take a deep breath, and assess your situation. Look around, and survey the damage done to you, your motorcycle, and the other vehicles involved.
• Check for Injuries: You should immediately check yourself for injuries, as you may have a substantial amount. If you are not properly protected by either a helmet, padded clothing, or both, you may be severely injured. Check for bloody spots, bruising, protrusions, and sprains. If you have a passenger on your bike, check them for injuries as well.
• Call 911: As soon as you are physically able, reach out to the authorities. Having police officers and EMTs on the scene may help calm everything down a bit. Be sure to get checked out by the EMTs as soon as you can, as they may find injuries that you were not aware of. The police will likely write up their own report about the accident, which you can later use for your claim.
• Talk to Law Enforcement: If you are coherent and not seriously injured, the police will likely want to speak with you about the accident. Do not admit fault of any kind, as that can hurt your claim when it comes time to seek damages. Even apologizing to the other driver can be viewed as accepting blame for the accident. Be honest with the police, but try not to admit fault.
• Gather Evidence: If you are not too injured to do so, you can start collecting evidence of the accident to use for your claim. Be sure to take photos of the damage done to your bike and other vehicles, damage to the road, any posted signs, and the other drivers’ contact information. Be sure to speak to any witnesses and get their contact information, too.
• Contact a Lawyer: When you decide to file a claim for damages, you should reach out to an experienced accident lawyer who can help you build an effective case.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

A: The amount that most motorcycle accident settlements are will not help you determine what yours is going to be. Every motorcycle accident case is different, with its own specific set of details and circumstances that are unique to each individual case. Certain factors have to be taken into consideration when deciding on a settlement amount, such as the severity of your injuries, who is mostly at fault for the accident, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills.

Q: What Do I Do If There Is a Motorcycle Accident?

A: If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident, it is vital that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your future claim. To start, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, and assess your situation. Check yourself for injuries, and call 911. Get checked out by EMTs, speak with the police, gather evidence, contact your insurance, and see a doctor. Finally, you should see a lawyer to start building a case.

Q: Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

A: Motorcycle accidents happen for a number of reasons. To start, the vehicle is so small and moves so fast. Other drivers might not even see the motorcycle until it is too late. Road hazards may also prove to be far more dangerous to motorcycles than to cars. While a pothole may only make a car jerk slightly, it could cause a motorcycle to wreck completely. Some riders may not be properly trained or may feel the need to show off.

Q: Are You Legally Required to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Illinois?

A: No, you are not legally required to wear a motorcycle helmet in Illinois. Illinois is one of the few states that does not require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. However, it is highly recommended that you wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, as it can drastically increase the chances that you will survive an accident.

Reach Out to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

A motorcycle accident can be a terrifying ordeal. If you wish to seek compensation for it, you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you build a strong case. At Connolly Injury Law, we can assist you in developing your argument, gathering substantial evidence, and representing your interests throughout your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.