Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are often much more severe than in other motor vehicle accidents, even for comparably minor crashes. A bike offers no protection for its riders like a car or other vehicles would.
Victims of bike accidents often face a long and expensive recovery and rehab process. However, it’s important to note that there is a statute of limitations in Illinois on how long a victim has to file a claim for damages. The Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe explore how long you have to file your motorcycle accident claim in Illinois.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is the amount of time an accident victim has to file a civil claim or lawsuit.
These laws help to avoid situations where the alleged at-fault party indefinitely has the threat of a personal injury lawsuit being filed against them hanging over their head.
They also help ensure that evidence used in a claim is “fresh” and not old or degraded. Evidence that’s old could put into question the overall legitimacy of the claim.
What’s the Statute of Limitations in Illinois?
Under Illinois tort law, anyone who’s been injured in a motorcycle accident has a minimal amount of time from the date the injuries are discovered to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for any injuries caused in that crash. In most cases, this would be the day of the crash. However, there may be exceptions based on jurisdiction, severity of injuries, and other entities involved in the accident.
For example, it isn’t uncommon for symptoms from a crash to not show up for a few days, or even weeks. The victim would then have two years from that date of discovery.
Illinois does not have a minimum age for passengers on motorcycles, so there is the risk of a minor being injured in a bike crash. In these situations, the statute of limitations doesn’t kick in until the minor reaches the age of 18. At this point, the victim has two years in which to file their motorcycle accident claim in Illinois.
Don’t Wait to Get Started
Motorcycle accident claims can be incredibly complex. Two years might seem like plenty of time, but so much has to be done in the interim. Evidence needs to be collected, facts investigated, and responsible parties identified. A Motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to:
- Investigate the accident and determine fault.
- Gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
You shouldn’t have to worry about mounting a legal case on your own while also trying to recover and make ends meet. This is where an experienced Illinois motorcycle accident attorney comes in.
Get Help From the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Today
If you’re unsure of where to start when it comes to filing a claim, our Chicago injury attorneys can discuss the statute of limitations in your situation and help you get the process started.
Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and we also answer our phones at 844-977-1900 24/7. You can reach us through our online form or our LiveChat service. Take the first step towards the compensation you deserve and contact us today.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.