Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Alexis, IL

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Alexis, IL

The thrill of riding a motorcycle can be canceled out by the harm reckless drivers can do to you when they do not respect your safety. If another driver injured you in Alexis, IL, reach out to the motorcycle accident lawyers of Burger Law immediately at (779) 800-HURT or complete our online form for a free case review.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Alexis, or anywhere in Illinois, find out how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

Motorcycles are a great way to get your blood racing. You are connected to the road and your motorcycle in a way that you do not get in an enclosed vehicle. Unfortunately, negligent drivers can turn that feeling into catastrophic injuries. Because of their relative lack of protection, motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries. When you are injured, it carries instant financial, physical and emotional consequences and you need someone to stand by your side and get you the compensation you deserve. You need to find a lawyer that has demonstrated that they can get great results in motorcycle crash claims in Alexis, IL.

Our attorneys and paralegals have over 70 years of combined litigation and trial experience. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will tenaciously pursue your claim to ensure you get the medical care and financial recovery that you are owed and that you deserve. Do not talk to your insurance or the other side’s insurance without speaking to an attorney first. The insurance adjuster is out to devalue your recovery. Our firm has a proven track record of successfully fighting the insurance companies and making sure that they give 100 percent of what they owe our Alexis, IL clients.

To find out more about what we can do for you, speak to a lawyer at (779) 800-HURT to discuss your motorcycle accident claim now.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Alexis, IL?

Even though motorcycles make up less than one percent of all vehicle miles traveled in the country, they made up four percent of all injuries and 14 percent of all deaths in traffic-related accidents in 2020, according to data from the National Safety Council. In the United States, in 2020 there were 82,500 motorcycle accident injuries and 5,579 deaths. In Illinois, of 3,077 motorcycle crashes, 2,404 caused injuries and 152 were fatal, according to the Illinois 2020 Crash Facts and Statistics. Unfortunately, over half of those crashes came when the motorcycle was going straight ahead, which leads us to believe that the accidents were often caused by another driver was not looking out for bikers. Crashes are most common in densely populated areas, especially major city streets.

According to research from the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, Illinois is eighth in the country with over 280,000 registered motorcycles, and fittingly was eighth in the country in deaths in 2017.

Nearly 50 percent of deadly motorcycle accidents occur in the between June and September, and 50 percent happen on the weekends.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Alexis, IL

There are a number things you should do, both in the immediate wake of an accident and in the days and weeks that follow, to make sure your recover from your injuries both physically and financially.

Immediately After The Accident

While any crash is surprising and scary, it is vital to think rationally. At the accident site, you should:

• Get out of harm’s way — If you can, get to the side of the road and away from other vehicles coming down the street. Leave the bike. It is obviously important to you, but staying with the bike or trying to move it could make your injuries worse. If you suspect you have a spine or head injury, stay still and wait for emergency medical services.
• Keep your gear on — Taking off your helmet or other gear could also make serious injuries even worse. Because of adrenaline, a serious injury may not always hurt as much at first.
• Call 911 — As motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, it may be best to get medical attention there instead of trying to go to an emergency room yourself. Police know how to determine fault in an accident, and will make a police report.
• Gather evidence — Talk to any other drivers involved and get their insurance information. Take pictures of all vehicles and the crash site from different positions. Take as many pictures as possible. Something you do not think matters much may be useful to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Alexis, IL when trying to prove someone else’s negligence when you make your claim. Get the contact info of any eyewitnesses to the accident.

Finally, receive medical attention if you did not already do so.

What to Do in the Ensuing Weeks and Months

Once you have gotten medical treatment, inform both your insurance company and the other driver’s. Then, speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Alexis, IL about your case. If your injuries are significant, you will likely need one to get full compensation. While communicating with your attorney, it is important to:

• Keep Going to Your Medical Appointments — This is obviously the best thing for your health, but aids your financial recovery as well. In order to prove your damages, you need to complete copies of medical medical records which detail the extent of your injuries. The the higher your financial loss, the higher your pain and suffering compensation will be as well. Make sure you attend every every treatment and use all of the equipment and medication your doctor prescribes.
• Keep Detailed Records — You are also entitled to compensation for lost wages from time your injuries caused you to miss out from work, and any out-of-pocket expenses you incur, such as parking or Uber rides for going to medical appointments or hiring someone to help with chores around the house. Manage a file with detailed receipts and notes about why those charges were necessary. You can also write down your every day experiences showing how your injuries have affected you physically and emotionally for a record of your pain and suffering.
• Leave the Insurance Company up to Your Attorney — Once you have informed the insurance company about your claim and enlisted the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer, let your attorney handle documentation and negotiation. Insurance adjusters utilize a lot of ploys to avoid paying claims, but your attorney will know how to combat them.
• Stay off Social Media — In this day and age, many of us want to share details about our life on social media. However, posting too much on social media can ruin your claim. If you say your injuries are debilitating, and the insurance sees pictures of you at a bar, they will use it to attempt to devalue your claim.

