Arlington Heights Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcyclists have the same right to the road as drivers, but drivers do not always exhibit the appropriate level of caution to compensate for motorcycles’ lack of safeguards and smaller size. This can have devastating consequences for the biker in the event of Arlington Heights motorcycle accidents.
In a split second, the recklessness of an Illinois driver can cost you your physical and mental health, your ability to work and enjoy life, and your financial stability. If this has happened to you or a loved one, an Arlington Heights motorcycle accident attorney can help.
If a negligent driver caused your Arlington Heights motorcycle crash, you may have the right to seek compensation for these costs in a personal injury lawsuit.
As seasoned Illinois motorcycle crash lawyers, our team at Lerner and Rowe has the degree of specialization and negotiating skills needed to secure a fair settlement for your Arlington Heights motorcycle accident claim.
To initiate the process of seeking the compensation you deserve, schedule a free consultation with an Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer.
We have legal representatives standing by 24/7 to respond to your call at 708-222-2222, your FREE online form submission, or your messages via our convenient LiveChat feature.
Why You Should Choose Lerner and Rowe to Represent Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
After a motorcycle accident in Arlington Heights, survivors often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical and mental trauma. At Lerner and Rowe, our team regularly settles claims against insurance companies whose agenda is to negotiate the lowest justifiable level of compensation for your damages. The Arlington Heights personal injury attorneys of Lerner and Rowe can provide the robust representation you deserve as you seek compensation in an Illinois motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Our skilled team is known for the impressive results we negotiate, but also for providing a favorable experience during what is often an incredibly stressful time for our clients. We will be in constant communication with you throughout your case, as we know this is essential for building trust and giving you peace of mind while we handle your case.
As an Arlington Heights motorcyclist, you are vulnerable to debilitating injury in a number of scenarios, from a dooring accident in downtown Arlington Heights to a T-bone collision while turning out of the Rand Road Trader Joe’s, to a rear-end collision on Northwest Highway. With decades of combined experience, our Illinois personal injury attorneys are eminently qualified to help you navigate the personal injury claims process to maximize your compensation for your Arlington Heights, Illinois motorcycle accident claim.
Understanding Arlington Heights, Illinois Motorcycle Crashes
Located in the northern portion of Cook County, Arlington Heights is a suburb of Chicago with a population of 75,195. It is also the crossroads for multiple state routes and highways that feed into Chicago, creating convenient pathways for motorcyclists to escape the city for the open road or for local bikers to access the city. The most recent data available shows that there are 33,932 registered motorcycles in Cook County.
Historically speaking, 14.5% of Illinois motorcycle accidents take place in suburban Cook County areas, such as Arlington Heights. Given its location, highway access, and the concentration of riders in the county, local Arlington Heights arteries often play host to additional motorcycle traffic. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that in 2021, over half of fatal motorcycle accidents occurred on major, not interstate roads, particularly in urban areas. This describes a number of Arlington Heights streets.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident in Arlington Heights also comes with a high risk of sustaining a serious injury. Out of the total 1,894 vehicles involved in 950 traffic crashes in Arlington Heights in 2021, 8 were motorcycles. While this may not seem like a large number, the greater point is the likelihood of injury, as 75% of Arlington Heights motorcycle accidents resulted in injury that same year.
Common Causes of Arlington Heights, Illinois Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are often stereotyped as careless thrill-seekers who regularly speed, lane split, and generally have no regard for the safety of their fellow motorists. In reality, more motorcycle accidents are caused by irresponsible drivers. When a driver becomes distracted, enraged, or hampered by their physical state, they are less likely to notice a nearby motorcyclist as opposed to a car or truck, which increases the risk of a collision.
Drivers owe motorcyclists a duty of care to operate their vehicles with reasonable caution, which means following traffic laws, remaining sober and attentive, and taking reasonable measures to avoid a crash. A breach of this duty can leave them liable for the injured motorcyclist’s damages. In some cases, a third party can be found liable for an Arlington Heights motorcycle accident if they violate their duty of care.
Most third-party liability cases pertain to a negligent manufacturer who produced a defective car or motorcycle part that rendered the operator unable to avoid a collision. In rare cases, a state or local agency can be found at fault for causing a motorcycle accident if they fail to maintain or repair issues with the road, like potholes, as motorcycles are more likely to lose control or overturn when they encounter road hazards. The most common causes of motorcycle truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Texting and driving
- Ignoring traffic laws
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless maneuvering
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to check blind spots
- Drunk driving
- Mechanical failures
- Poor road maintenance
- Road rage and aggressive driving
Arlington Heights Motorcyclists May Sustain Grave Injuries in a Serious Crash
Motorcyclists are at a disadvantage in a collision as compared to occupants of passenger vehicles or trucks due to their lack of crashworthiness. While a motorcycle often travels just as fast as these larger vehicles, they are considerably less insulated from an impact. According to the Nation Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured in a motor vehicle accident than passenger car occupants, who are restrained by seat belts and protected by airbags.
