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Experienced Motorcycle Accident, Injury, and Fatality Attorneys in Chicago, Illinois

This makes it a challenging place for motorists of all types—especially riders. Motorcycles offer less protection than cars, leaving riders vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of a crash.

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, it can dramatically change your life in seconds. You likely sustained injuries in the wreck. If your injuries are severe, which is also likely, you may now be struggling to pay costly medical bills for treatment.

Serious injuries can make it difficult or even impossible to work and earn a living. They can also lead to invisible challenges, like emotional distress and ongoing physical pain. If you’re going through this, know that you’re not alone.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), motorcycles account for a small percentage of vehicles on the road but are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal accidents. Last year, throughout

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Cook County or elsewhere in Illinois, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. At Wallace Miller, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Chicago are here to guide you through this challenging time and help you explore your legal options.

Our compassionate legal professionals understand that adjusting to life after a motorcycle wreck can be a significant challenge. We want to help by reviewing your case to determine your potential legal options. Call 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online.

What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Chicago, Illinois?

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently released

According to the researchers, factors that often contribute to or cause motorcycle crashes in Chicago, Illinois, and nationwide include:

Road design issues.
Lack of roadway maintenance.
Distracted driving.
Improper lane choice.
Speeding.
General lack of driving skills.
Unfamiliarity with a roadway.
Mechanical issues.
Failure to check for or detect hazards.
Aggressive driving.
Drug/alcohol use.
General unsafe acts.

These examples don’t represent the complete findings. However, they’re noteworthy because they indicate how other parties may cause motorcycle wrecks. Many of these accidents are preventable. Victims of motorcycle wrecks in Illinois may file injury claims when their crashes result from the actions or carelessness of others.

If you’ve been injured in a crash, a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine who is responsible and what steps to take next. Call 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online to learn more about your legal options.

What are the most common motorcycle accident injuries?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, your injuries are likely to be severe—motorcyclists often suffer serious trauma due to the lack of protection in a collision.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash. They were four times more likely to be injured.

Common wreck injuries motorcycle riders deal with include:

Spinal cord injuries, which may lead to paralysis.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to mental and emotional health issues, cognition problems, and other life-changing issues.
Burns.
Fractures.
Neck injuries.
Loss of limbs.
Loss of vision or hearing.
Internal bleeding.
Internal organ injuries.
Disfigurement.
Lacerations.
Death.

Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that can change a person’s life forever. Many victims face ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily activities, which can place emotional and financial burdens on both the injured and their families. These lasting impacts make seeking compensation to cover current and future care costs critical.

Contact our dedicated Chicago motorcycle accident and injury attorneys at Wallace Miller at 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online to learn more about your legal options.

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Who can be held liable for motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Chicago, Illinois?

Several parties could be held responsible depending on the circumstances of a motorcycle accident in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois.

Here’s a breakdown of who may be liable:

Negligent drivers

Drivers who fail to see motorcycles, make unsafe lane changes, or fail to yield.
Drivers engaging in reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or driving under the influence.

Vehicle owners

The vehicle’s owner, if they allowed an unlicensed or unsafe driver to operate it.
Employers of drivers, in cases where the accident involves a company vehicle being used for work purposes.

Manufacturers

Motorcycle or car manufacturers, if defective parts, including brakes, tires, or steering systems, contributed to the crash.
Helmet or safety gear manufacturers, if their product fails to protect as intended.

Municipal or government agencies

Agencies are responsible for maintaining roads if hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, or missing signs contribute to the accident.
Filing a claim may involve specific notice requirements and time limits in these cases.

Commercial trucking companies

If the accident involves a commercial truck, the trucking company may share liability for improper vehicle maintenance, poor hiring practices, or overworked drivers.

Rideshare companies

Companies like Uber or Lyft, if drivers were engaged in rideshare duties during the crash.

Construction companies

Companies responsible for construction zones, if poorly managed or improperly marked work areas, contributed to the wreck.

Other motorcyclists or road users

Another motorcyclist or pedestrian, if their negligent actions directly led to the crash.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses. This typically begins by speaking with a personal injury attorney, who can help you file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. In some cases, the at-fault party may not have insurance—or their insurer may refuse to offer a fair settlement. When that happens, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Consulting with our experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options during a free consultation. Call 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online to learn more.