From your initial consultation, we will be in contact with you every step of the way until you get the full financial recovery you are owed. Allow us to deal with the investigation, documentation, negotiation and litigation so you can focus on healing.

Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Alexis, IL For My Claim?

For accidents involving minor injuries, where there is no discrepancy about who is at fault and your medical bills only include an emergency room visit, you may not need an attorney to get fair compensation. Give the insurance company proof of your financial losses, and ask for a little more for the hassle. In a a settlement for a relatively small sum of money where not much is disputed, the adjuster will only lose money if they try to deny your claim.

However, in most cases, you will need the assistance of a motorcycle accident attorney for your injury claim. While it would be nice if insurance companies fulfilled their obligations when someone is injured under their coverage, it usually takes a fair amount of fighting to get them to do it. Situations where you will need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Alexis, IL include:

• Your injuries require ongoing treatment — The higher your damages, the more the insurance company will fight back against your claim. If your injuries require future medical treatment or prevent you from earning a living as you used to, you will always need an attorney to convince the insurance company to pay for future damages as well.
• The insurance company’s offer is not close your damages — If your damages are in the tens or hundreds of thousands, and the insurance adjuster is only offering a few thousand, they are trying convince you that you do not know how much you are owed. If there is an attorney working on your claim, the insurance company will know that you are serious about getting the full compensation you deserve. Burger Law has added hundreds of thousands of dollars to claims, including turning a $3,900 offer into a $100,000 settlement.
• There are multiple parties at fault — With some injuries, especially crashes involving more than one vehicle, there may be more than one party that can be held liable for your injuries. For example, a driver may cut your off because they did not see you, causing you to swerve and hit a road hazard that a governmental agency should have fixed. An aggressive Alexis, IL motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to investigate the accident and assign a portion of the damages to each liable party. Finding other people who are liable is imperative if your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
• The insurance adjuster is trying to blame you for your injuries — Trying to say your injuries are your own fault is a classic tactic insurance adjusters use to avoid paying you. When this happens, an attorney can step in and prove that is not the case. If it is true that you were responsible for a portion of the accident, you are not completely barred from compensation under Missouri’s comparative negligence rule. However, a lawyer is likely necessary to get you the best possible results.

Your Alexis, IL motorcycle accident lawyer at Burger Law knows how to combat tricks insurance adjusters use. We have been doing it for over 30 years. We offer an initial conversation and investigation at no charge, so call us at (779) 800-HURT to see if we can add value to your claim. We start developing our legal strategy from the second you hire us, and do not give up until you get all of compensation you are owed.

Recent Burger Law Alexis, IL Motorcycle Accident Victories

You need a lawyer who has shown they can get maximum compensation in your type of claim before. A motorcycle accident lawyer saying they are the best is one thing, but a lawyer whose former clients will vouch for them and who has the results to prove it is another thing. Here are several of our most recent victories as well as client testimonials:

• $495,000 Uninsured Motorcycle Accident Verdict
• $327,000 Motorcycle Accident Settlement
• $250,000 Policy Limits Settlement
• $100,000 Motorcycle Liability Claim
• Maximum Recovery Obtained for Motorcycle Accident

Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Alexis, IL?

In order to have a successful claim in Alexis, IL, you must have been injured by someone else’s negligence. There are five elements to proving negligence in a personal injury claim:

1. Duty of care — Did the other person have an obligation to keep you safe? 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1 stipulates that “every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care,” so anyone else on the road automatically owes you that duty.
2. Breach of duty — Did they fail in that duty and cause an accident? Was another driver speeding, texting and driving, drunk driving or otherwise not following the rules of the road?
3. Cause in fact — Were your injuries the direct result of the accident?
4. Proximate cause — Whose negligence caused the accident? If the other driver’s brakes were malfunctioning, the liable party may be a manufacturer and not the driver?.
5. Damages — Did your injuries lead to losses, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering? If your accident caused some small lacerations and bruising, but they healed without any medical treatment, you likely do not have a claim.

Any time somebody else’s carelessness or recklessness injures you, you have an injury claim. Consult with a motorcycle accident attorney now at (779) 800-HURT if you have any doubts about the validity of your claim.

