Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Dixon, IL

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Dixon, IL

The exhilaration you feel when riding a motorcycle can be ripped away from you by the injuries reckless drivers cause when they do not respect your safety. If another driver injured you in Dixon, IL, reach out to the motorcycle accident lawyers of Burger Law today at (779) 800-HURT or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation case evaluation.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Dixon, 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 enjoy the road and relax. There is a sense of freedom that is not possible in an enclosed vehicle. Regrettably, there is a potentially dangerous trade-off. Because of their relative lack of protection, motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries. When that happens to you, it carries immediate economic, physical and emotional consequences and you need someone to stand by your side and ensure you are treated fairly. You want an attorney that has demonstrated that they can get great results in motorcycle collision lawsuits in Dixon, IL.

Our attorneys and paralegals have over seven decades of combined litigation and trial experience. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will fight until we win your case and there is nothing left to fight. Always speak to a lawyer before agreeing to a settlement. The insurance adjuster will try to devalue your recovery. Our firm has a proven track record of successfully fighting the insurance companies and making sure that they treat our Dixon, IL clients fairly.

To discover more about how our personal injury law firm will defend your rights, call our team at (779) 800-HURT to go over your motorcycle accident case now.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Dixon, IL?

Despite the fact that motorcycles account for 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 fatalities in traffic-related accidents in 2020, according to data from the National Safety Council. Nationwide, in 2020 82,000 people were injured and 5,579 died in motorcycle crashes. In Illinois, there were 3,077 motorcycle accidents which resulted in 2,404 injuries and 152 fatalities, according to the Illinois 2020 Crash Facts and Statistics. Unfortunately, over half of those happened when the motorcycle was going in a straight line, which means the accidents were often due to a car or truck driver not respecting motorcyclists on the road. Most of the crashes occurred in metropolitan areas, especially around tolls.

According to findings from the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, Illinois is eighth in the country with 280,322 registered motorcycles, and proportionately was eighth in the country in fatalities in 2017.

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.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Dixon, IL

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

Immediately After The Accident

While any collision is jarring, try to stay as calm as possible. Immediately after the crash, you should:

• Get out of harm’s way — If you can, move out of the way of oncoming traffic. 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, it may be best not to move; instead wait for emergency personnel.
• Keep your gear on — Removing 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 leaving and planning to seek medical attention at urgent care or a doctors’ appointment. Police are trained to assign fault in an accident, and will make a police report.
• Gather evidence — Talk to any other motorists involved and ask for an insurance card. Take pictures of the accident, including how the vehicles are positioned and the surrounding areas. Take as many pictures as possible. Something that may seem like it does not matter at first may be useful to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Dixon, IL when trying to prove your case when you make your claim. Get the contact info of any eyewitnesses to the accident.

Finally, if you did not seek medical treatment at the crash site, do so immediately.

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 Dixon, 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:

• Continue Medical Treatment — This is not only vital for your health, but is also paramount to building your case. You need to prove that you sustained financial losses, and to do that you need to be able to point to medical records which show all of the costs and treatments directly associated with the accident. The the higher your financial loss, the higher your ultimate compensation will be as well. Make sure you attend every follow up, chiropractic or physical therapy appointment your doctor prescribes.
• Keep Track of Everything Related to Your Injuries — You are also entitled to compensation for lost wages from time when you were unable to work due to your injuries, and any out-of-pocket expenses due to your injuries, such as transportation to and from medical appointments or hiring someone to help take care of your children. Keep all of your receipts and explanations for why those charges were due to your injury. You can also write down your every day experiences detailing the non-tangible impact of your injuries and your pain and suffering.
• Do Not Talk to the Insurance Company — Once you have filed your claim and enlisted the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer, let your attorney handle documentation and negotiation. Insurance adjusters try to employ a lot of tactics to minimize claims, and it is better to leave communication up to an attorney who knows how to make the adjuster be honest.
• Stay off Social Media — It is commonplace to want to share what is going on with your life with others. However, even a well-meaning post can do damage to your claim. If you say your injuries are debilitating, and the insurance sees pictures of you at a bar, they they can say your injuries are not actually that severe.

From the first time you speak with us, we will keep you completely in the loop until we attain the great results you deserve. Allow us to handle the legal aspect of your case so you can focus on your medical treatment.

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

For some minor claims, where there is no discrepancy about who is at fault and your medical bills only include an urgent care visit, a lawyer may not be able to add much value to your claim. Supply the insurance company with your records and expenses, and see if they will throw some extra money on top for the hassle. In a a settlement for a relatively small sum of money where their policyholder is clearly liable, the insurance company will only lose money if they try to fight your claim.