What type of compensation is available for motorcycle accident and injury victims in Chicago, Illinois?

A Chicago motorcycle accident can lead to serious injuries and significant financial challenges that could fall into these two categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages

Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses, including:

Medical expenses:
- Emergency care, hospital stays, and surgeries.
- Long-term medical treatments, including rehabilitation and physical therapy.
- Costs of medications, medical devices, and home modifications for disabilities.
Lost wages:
- Income lost while recovering from the accident.
- Future earning capacity if injuries prevent a return to work or limit job opportunities.
Property damage:
- Repair or replacement of the motorcycle and any other damaged personal property.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible impacts of an accident, such as:

Pain and suffering:
- Physical pain and discomfort caused by the injuries.
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression following the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life:
- The inability to engage in hobbies, activities, or routines that brought joy before the accident.
Permanent disabilities or disfigurement:
- Compensation for lasting physical changes or limitations caused by the injuries.

Calculating compensation

Estimating the full value of your claim can be complex and often includes:

Future costs:
- Forecasting ongoing medical expenses and rehabilitation needs.
- Estimating lost future income based on career potential and current limitations.
Valuing non-economic losses:
- Legal formulas or multipliers determine the monetary value of pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Why understanding compensation matters

Understanding your potential compensation is critical to ensuring you receive a fair settlement. Insurance companies may try to offer quick settlements that don’t fully cover long-term medical needs or lost income. Consulting with our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options. Call 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online to learn more.

How the Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys at Wallace Miller can help you

Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can help you gather evidence to prove liability by thoroughly investigating a motorcycle crash. This investigation could involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, collecting pictures and footage, coordinating with crash reconstruction professionals, and more.

You don’t have to conduct this investigation yourself. A personal injury lawyer handling Chicago motorcycle wrecks cases can investigate motorcycle accidents that caused the wreck on your behalf.

Other ways our lawyers can assist you include:

Documenting your losses: Along with submitting evidence of liability, you’ll need to submit proof of the losses for which you’re seeking compensation when you file a claim. Documentation of your losses may include copies of medical bills and pay stubs. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to strengthen your claim.
Calculating compensation: No lawyer should guarantee a client will receive a specific sum when handling their case. It’s unethical for attorneys to promise their clients they will receive an exact amount of money. However, an attorney can apply their experience handling cases like yours to calculate the approximate value of your claim. Doing so may involve applying specialized formulas and techniques you’re unfamiliar with.
Filing your claim: You must rest while recovering from motorcycle wreck injuries. Recovering may be easier if a Chicago motorcycle accident law firm completes and submits claim paperwork for you instead of requiring you to handle these tasks personally.
Negotiating: The insurance company’s first settlement offer might be too low. You do not have to accept an offer if you genuinely believe you can receive more. A lawyer can help you evaluate an offer to determine whether it’s fair or you need to push back. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company if an offer is unreasonably low.

The goal of negotiating is to arrive at a fair out-of-court settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Skilled negotiation can often save time and stress compared to a drawn-out legal battle. However, not all insurance companies are willing to offer a reasonable settlement. Some may deny liability, undervalue your claim, or refuse to budge during negotiations, leaving you with no choice but to explore other legal options.

In these cases, you might have to file a lawsuit to pursue the damages you’re entitled to. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t always mean going to trial, as many cases are resolved through mediation or settlement negotiations during the litigation process. However, if the insurance company continues to deny fair compensation, your case may proceed to court. Our skilled Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can guide you through your legal options, starting with a free consultation.

How long do you have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Chicago, Illinois?

Illinois establishes a . You may waive your right to compensation if you don’t file a lawsuit within two years of the collision. The two-year deadline for a personal injury lawsuit also applies if you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit after some fatal motorcycle accidents.

These deadlines highlight another reason to strongly consider reviewing your case with a motorcycle injury law firm: lawyers can help ensure you submit all paperwork before the clock runs down.

Can I pursue a wrongful death claim if my loved one was killed in a Chicago motorcycle accident?

Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is a heart-wrenching experience. Many injuries from such accidents are fatal, leaving families devastated both emotionally and financially. While no compensation can replace your loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim may help ease financial burdens and bring a sense of justice.

