Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Canton, IL

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Canton, IL

The exhilaration you feel when riding a motorcycle can be neutralized by the harm negligent drivers can do to you when they do not follow the rules of the road. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Canton, IL, reach out to the motorcycle accident lawyers of Burger Law now at (779) 800-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Canton, 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 give yourself a sense of calm. There is a sense of freedom that is not possible in an enclosed vehicle. Unfortunately, this freedom also comes with a high price. Because of their relative lack of protection, the consequences of a motorcycle accident can be devastating. When that happens to you, it carries hardships and you need someone to fight for you. You need to find a law firm with a proven track record of winning motorcycle crash claims in Canton, IL.

Our team has over 70 years of combined experience winning cases in negotiations and in the court room. 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. Always speak to a lawyer before accepting an insurance company’s offer. The insurance adjuster is out to minimize your recovery. We know how to fight insurance companies and ensure that they treat our Canton, IL clients fairly.

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

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Canton, IL?

Fourteen percent of traffic deaths and four percent of injuries were sustained by motorcyclists, despite only less than one percent of vehicle traffic being motorcycles, according to the National Safety Council. In the entire country, in 2020 82,000 people were injured and 5,579 perished in motorcycle crashes. 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 50 percent of those crashes came when a passenger car or truck collided with a motorcycle when the biker was driving in a straight line, insinuating that the accidents were often because of a car or truck driver not respecting motorcyclists on the road. Crashes are most common in urban areas, especially major city streets.

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

Nearly 50 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents occur in the between June and September, and half occur between Friday night and Monday morning.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Canton, IL

There are a number things you should do, both at the accident site and throughout the length of your claim process, to ensure you make both a physical and financial recovery.

At the Accident Site

While any accident can be surprising and scary, try to stay as calm as possible. Immediately after the crash, you should:

• Get out of harm’s way — If you are physically able, move out of the way of other vehicles coming down the street. Leave your motorcycle behind. It is obviously important to you, but staying with the bike or trying to move it could make your injuries worse. If you believe your injuries may be catastrophic, stay still and wait for emergency medical services.
• Do not remove your protective gear — Taking off your helmet or other gear could also exacerbate your injuries. Because of adrenaline, a serious injury may not always hurt as much at first.
• Call 911 — As motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, it is probably a good idea to be looked over there instead of trying to go to an emergency room yourself. Police will also be able to file a report relating who they believe is liable for the accident.
• Gather evidence — Talk to any other drivers involved and request an insurance card. Take pictures of all vehicles and the crash site from different positions. Take as many pictures as possible. Something that may seem like it does not matter at first may help a motorcycle accident lawyer in Canton, IL prove your case down the road. Get the contact info of any eyewitnesses to the accident.

Lastly, receive medical attention if you have not already.

What to Do Throughout the Claim Process

After you first seek medical care, inform both your insurance company and the other driver’s. Then, speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Canton, 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 is also paramount to making sure you get full compensation. In order to prove your damages, you need to complete copies of medical medical records which detail the extent of your injuries. The more medical expenses you have, the higher your non-economic damages compensation will be as well. Make sure you attend every follow up, chiropractic or physical therapy appointment your doctor wants you to.
• Keep Track of Everything Related to Your Injuries — You also deserve reimbursement for lost wages from time when you were unable to work due to your injuries, and any out-of-pocket expenses that were necessary, such as parking or Uber rides for going to medical appointments or hiring someone to help with housework. Manage a file with detailed receipts and notes about why you needed to pay those expenses. You can also write down your every day experiences detailing how your injuries have affected you physically and emotionally for a record of your pain and suffering.
• Do Not Talk to the Insurance Company — Once you have informed the insurance company about your injuries and hired a motorcycle accident lawyer, let your attorney handle documentation and negotiation. Insurance adjusters try to employ a lot of ploys to avoid paying claims, and it is better to leave communication up to a lawyer who knows how to hold the adjuster accountable.
• Stay off Social Media — It is normal to want to share what is going on with your life on social media. However, even a well-meaning post 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 deny your claim.

From the first time you speak with us, we will keep you completely in the loop until you get the maximum compensation you are owed. Let us deal with the investigation, documentation, negotiation and litigation so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.

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

For some minor claims, where fault is clearly established and your medical bills are no more than a visit with your primary care physician, you may not need an attorney to get fair compensation. Supply the insurance company with your records and expenses, and see if they will throw some extra money on top for the trouble. In a a settlement for a relatively small sum of money where their policyholder is clearly liable, the adjuster is not going to want to waste their time.

However, in most cases, hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer will be the only way to get fair compensation in your injury claim. While it would be nice if insurance companies fulfilled their responsibility when their policyholders injure someone, it usually takes a fair amount of fighting to get them to be fair. You will probably need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Canton, IL if:

• Your injuries require ongoing treatment — The higher your damages, the more the insurance company will fight back against your claim. If your injuries result in permanent disability, you will always need an attorney to convince the insurance company to pay for future damages as well.
• Your damages and the insurance company’s offer are way too far apart — 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 what fair compensation means in your case. By hiring an attorney, the insurance company will know that you will not back down without a fight. 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 accidents, especially wrecks involving more than one vehicle, there may be more than one person who was negligent. For example, a driver may cut your off because they did not see you, causing you to take defensive action and hit an improperly cordoned-off construction site. An experienced Canton, IL motorcycle accident lawyer will conduct a full investigation into the wreck and assign a portion of the damages to each liable party. Identifying everyone who is liable is imperative if you are owed more compensation than the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
• You are being blamed for the accident — Blaming you for your injuries is a classic trick insurance adjusters use to devalue your claim. When this happens, an attorney can step in and prove that is not the case. If you were indeed responsible for a portion of the accident, you are not completely barred from compensation under Missouri’s comparative negligence rule. However, you will need an attorney to apply the rule of law and get you that compensation.

