One of the best ways to explore Illinois is on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, careless drivers can make a weekend ride, a trip to a friend’s home, or the commute to work a nightmare. Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and financial uncertainty following an accident. Recovering the money and stability you need after a wreck may feel like a battle you can’t win.
At Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, our experienced personal injury legal team can help put you on the right track. A motorcycle accident attorney will review your situation and outline your options for pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries. With a personalized legal approach that prioritizes your needs, you can feel confident that your claim is in capable hands.
If you live in Madison and St. Clair County or elsewhere in Southern Illinois, contact the office of Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, today and request a free case review. Our team wants to help you recover what’s fair after a devastating motorcycle accident.
Motorcycles are significantly smaller and harder to see than other passenger vehicles on Illinois roadways. Drivers who don’t carefully review their surroundings can easily overlook a motorcyclist. Devastating motorcycle accidents can result. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents can be attributed to driver error.
Errors that typically lead to motorcycle accidents include:
Motorcycle riders are also more susceptible to accidents caused by poorly maintained roads. Potholes and other hazards may annoy a truck driver, but those conditions can be catastrophic to someone riding a motorcycle. Mechanical defects and poor weather conditions can also lead to life-changing accidents.
Passenger vehicles can weigh up to 4,000 pounds, while average pickup trucks and SUVs can weigh as much as 6,000 pounds. When these vehicles collide with a motorcycle, the rider can suffer catastrophic physical, mental, and financial consequences. Motorcycle riders can experience severe and life-changing injuries that can affect their job, financial stability, and quality of life. Some of the most common motorcycle injuries in Illinois involve:
The trauma of the accident itself and subsequent physical injuries can also trigger mental health issues such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. An individual’s emotional and financial health may also suffer if they cannot return to work in the same capacity or at all, following an accident with a careless driver.
Statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation show that fatal motorcycle accidents have increased by just over 20 percent in four years. Data also indicates that of all motorcycle fatalities in the state, 62 percent involved operators or passengers who were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Helmets save lives. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death and traumatic brain injuries.
Statistics suggest that wearing a helmet is 37 percent effective in preventing fatalities and 69 percent effective in reducing the risk of head injuries. While Illinois has no universal helmet law, choosing to wear a DOT-approved helmet can decrease your odds of suffering a life-changing or life-ending head injury.
Other ways to protect yourself include wearing motorcycle safety gear, such as leather or a durable textile that protects skin from road rash. Sturdy boots, gloves, and eye protection are also good ideas. Gear with reflectors or vibrant colors serves dual purposes, protecting you from road rash and making you more visible to other motorists.
Another step to protect yourself on the open road is to take a motorcycle safety course to brush up on your skills and learn defensive driving habits. To earn a Class L or Class M motorcycle driver’s license in Illinois, riders must pass a written exam and road test, unless they complete an approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course. Introductory rider courses are available across Illinois and teach riders the skills they need to navigate both everyday and unique riding situations.
Determining fair compensation for a motorcycle accident can be challenging, especially since motorcycle accidents can cause such severe injuries. Often, insurance companies offer quick, lowball settlements, hoping vulnerable motorcycle accident victims accept before they realize the full extent of their injuries. An uninformed accident victim may sign away their legal rights for pennies before knowing their injuries’ long-term medical and financial implications.
An attorney will accurately assess the value of your claim and aggressively negotiate for the money you deserve. Although every case is different and the monetary value varies, in general, accident victims can seek compensation for:
A skilled Illinois motorcycle accident attorney knows how to build a solid claim that offers the best chance at a favorable outcome for your situation.
Some motor vehicle accidents get handled without the help of an experienced attorney. However, motorcycle accidents are not like standard car crashes. They can be significantly more complex and involve severe and life-altering injuries. There may also be a bias against motorcycle riders that influences how an adjuster values your claim. The advice and support of an Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer can be crucial to helping you maximize your compensation and ensure you have the resources needed to recover from your injuries.
At Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorney will take the time to review your situation carefully. Our team understands the unique nature of the complex medical and financial issues that affect motorcycle accident riders following a collision. We’ll immediately work to protect your legal rights and advise you of your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries.
You need someone who can advocate for you. Don’t let an insurance adjuster or other party convince you that you don’t deserve full and fair compensation. Let an attorney handle the process and give you the time you need to heal, stress-free and worry-free.
What can you expect when you work with a lawyer at Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP? First, you can expect personalized and responsive legal advocacy from day one. Our team understands how a motorcycle accident can change your life, and we’ll work with you and explain every aspect of your claim, including your rights and legal options for pursuing compensation. We also:
Moving forward with your life after a traumatic accident is challenging. Don’t take on more stress by trying to handle your case on your own.
You deserve the financial resources required to recover from your motorcycle accident-related injuries. The experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, can listen to your story and offer legal solutions.
Contact our office now for a free consultation to learn more.