The force exerted in a collision is often enough to crush, jerk, or throw a rider. As a result, it is not uncommon for motorcyclists to experience catastrophic injuries. With prompt medical intervention, doctors may be able to fully restore or preserve function, sensation, and appearance, but this is by no means guaranteed. It is more likely that the injured motorcyclist will continue to experience long-term effects associated with their injuries, such as chronic pain, scarring, and limited range of motion. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Disfigurement
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Soft tissue injury
- Fractured or broken bones
- Crush injury
- Deep lacerations
- Contusions
- Road rash
- Biker’s arm
- Severe burns
- Dental injuries
- Facial injuries
- Whiplash injury
After an Illinois motorcycle accident, make your health the priority by seeking medical care immediately and following any instructions given by the provider. This includes attending follow-up appointments, seeing the appropriate specialists, and taking prescribed medications. Failure to do so can jeopardize your ability to recover full compensation in an Illinois personal injury lawsuit. This is because the insurance company can use this to argue that you delayed medical care because your injuries weren’t as serious as you implied, or that you let your condition deteriorate to secure a larger settlement.
What Damages Are Available After Arlington Heights Motorcycle Accidents?
It is important to be aware of what losses you can claim as damages in an Arlington Heights personal injury lawsuit. You should also think in terms of the continuing or long-term expenses you are likely to incur. For many injured motorcyclists, the priority is recovering compensation for the financial costs of their treatment, missing work, and any property damage.
A typical Illinois motorcycle accident claim will also include non-economic damages. As a result of your injuries, you may be unable to complete everyday tasks like cooking or mowing the lawn, participate in a basketball game with your friends, or get through the day without experiencing excruciating pain. Although these losses do not have an official price tag, they are considered worthy of reimbursement because they are consequences of your motorcycle accident injuries. Examples of typical damages in an Illinois motorcycle accident claim include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Replacing or repairing the motorcycle
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death
Why You Need an Arlington Heights Motorcycle Accidents Attorney to Negotiate Your Claim
While most motorcycle accidents share some basic similarities, no two cases are identical, and your claim should be treated accordingly. In a personal injury lawsuit, your age, pre existing conditions, personal and professional responsibilities, and long-term prognosis should all be taken into account in order to determine the value of your damages. Instead, most insurance companies will want to settle your claim swiftly for the lowest amount they can justify.
However, it is a personal injury lawyer’s job to demand that the full range of your losses be compensated for the maximum amount possible by documenting how your motorcycle accident injuries have specifically impacted your lifestyle, health, and career. Their skill set is suited to uncovering and compiling evidence to establish liability, navigating the legal system, and creating a persuasive case for compensation.
Forgoing a personal injury lawyer only benefits the liable party. Most plaintiffs are not familiar with the procedural aspects of the personal injury claims process, let alone the strategies insurance companies use to devalue claims. By hiring an Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer, you are protecting your interests, giving legitimacy to your Arlington Heights personal injury claim, and placing the responsibility of the negotiation process in capable hands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington Heights, Illinois Motorcycle Accident Claims
How much does it cost to hire an Illinois personal injury lawyer to represent me in my Arlington Heights motorcycle accident claim?
Typically, personal injury law firms throughout Illinois operate under a contingency fee arrangement, enabling individuals who have suffered injuries to obtain legal representation without having to pay any upfront attorney fees or expenses. This implies that if your Arlington Heights personal injury attorney does not successfully settle your motorcycle accident claim, you are not obligated to pay them any fees.
Can I still recover compensation in an Illinois personal injury lawsuit even if I was partly responsible for the motorcycle accident?
The state of Illinois adheres to modified comparative negligence when determining compensation. As the plaintiff, that means you can potentially file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages even if you were also behaving negligently at the time of the motorcycle accident. However, you must be less than 50% liable for the motorcycle accident to be eligible. Additionally, the percentage of the fault you contributed is deducted from the final value of your settlement.
How soon do I have to file a personal injury claim after being injured in an Arlington Heights motorcycle accident?
You have a set amount of time to seek compensation for your damages in a personal injury lawsuit according to the Illinois statute of limitations. This date varies depending on the type of accident, severity of injuries, and jurisdiction where the accident occurred.
If you fail to file an injury claim during the statute of limitations for your motorcycle accident, you will most likely have lost your opportunity to recover compensation. In certain unusual circumstances, you may be granted an extension, but you should not count on this. The statute of limitations for Illinois personal injury claims is also applicable to families pursuing wrongful death motorcycle accident lawsuits on behalf of a deceased loved one.
Contact the Arlington Heights Motorcycle Accident Attorneys of Lerner and Rowe
The Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys of Lerner and Rowe are equipped to handle challenging claims based on nearly twenty years of service, a history of maximizing compensation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our team understands both the stakes and the stressful nature of pursuing an Illinois personal injury claim after a motorcycle accident.
You can rest assured that our Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers will help you navigate every aspect of the personal injury claims process. We are dedicated to protecting your right to seek compensation for your damages in an Arlington Heights motorcycle accident lawsuit, which means that you can trust us to hold the liable party accountable for your damages, even if that requires taking your claim to trial.
You can give us a call at 708-222-2222 or complete a free online case review today to schedule a free case evaluation with a top-notch Illinois personal injury lawyer. While you heal from your injuries and work to rebuild your life, let our award-winning team take on the responsibility of maximizing your compensation in an Arlington Heights motorcycle accident lawsuit.