Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident Palos Heights, IL

Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident in Palos Heights, IL. If you got hurt through not fault of your own, rely on the compassionate, seasoned and aggressive legal advocacy of Burger Law to defend your rights and secure you a complete recovery. Our motorcycle accident lawyers fight for those who need help in Palos Heights and throughout Illinois. Call us now at (312) 500-HURT or fill out our online form.

There is no doubt that motorcyclists are second-class citizens on the Palos Heights, IL roads. Riding a motorcycle offers relieves tension and stress and can offer a close sense of companionship with other bikers. Unfortunately, that can come at a cost: all of those freedoms can be taken from you when a negligent driver does not respect your safety and injures you. You did nothing to deserve the hospital bills and physical and mental pain that are haunting you right now. At Burger Law, our lawyer for motorcycle accident team cannot stand bullies who do not care about the consequences of their thoughtlessness and resistant insurance companies that refuse to hold their policyholders responsible. That is why we have dedicated our lives to investigating claims, trying cases and demanding a maximum financial recovery for those hurt through no fault of their own. You deserve justice, and the Palos Heights, IL motorcycle accident lawyers of Burger Law will deliver it. Call us now at (312) 500-HURT. You do not owe us a thing until we win your claim.

If another person broke the rules and injured you, find out how much your injuries may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

Palos Heights, IL and Illinois Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Despite the fact that motorcycles make up less than one percent of all traffic miles traveled in the United States, they accounted for four percent of all injuries and 14 percent of total deaths in traffic-related accidents in 2020, according to research from the National Safety Council. In the entire country, in 2020 there were 82,500 motorcycle accident injuries and 5,579 deaths. In Illinois, of 3,077 motorcycle wrecks, 2,404 caused injuries and 152 were deadly, according to the Illinois 2020 Crash Facts and Statistics. Unfortunately, over 50 percent of those happened when the motorcycle was going straight ahead, insinuating that the accidents were often caused by a car or truck driver was not looking out for bikers. Wrecks happen most frequently in urban areas, especially around tolls.

According to data from the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, Illinois is eighth in the nation in terms of both registered motorcycles and motorcycle crash fatalities.

The most common season for motorcycle crashes is summer, and half of all wrecks happen between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Monday.

How Can a Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident in Palos Heights, IL My Claim?

A persistent and talented motorcycle accident lawyer will do what needs to be done when you need help the most. From our first phone call to our final victory in a settlement or in court, your Burger Law motorcycle accident team will:

• Investigate your accident and determine liabilityWe know auto accident claims, and know how to determine liability. We will gather every type of evidence we can, including how much coverage is available, surveillance footage, medical reports and more. Then, we will use our experience and network of crash experts to determine who we need to make a claim against.
• Determine how much your case is worthThen, we will use our network of doctors and financial experts to put an exact figure on your injuries, and immediately inform the insurance company that you expect to be fully compensated. Every claim is different, and your compensation will be based on the severity of your injuries, how much time you lost from work recovering and how the injuries have affected you physically and emotionally. We have settled auto crash cases for anything from $20,000 to $5,000,000.
• Keep the insurance company on their toesAn insurance adjuster’s priority is to pay you as little money as possible, even nothing. Our Palos Heights, IL motorcycle accident lawyers will immediately make them reverse track and put them on their heels. Insurance companies in Palos Heights and throughout Illinois know they cannot mess around with us because they know how tough we are. awards, honors and accolades that we are proud to have received are the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and being board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

When you hire Burger Law, we start investigating your accident and communicating with the insurance company immediately and keep fighting until there is nothing left to fight. Discuss the details of your case with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Palos Heights, IL today at (312) 500-HURT to find out more about what we can do for you.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Palos Heights, IL?

No two crashes are totally alike, but evaluation of available data reveals some common trends that lead to motorcyclists being injured because of other people’s negligence. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes 34 percent of deadly motorcycle crashes.
• Distracted driving, such as talking to someone in the backseat.
• Speeding causes 33 percent of motorcycle fatalities.
• Road hazards including ruts in the road or potholes are especially dangerous for motorcyclists.
• A car or truck turning left at an intersection and running into a motorcycle is involved in 42 percent of motorcycle crashes.
• Failing to see a motorcyclist contributes to in 41 percent of motorcycle crashes. Unfortunately, this may be related to the phenomenon of “inattentional blindness. The phenomenon states our brains are overloaded with information when driving, so many people look specifically for cars and register motorcycles as non-cars. This may account for why three-fourths of crashes between a motorcycle and a car or truck are head-on collisions.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your accident, once you hire us the Palos Heights, IL lawyer for motorcycle accident team of Burger Law will immediately begin to conduct an exhaustive investigation and determine exactly who needs to be held accountable for not respecting your right to ride safely.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Palos Heights, IL