Your Canton, IL motorcycle accident lawyer at Burger Law knows how to fight back against 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 fight until there is nothing left to fight.

Recent Burger Law Canton, IL Motorcycle Accident Victories

With any type of legal claim, results matter. You want to feel confident that you are putting your case in the hands of the best possible lawyer, and that they are going to fight hard to make sure you get 100 percent of the recovery and compensation you deserve. Any motorcycle accident lawyer can say they are the best, but a lawyer whose past clients will recommend 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 Canton, IL?

If you want to have a successful claim in Canton, IL, you must have been injured by another person’s negligence. There are five elements to proving negligence in a personal injury claim:

1. Duty of care — Did the liable party have a duty to keep you safe? 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1 states that “every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care,” so other drivers always owe you a duty of care.
2. Breach of duty — Did they fail in that duty and did that breach lead to an accident? Was another driver speeding, texting and driving, drunk driving or otherwise not following the rules of the road?
3. Cause in fact — Did the accident cause your injuries?
4. Proximate cause — Did the person’s breach of duty cause the accident? If the other driver’s brakes were not working, the liable party may be a manufacturer and not another motorist?.
5. Damages — Did your injuries lead to losses, such as medical bills and pain and suffering? If your accident caused a few bumps and bruises, but you did not need any medical treatment, it would be hard for you to file a claim.

If you were injured because of another’s negligence, you have an injury claim. Speak to a motorcycle accident attorney now at (779) 800-HURT if you are unsure if you have a claim.

How Much is My Canton, 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 economic and noneconomic damages
• Whether or not you contributed to the accident
• If you sustained permanent disfigurement or disability
• How your life has changed because of your injuries

At Burger Law, we are experts at calculating every dime you are owed and insist the liable party takes responsibility for all of it. If your injuries require ongoing medical care, we will ensure you also get money to pay for that, including adjusting for inflation.

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

Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the time limit for motorcycle accident claims in Canton, IL is two years. That means you only have two years from the date the accident occurred to file a claim. Illinois has three exceptions:

• If you or your loved one was under the age of 18 at the time of accident, they have until their 20th birthday
• If you or a loved one was under a legal disability when the injuries occurred, they have until two years after the disability ended
• If the liable party leaves the state of Illinois for a time, that period is not included in the two years

While two years may seem like a long time, investigating and developing a legal strategy for your claim takes time. Do not wait to call a motorcycle accident lawyer after you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Canton, IL. Call us now at (779) 800-HURT.

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

Motorcycles are harder for passenger car drivers to see, do not take up as much space on the road. Because of a phenomenon called “inattentional blindness,” it is harder for drivers to see a motorcycle — even if they are doing their due diligence. This is because we train our brains to be aware of other cars, but not for motorcycles. Inattentional blindness contributes to many motorcycle accidents in Canton, IL.

Most motorcycle accidents occur because of:

• Left-hand turns — According to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, over 40 percent of all motorcycle accidents that result in fatalities occur when a car turns left while the motorcycle was going straight. These crashes can be the result of a car driver’s intoxication, reckless driving or generally not paying close enough attention to the road.
• Other collisions — Head on collisions are also common between motorcycles and cars or trucks. 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, gravel or other debris on our streets often do not have much of an impact on a car. However, motorcycles do not have the same level of stability and these hazards can cause a motorcyclist to spin out.
• Defective components — Manufacturers and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall dozens of motorcycles annually. When dangerous bikes and components are not recalled, it can result in motorcycle accidents.

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

Almost all auto accidents are due to driver error. So, most likely, you will make a claim against another driver. However, other parties that may be held accountable include:

• A governmental entity or construction company for road hazards
• A motorcycle manufacturer for a defective product
• A employer if their employee injured you while driving, for example in a commercial truck accident

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

States and municipalities are supposed to keep their roadways safe for citizens to travel on, and when obstruction or other objects in the road cause an accident, the municipality can be held responsible for the motorcycle accident. However, suing a government entity in Illinois has added complications. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Canton, 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 Canton, 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 someone you love passed away in a motorcycle crash, you can make a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, it can bring a sense of justice 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:

• You can make a wrongful death claim for negligence, just as your loved one would have made an injury claim if they were injured.
• The Illinois statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date your loved one died, not the date of the accident.
• Three groups of people related to the deceased can file a wrongful death claim in Illinois. Beginning with who has 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 bring a suit
  3. If there are no family members, a judge can designate a plaintiff ad litem to file a claim
• The damages you can recover include:
  • Under 755 ILCS 5/27-6, the Illinois Survival Act, the economic and noneconomic damages the deceased incurred from their injuries before their death
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of financial support from your loved one, including any benefits related to their employment
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of instruction, education and moral training the deceased would have provided
  • Survivors’ grief, sorrow and mental suffering

Burger Law’s Canton, IL wrongful death attorneys are not just experts at getting our clients full recoveries. We are compassionate and have helped many families get through the sorrow, anger and confusion that comes after a fatal auto accident.

In addition to motorcycle accidents, other personal injury cases we we have had great success with in Canton, 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 Canton, IL Today

Our Canton, IL motorcycle accident lawyers will fight until you get the maximum compensation you are owed; we promise. You are owed a recovery for your motorcycle accident. You do not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. To learn more about how our Canton, IL personal injury law firm will fight for your rights, call our team at (779) 800-HURT or contact us online for a no obligation case review.