How Much is My Alexis, IL Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

Your compensation will be a combination of:

• Economic damages, such as lost wages, medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses
• Non-economic damages, such as mental anguish, scarring and pain and suffering
• While not common, you might be able to recover punitive damages if the liable party’s behavior was especially egregious, such as if they were drunk driving

Factors that determine how much you will recover include:

• The severity of your injuries; more significant injuries usually lead to higher medical bills and more pain and suffering
• Whether or not you were partially to blame for your injuries
• If the accident led to permanent disfigurement or disability
• How your life has changed because of your injuries

At Burger Law, our injury attorneys know how to calculate the full value of someone’s injury claim and insisting the insurance company takes responsibility for all of it. If your injuries lead to future economic damages like lost earning capacity or future surgeries, we will ensure you also get money to pay for that, including accounting for inflation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Alexis, IL?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the time limit for motorcycle accident injuries in Alexis, IL is two years. That means the clock starts ticking on the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in court. Illinois has three exceptions:

• If you or your loved one was a minor when the injuries occurred, they have until their 20th birthday
• If you or a loved one was under a legal disability at the time of accident, they have until two years after the disability ended
• If the person responsible for your injuries leaves the state of Illinois for a time, that time is not included in the two years

While two years does not sound like it should give you a sense of urgency, it takes time to properly build your case. Do not wait to reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer after you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Alexis, IL. Call us today at (779) 800-HURT.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Alexis, IL?

Motorcycles are not as easy to spot on the road, as they take up less space. Due to a phenomenon known as “inattentional blindness,” it is harder for drivers to see a motorcycle — even if they are doing their due diligence. This is because most drivers have programmed their brains to look for larger vehicles, but not for motorcycles. Inattentional blindness is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Alexis, IL.

The most common causes of motorcycles accidents are:

• Left-hand turns — The Motorcycle Legal Foundation reports that almost half of all motorcycle accidents that result in deaths involve a car turning left while the motorcycle was going straight. These crashes can happen because of a car driver’s intoxication, reckless driving or distracted driving.
• Other collisions — Head on collisions are also common between motorcycles and other types of vehicles. A car may also not see a motorcyclist when merging or changing lanes. Motorcycles also collide with fixed objects more than any other type of motorist, which is not always the motorcyclist’s fault.
• Road hazards — Uneven pavement, potholes, dead animals, wet or icy roadways or other roadways debris usually do not affect a vehicle with more than two wheels very much. However, motorcycles do not have the same level of stability and these hazards can cause a motorcyclist to spin out.
• Defective parts — Dozens of motorcycles are recalled every year, either by the manufacturer or by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When dangerous bikes and components are not recalled, it can lead to motorcycle accidents.

Who is Liable for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Alexis, IL?

More than nine out of 10 motor vehicle accidents are caused by human error. So, most likely, you will make a claim against another driver. However, depending on the specifics of your case, you may also be able to make a claim against:

• A governmental entity or contracting company for road hazards
• A motorcycle designer, manufacturer or vendor for a defective product
• A employer if someone they hired injured you while driving, for example in a commercial truck accident

Can I Sue For My Alexis, IL Motorcycle Accident if it Did Not Involve Another Vehicle?

States and municipalities are supposed to keep their roadways safe for use by everyone on the roads, and when there are road hazards that cause an accident, the municipality may have to compensate you for your injuries. However, the state of Illinois does not make it easy to sue them. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Alexis, IL can handle your claim and guide you through the complexities of local and state laws to get you the compensation you deserve.

A Loved One Was Killed in a Motorcycle Crash in Alexis, IL. What Are My Legal Options?

Motorcyclists are not only at increased risk of a serious injury, but are more likely to be in a fatal accident. If you were touched by tragedy and a family member passed away in a motorcycle crash, you can make a wrongful death claim. While it is impossible to put a monetary value on your loved one’s life can help provide some sense closure and ease the financial burden that come with your loved one’s passing. 740 ILCS 180/, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, details the laws surrounding wrongful death claims:

• A wrongful death claim can be made when some dies because of another’s negligence or wrongdoing.
• The Illinois statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of your loved one’s death, not the date that they were first injured.
• Three groups of people related to the deceased can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. In order of priority, they are:
  1. Members of the nuclear family, such as a spouse, children, grandchildren and grandparents
  2. If there are no immediate family members, siblings and nieces and nephews can file a claim
  3. If there are no family members, a judge can appoint a plaintiff ad litem to bring a suit
• Your compensation will include:
  • Under 755 ILCS 5/27-6, the Illinois Survival Act, the personal injury damages incurred by the deceased before their death, for example their medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of financial support from the deceased, including any work-related benefits
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of instruction, education and moral training the deceased would have provided
  • Survivors’ grief, sorrow and mental suffering

Burger Law’s Alexis, IL wrongful death attorneys are not just skilled at securing full compensation. We are understanding and kind and have helped many families navigate the sorrow, anger and confusion that accompanies a fatal auto accident.

In addition to motorcycle accidents, other personal injury cases we we have had great success with in Alexis, IL include:

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

Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Alexis, IL Today

Our Alexis, IL motorcycle accident lawyers will not stop fighting until there is nothing left to fight; that is our guarantee. You deserve to be financially compensated for your motorcycle accident. You did nothing to deserve being in this situation, and you should not have to pay for it. To learn more about how our Alexis, IL personal injury law firm will fight for your rights, call our team at (779) 800-HURT or contact us online for a complimentary case evaluation.