As motorcyclists are are not protected by doors, roofs and airbags, the injuries sustained can often be significant and sometimes cause permanent disability. While just over ten percent of people injured in car accidents sustained an A-injury — meaning an injury that prevents you from walking, driving or otherwise participating in activities you used to be capable of — that number increases to 36 percent of motorcycle drivers and passengers, according to the 2020 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics. The more common motorcycle accident injuries are:

• Head injuries such as concussions
• Whiplash injures
• Back, neck and spine injuries
• Internal injuries
• Burns
• Broken Limbs
• Road rash
• Crush injuries
• Severe lacerations

Burger Law’s Palos Heights, IL motorcycle accident lawyers have recovered compensation for people with minor whiplash injuries as well as permanent disabilities like loss of vision.

Palos Heights, IL Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident: Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the people who come to us for legal counsel never been in an accident and are not entirely sure what to expect in a motorcycle accident claim. Some of the most common questions we get are:

Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Not Wearing a Helmet?

The National Safety Council approximates that over the course of 15 years in the early 2000s, helmets saved more than 25,000 lives. That is because head injuries account for 41.4 percent of fatal motorcycle injuries.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers always recommend driving safely, including wearing the right equipment when you are on a motorcycle. Still, according to the 2022 Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual, there is no law in Illinois that requires motorcycle drivers to wear a helmet. So, according to state law, you did not do anything wrong and therefore are not liable. While an insurance company may try to blame your injuries on your decision not to wear a helmet, an experienced Palos Heights, IL motorcycle accident lawyer will tell them that they know that is nonsense.

Will I Have to Go to Court to Get Compensation for My Motorcycle Injuries?

Motorcycle accident cases rarely go to court. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, only three out of 100 civil lawsuits are resolved by a jury. This is because either the injured party accepts a low settlement without consulting with a lawyer, or because they hire a motorcycle accident lawyer who knows how to fight back against a resistant insurance company and get them the compensation they deserve.

Can I Still Recover if I Was Injured by an Emergency Maneuver?

If you performed the maneuver because of another driver’s negligence, yes. Proving a personal injury claim means showing someone was negligent and that their negligence led to your damages. So if your performed your emergency maneuver because a driver tried to merge into your lane without looking, you you still deserve compensation because your injuries are ultimately their fault.

How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?

No one anticipates being injured, and the economic burden of medical bills and lost wages is often immediately severe. Our Palos Heights, IL motorcycle accident lawyers charge a contingency fee, or a portion of your final payout, instead of an hourly fee. You pay nothing upfront. That is important for two reasons:

1. We have no reason to take up your claim unless we are sure we believe your damages are worth much more than what the insurance company is currently offering.
2. You can trust that we are not inflating our earnings with busy work.

At Burger Law, our Palos Heights, IL motorcycle crash lawyers work for you, the injured, and only you.

Will I Pay a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer More Money Than It Is Worth?

Insurance companies want you to believe that it is actually the attorney that cannot be trusted. That is false. While in some cases with mild injuries it is true that we may not be able to add much value to your claim, with more severe injuries that have higher damages, you will almost certainly get more money if you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.

According to the study “Attorney Involvement in Auto Injury Claims” from the Insurance Research Council, people who hire an attorney for an auto accident receive three and half times more money than people who do not, even after we take our percentage. The same research also determined that motorcycle accident lawyers also help people get help people get the full medical treatment they need. According to a survey of people who pursued auto crash injury claims 91 percent of people who hired a lawyer made any kind of financial recovery, compared to roughly half of people who did not seek legal representation.

Are There Any Third Parties Liable for My Injuries?

That depends on things such as road conditions, if the driver was driving in relation to their job and motorcycle or car parts, but motorcycle accident lawyers often uncover other liable parties:

• You can file a product liability claim against a car or motorcycle designer, manufacturer or vendor if a defective product such as faulty fuel systems played a part in your injuries.
• A business can be held liable for your injuries if they were caused by bus accident, truck accident or rideshare accident.
• A government entity if a road hazard or poorly designed road contributed to your injuries.
• A construction company if you were injured near a construction zone if important safety measures were not implemented.