Those who may be eligible file a wrongful death claim in Illinois include:

The personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically files the claim.
The deceased’s surviving spouse, children, or next of kin.
The court may appoint a representative to act on behalf of the family.

A wrongful death claim may provide compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

Economic damages

Medical expenses incurred before your loved one passed, including emergency care or hospital bills.
Funeral and burial costs to help with final arrangements.
Loss of financial support from your loved one’s income or benefits.

Non-Economic damages

Loss of companionship, love, and guidance your loved one provides.
Emotional pain and suffering caused by the unexpected loss.
Mental anguish experienced by surviving family members.

At Wallace Miller, we provide compassionate legal support during this difficult time.

Our team can:

Handle the legal process

Investigate the accident to determine liability.
File the wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate.
Communicate with insurance companies and opposing parties.

Seek fair compensation

Calculate the full extent of economic and non-economic damages.
Fight for the financial support your family needs to move forward.

Provide support and guidance

Explain your legal rights and options clearly and empathetically.
Keep you informed every step so you feel confident in your case.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, We’ll answer your questions, discuss your options, and provide the compassionate representation your family deserves.

The importance of protecting your Chicago motorcycle accident and injury claim

After a motorcycle accident, everything you say or share can impact your case. While your lawyer works to protect your rights, they will likely advise you on what to avoid while your claim is pending, including how you interact on social media and in everyday conversations. These precautions are crucial to ensuring you don’t unintentionally harm your case.

Why avoiding social media is critical

Social media may seem harmless, but insurance companies and opposing attorneys can use it against you.

Here’s how:

Your posts:

Even casual updates about your recovery can be misinterpreted. For example, a post about feeling better one day might be used to argue your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed.

Sharing details about the accident, your injuries, or your case can give insurance adjusters information they can twist to reduce or deny your claim.

Your photos and activities:

Pictures of you enjoying a social outing or engaging in activities may be taken out of context. An adjuster might argue that if you’re capable of having fun, your injuries must not be as severe as reported.

Your friends’ posts:

Tagging or mentioning you in posts can also be used against you. Even if you don’t post anything yourself, photos or comments by friends can lead to damaging assumptions about your condition.

Conversations with others

What you say to people daily can also affect your case.

It’s essential to be mindful of the following situations:

Conversations with friends or family:

Avoid discussing case details or the extent of your injuries, even with those close to you. If these comments are shared or repeated, they could inadvertently harm your claim.

Talking to strangers:

Be cautious about what you share in casual conversations, such as at work or in public. Anything you say about the accident or your injuries could be overheard and misused.

What to say to your doctor

Accurate and honest communication with your doctor is essential, but you should be mindful of how you describe your injuries:

Be specific and detailed about your pain and symptoms.
Avoid downplaying your condition to appear strong or minimize discomfort, as this could create medical records that don’t fully reflect your injuries.

Interacting with insurance companies

Insurance adjusters may seem friendly but often aim to pay as little as possible. Be cautious when speaking with them:

Avoid recorded statements:
- You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement without consulting your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you later.
Stick to the facts:
- Don’t speculate or offer opinions about the accident or your injuries. If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to say you don’t know.

How to protect your case

To safeguard your claim, take the following steps:

Limit social media use:

Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery. If possible, stay off social media entirely until your case is resolved.

Adjust privacy settings:

Strengthen your social media privacy settings so only trusted friends can see your posts. However, remember that even private posts can sometimes be accessed in legal proceedings.

Consult your lawyer:

If unsure whether something is safe to share, ask your attorney first. They can guide you on what to avoid and how to protect your case.

By being mindful of your social media use, conversations, and interactions, you can avoid giving insurance companies or opposing parties the opportunity to weaken your claim. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys at Wallace Miller can provide clear guidance and help protect your rights every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

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Contact Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Wallace Miller

The aftermath of a motorcycle wreck is a frightening and confusing time. It’s entirely understandable if you’re worried about your future right now.

Speaking with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney could address many of your concerns. A Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at Wallace Miller can answer your questions and offer peace of mind knowing an attorney is helping you pursue maximum compensation.

Learn more about how we can help by calling 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Chicago