Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience but can also be incredibly dangerous. When motorists fail to drive safely, motorcyclists are often the victims of motorists’ negligence.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident caused by someone’s carelessness, an Aurora personal injury lawyer with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will be ready to help. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Illinois personal injury attorneys, call (800) 985-1819.
What are common motorcycle accident injuries?
Protective gear, such as a helmet, boots, a jacket, and protective pants, can greatly reduce the risk of a severe injury in a motorcycle crash. Unfortunately, even with proper protective gear, injuries can still happen, including:
- Amputation
- Road rash
- Broken and fractured bones
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injury
What steps should I take after being in a crash
Being in any serious accident is a terrifying, confusing experience. Naturally, those involved will have difficulty clearing their mind and focusing on what needs to be done. But if you keep the following in mind, you’ll have a better chance of protecting yourself. You’ll also have a better chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
1. Get to a safer location
If you can still drive the motorcycle, move it from the accident scene to a safer spot. This could be the shoulder of the highway, a median, or an area far away from the road. But if you can’t move the bike, get to the safest area while waiting for the ambulance.
2. Keep your safety gear on
Your first instinct may be to remove your jacket, helmet, and protective gear, but doing this could worsen your injury. Your gear will help reduce the movement of an injured body part. It will also provide some protection if you fall because you’re unsteady.
3. Call 911 and ask for police and an ambulance
Check to see how badly you’ve been injured, then call 911. Any information you can give the dispatcher will help prepare emergency personnel to give you the exact help you need as quickly as possible. Tell them whether or not you can move your arms and legs if you have a head injury and anything else you can think of. Also, inform the dispatcher of how many vehicles were involved in the accident and any information you have regarding their injuries.
4. Tell your story to the responding police officer
The dispatcher will send an ambulance and a police officer. That officer will ask you questions to understand how the accident may have occurred. While you should always be truthful, never say anything indicating you were to blame.
The officer will include your statement in their accident report. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will look for evidence that you’re responsible for your injuries or that your actions contributed to the wreck. They’ll use what you say against you.
Your best bet is to provide the facts according to your best recollection. If you can’t remember all the details, tell the officer that.
5. Gather evidence at the scene
If your physical condition allows, use your phone to get photos of the accident scene and videos if possible. These will be powerful evidence and could greatly increase your chances of obtaining full compensation. Photograph the vehicles involved, and get detailed pictures of the road.
Also, ensure you get photos of any fresh skid marks that might be present, as they could indicate that the at-fault driver was speeding.
6. Notify your insurance company
The at-fault driver’s insurer will try to deny your claim, and your insurance company might do the same. You’ll need to notify your insurer as quickly as possible. Delaying could increase the likelihood of denial.
Just like when you speak to the officer, don’t give extra information to your insurer. Don’t give your opinion of the wreck’s occurrence – tell them the facts.
7. Visit an urgent care clinic or your primary care physician
The best thing you can do for your health is accept an ambulance ride to the hospital for a thorough examination. This will be the case even if you don’t think you’ve suffered a serious injury. Several injuries don’t show symptoms for hours or days. Also, failing to get immediate medical help could jeopardize your case.
8. Meet with a motorcycle accident attorney to understand your legal options
As important as it will be to get medical attention, it’s just as essential that you speak with an Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer. You’ll need an attorney to investigate the accident to find out what happened and to determine the identity of all liable parties. This investigation needs to begin immediately before critical evidence vanishes for good.
Why you should visit a doctor as soon as possible
Seeing a doctor isn’t just critical to your health – it will also be vital to your case. You may be hurt much worse than you think. If you don’t get treatment, you could set your recovery back by weeks, months, or even longer. Failing to seek medical treatment or delaying treatment could give the insurance company grounds to argue that you’re not as injured as you claim.
Make sure you file a claim on time.
According to the Illinois statute of limitations in personal injury cases, you must take legal action two years from the accident date. You won’t have legal recourse if you don’t seek compensation before the clock runs out.
What are the possible damages you can claim?
Even though you might have two years, you need to speak with an Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They’ll work to help you recover your accident-related financial losses, known as damages. Here are some examples of the damages you may recover.
Economic
If you’re hurt, you’ll have substantial medical bills. You’ll probably also miss work beyond your sick leave or accrued time off. You can collect damages for these costs and financial losses you’ve already incurred and those you’ll incur in the future due to your injury.
Non-economic
Economic damages are tangible and easily proven. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are subjective. You’ve likely experienced emotional distress since the accident, as well as a great deal of pain and suffering.
Your injury may be so severe you’ve suffered a diminished quality of life. Your Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer will work to help you obtain compensation for these damages because they’re just as important and impactful on your life.
What parties may be liable for your injury?
You know the at-fault driver is to blame for your accident, but others could have played a role in causing it–they must be held liable for your injury. For example, the brakes on the driver’s car may have failed due to a manufacturer’s defect. Your attorney will identify and act against all potentially liable parties on your behalf.
How can our Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer prove negligence?
The attorneys with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates have extensive experience and a long track record of success in cases similar to yours. We’ll work to gather all the evidence to prove that the at-fault parties were negligent because they breached their duty to ensure your safety, that you weren’t to blame, and that you deserve every penny you seek.
Motorcycle accidents are more frequent and more dangerous
An average of 143 motorcyclists have died on Illinois roads each year since 2018. One of the main culprits is distracted driving. Motorists are surrounded by gadgets – constantly changing radio stations, checking their navigation systems, and much more.
They also have smartphones, and many can’t wait even a few minutes without texting, talking, or looking at emails. All of this technology means they’re more distracted than ever and are more likely to hit a rider.
How to deal with insurance after a crash
Don’t speak with an insurance adjuster without having an experienced Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer by your side. Adjusters will ask misleading, confusing questions and twist your words. If you let them do this, you’ll have very little chance of obtaining equitable compensation. Let your attorney deal with adjusters while you focus on your recovery.
What is the cost of hiring an Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer?
You won’t pay anything upfront when you work with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. We’ll only receive payment if your case is successful.
Why work with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates?
An Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will stand by to provide the expert legal representation you need.
You can schedule a free consultation using our online contact form or call (800) 985-1819.