Making a claim against a driver is much different than filing one against a business, so it is imperative to hire a lawyer for motorcycle accident familiar with Illinois statutes and who is not afraid to stand up to powerful corporations. For example, there are special restrictions regarding who you can sue in the government and how long you have to sue them.

Can I Still Make a Recovery for My Motorcycle Accident if I Am Partially to Blame?

Yes. If someone else caused the accident, you may still bear some responsibility for your injuries if you did not follow certain safety measures. Illinois is considered a “modified comparative fault” state. That means that compensation is still available if you were partially to blame for your accident, but the amount will be less depending on how much you contributed to it. For example, if a jury determines you are owed $100,000 in damages but that the other driver is only 80 percent at fault for your injuries, you would make a recovery of $80,000.

It is important to mention that according to 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you are barred from receiving compensation if you are responsible for 50 percent of your damages.

What Compensation Can I Recover for My Palos Heights, IL Motorcycle Accident?

Your injuries affect you in more ways than just physical pain and needing to recover. There are also medical bills, consequences for your ability to work, possibly disfigurement and emotional scarring as well. Compensation in personal injury claims is divided into two categories: economic damages and noneconomic damages.

Economic damages are all the money you either spent or lost because of your injuries. That includes any medical treatments like follow up doctors’ appointments, surgeries, braces and more. If you could not fulfill the normal tasks of your job while recovering, you will be compensated for that as well. In severe cases, you may have future economic damages as well. For example, if you were a warehouse worker who can no longer lift over 20 pounds, or if you need a knee replacement that will have to be replaced in the future. In those cases we work with our network of economic experts to adjust for inflation and rising costs of medical care.

Economic damages also cover general expenses such as having to put your kids in a daycare while you recover.

Noneconomic damages are less tangible, but basically they are intended to compensate you for how your life has been affected in non-financial ways. This can be anything from the physical pain and suffering you feel to not being able to enjoy your favorite activities like you used to. If you were the MVP in your local basketball league and now can no longer jump the same, Burger Law’s Palos Heights, IL motorcycle accident lawyers will demand that your recovery reflects that.

Our motorcycle crash and personal injury lawyers take on a variety types of claims, including:

• Truck Crash Lawyers in Illinois
• Wrongful Death Lawyers in Illinois
• Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Illinois
• Car Accident Attorney in Illinois

How to Stay Safe on a Motorcycle in Palos Heights, IL

The fun and freedom that motorcycles offer can be offset by how dangerous they can be when appropriate safety measures are not taken. It is important to never overestimate your abilities on a motorcycle. The best ways to reduce the risk of accident and injury is by:

• Taking a safety course — A safety course will instill in you how to use good judgment on a motorcycle. After a basic course, you can take a further course that teaches advanced turning and emergency braking techniques.
• Looking at the forecast — Inclement weather such as rain or snow not only makes your bike harder to control, but affects how well other drivers can see you.
• Not forgetting about safety gear — In the event of an accident, safety gear such as helmets and visors specifically designed for motorcyclists work wonders in not sustaining a catastrophic injury.
• Obeying the rules of the road — While it may seem fun to test your limits, we all have a responsibility to keep the roads safe. Avoid weaving in between cars, ride at an appropriate speed and make sure your bike is compliant with other regulations set out in the Illinois Vehicle Code.
• Ensuring you are visible — Under Illinois law, you are required to have your headlights throughout the day. Having a bike and clothing with visibility stripes goes a long way in helping others see you too.
• Riding defensively — Motorcyclists are often unseen on the road, are often the subject of scorn from other drivers and more susceptible to road hazards such as uneven pavement. Pay attention at all times and do not assume that passenger car drivers will do what is best for you.

Of course, do everything right and still pay the price when someone else breaks the rules of the road. That is when Burger Law steps in. Call a motorcycle crash lawyer in Palos Heights, IL now at (312) 500-HURT to get a full financial recovery.

CALL BURGER LAW TODAY

Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident Chicago, Illinois | Burger Law

In our 30 years of experience, we have beaten large corporations, resistant insurance companies and gotten great results for our clients. We know all to well the damage negligent actors can cause for motorcyclists who are just trying to enjoy a passion of theirs. You do not have to go through this alone. Burger Law’s Palos Heights, IL lawyer for motorcycle accident team will balance the scales of justice and deliver a full financial recovery. We are the most- and highest-rated personal injury law firm in the Midwest for a reason: we do not back down. Speak directly to a tenacious motorcycle accident lawyer in Palos Heights, IL immediately at (312) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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