However, more likely than not you will need the assistance of a motorcycle accident attorney for your injury claim. While in a a truly fair society insurance companies would fulfill their duty when someone is injured by their policyholders’ negligence, it usually takes a fair amount of fighting to get them to be fair. Situations where you will need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Dixon, IL include:

• Your injuries require ongoing treatment — The more your medical expenses and lost wages, 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 hold the insurance adjuster accountable for all of your damages.
• 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 company’s offer is no where close to that, they are trying convince you that you do not know how what fair compensation means in your case. If you enlist the services of an attorney, the insurance company will know that you will not back down without a fight. In a recent case, Burger Law was able to turn a $3,900 offer into a $100,000 settlement.
• There is more than liable party — With some injuries, 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 while not looking for you, causing you to take defensive action and hit a pothole that a local government should have fixed. A knowledgeable Dixon, IL motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to investigate the crash and determine all liable parties. Finding other people who are liable is key if your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
• You are being blamed for your injuries — Trying to say your injuries are your own fault is a classic move insurance adjusters use to minimize your claim. When this happens, an attorney will fight back conclusively demonstrate how the other party was negligent. If you were indeed responsible for a portion of the accident, you can still make a recovery under Missouri’s comparative negligence rule. However, you will need an attorney to apply the rule of law and get you that compensation.

Your Dixon, IL motorcycle accident lawyer at Burger Law knows how to combat tricks insurance adjusters use. We have been doing it for more than 30 years. We offer an initial conversation and investigation for free, so speak to an attorney now 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 Dixon, IL Motorcycle Accident Victories

With any type of legal claim, results matter. You want to know that you are giving your case to 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. 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. Check out the following links to see some recent Burger Law motorcycle accident victories and 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 Dixon, IL?

If you want to file any Dixon, IL injury claim, 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 a responsibility to keep you safe? 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1 mandates 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 breaking proper procedure behind the wheel?
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 malfunctioning, the liable party may be a manufacturer and not another motorist?.
5. Damages — Did your injuries lead to losses, such as medical expenses and emotional distress? If your accident resulted in a few small lacerations and bruising, but you did not need any medical treatment, you likely do not have a claim.

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

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

In any personal injury claim, you are owed compensation for:

• 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 may be able to recover punitive damages if you were injured by extreme recklessness, such as drunk driving

Factors that might make your compensation higher or lower include:

• The severity of your injuries; more significant injuries tend to lead to higher economic and noneconomic damages
• Whether or not you were partially at fault for your injuries
• If you sustained permanent disfigurement or disability
• How your life has changed because of your injuries

At Burger Law, we know how to calculate every dime you are owed and insist the liable party 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 adjusting for inflation.

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

According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident injuries in Dixon, IL is two years. That means the clock starts ticking on the date you were injured to file a claim. Illinois has three exceptions:

• If you or your loved one was a minor at the time of accident, they have until two years after their 18th 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 period, that time is not included in the two years

While two years may seem like a long time, it takes time to properly build your case. Do not hesitate to reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer after you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Dixon, IL. Call us now at (779) 800-HURT.

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

Motorcycles are harder for passenger car drivers to see, as they take up less space. As a result 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 most drivers have programmed their brains to be aware of larger vehicles, but not for motorcycles. Inattentional blindness contributes to many motorcycle accidents in Dixon, IL.

The most common causes of motorcycles accidents are:

• Left-hand turns — According to data from the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, almost half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve a car turning left while the motorcycle was going straight. These crashes can be due to a motorist’s drunkenness, speeding or simple inattention.
• Other collisions — Head on collisions also occur frequently between motorcycles and cars or trucks. It is also common for a car to fail to see a motorcyclist when turning in front of them. Motorcycles also have the highest rate of collisions with fixed objects, which is not always the motorcyclist’s fault.
• Road hazards — Cracked pavement, potholes, dead animals, slick surfaces or other debris on our streets usually do not affect a vehicle with more than two wheels very much. However, motorcycles are less stable and these hazards can cause a motorcyclist to lose control.
• Malfunctioning 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 result in motorcycle crashes.

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

Ninety-four percent of all motor vehicle accidents are due to 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 construction company for road hazards
• A vehicle manufacturer for a defective product
• A company if their employee injured you while driving, for example in a commercial truck accident

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

States and municipalities are tasked with keeping their roadways safe for use by everyone on the roads, and when there are road hazards that cause an accident, the agency responsible for the neglect can be held responsible for the motorcycle accident. However, suing a government entity in Illinois has added complications. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Dixon, IL can handle your claim and guide you through the complexities of local and state laws to get you a full financial recovery.

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

The dangers of motorcycles mean that bikers have a higher death rate than people in passenger cars. If your worst nightmare came true and someone you love 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 is killed by 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. Beginning with who has the first chance to file, they are:
  1. Members of the nuclear family, such as a spouse, children, grandchildren and grandparents
  2. When 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
• 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 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 Dixon, IL wrongful death attorneys are not just tremendous at getting our clients full recoveries. We are understanding and kind 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 claims we we have had great success with in Dixon, 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 Dixon, IL Today

Our Dixon, 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 Dixon, IL personal injury law firm will fight for your rights, call our team at (779) 800-HURT or fill out our online form for a no obligation consultation.