Illinois Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Offering Bikers a Fighting Chance at Fair Compensation
Motorcycles are a fun, liberating, and cost-effective mode of transportation for many people throughout the state of Illinois. Unfortunately, they also come with an inherent risk. Motorcycles are often “unseen” by other motorists and this disregard leads to serious accidents. Because of the nature of the vehicle itself, motorcyclists often sustain serious injuries that require hospitalization, outpatient care, physical therapy, and more.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in the state, you can turn to Sam C. Mitchell & Associates for proven legal help. Our firm has been handling personal injury claims for clients throughout Illinois since 1968. Our Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers have received recognition and awards from prestigious legal organizations like the National Trial Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell®.
Hurt in a motorcycle crash due to another’s negligence? Get a free consultation by contacting us online or at 618-932-2772.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere and at any time.
These accidents can involve:
- Motor vehicles
- Large commercial trucks
- Drunk drivers
- Drivers who text while driving
- Aggressive or reckless drivers
However, many motorcycle accidents are caused by another motorist’s negligence or wrongdoing. Common examples of motorist negligence include:
- Failing to check for the motorcyclist in their blind spots
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Breaking traffic laws
- Opening car doors into the oncoming path of a motorcyclist
- Plain inattention to the task at hand
These types of accidents are particularly harmful to motorcyclists who have no physical protection other than a helmet and maybe some leather gear. In the majority of cases, it is the motorcyclist who suffers the most in any motor vehicle accident, often with horrific injuries or even death. Those who do recover may face a lifetime of suffering, disability, and hardship.
Motorcycle Helmet Law in Illinois
Illinois is one of a few remaining states in the U.S. that has not established a mandatory helmet law. Because of this, if you are motorcyclist who is in an accident while not wearing a helmet, you may sustain serious and even catastrophic injuries to the head, such as traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic brain injuries can lead to:
- Comas
- Blackouts
- Persistent headaches
- Loss of certain motor skills
- Nerve damage
- Memory loss
- Cognitive disabilities
- Personality disorders
- Depression
These symptoms may be temporary or may last a lifetime, leaving you without the ability to work and support yourself or your dependents and requiring lifelong medical attention or therapy.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accidents
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can be critical to your recovery, as well as to your legal claim. Your first priority should be your safety. If you are able to, remove yourself out of the roadway and immediately call 911. If you are wearing a helmet or other gear, it is important that you do not remove it in order to protect your head and spine.
Even in cases where you believe you are not hurt, it is always best to seek medical attention. Many injuries do not show up for hours or even days afterwards. In the case of concussions or other head injuries, you will want to follow the advice of your attending physician to prevent any further damage to your brain or neck.
If you are well enough to look around, it is to your advantage to gather as much information and evidence as you can. Exchange insurance information with other driver(s), take down witness information, and take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, license plate numbers, skid marks, and anything else that may prove important to your case.
Put Dedication, Experience, & Success in Your Corner
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, contact Sam C. Mitchell & Associates as soon as possible. Do not admit fault or sign anything from insurance adjusters or anyone else. Let our firm handle all of the details while you work on putting your life back together. Our attorneys are highly experienced at taking care of all aspects of accident claims, from gathering and preserving evidence to engaging in tough negotiations with insurance company representatives and even taking your claim to court.
Contact an Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm by calling 618-932-2772 today. Initial consultations are always free.
