Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Grand Ridge, IL

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Grand Ridge, IL

The thrill of riding a motorcycle can be ripped away from you by the injuries reckless drivers cause when they do not respect your safety. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Grand Ridge, IL, speak to the motorcycle accident lawyers of Burger Law immediately at (779) 800-HURT or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation.

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

Motorcycles are an ideal way to get your blood racing. You get a feeling of the open road that is not possible in an enclosed vehicle. Regrettably, there is a potentially dangerous trade-off. Because motorcycles do not protect their occupants as well as enclosed vehicles, the consequences of a motorcycle accident can be devastating. When you are injured, there are economic, physical and emotional consequences and you need someone to fight for you. You need to find an attorney with a proven track record of winning motorcycle accident claims in Grand Ridge, IL.

Our attorneys and paralegals have more than 70 years 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 accepting an insurance company’s offer. 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 treat our Grand Ridge, IL clients fairly.

To discover more about what we can do for you, call an attorney at (779) 800-HURT to discuss your motorcycle accident case immediately.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Grand Ridge, IL?

Even though motorcycles account for less than one percent of total traffic miles traveled in the United States, they accounted for four percent of all injuries and 14 percent of all 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 crashes, 2,404 caused injuries and 152 were deadly, according to the Illinois 2020 Crash Facts and Statistics. Sadly, over half of those crashes came when a passenger car or truck collided with a motorcycle when the biker was driving in a straight line, which leads us to believe that the accidents were often caused by a car or truck driver not respecting motorcyclists on the road. Wrecks happen most frequently in densely populated areas, especially on arterial roads.

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 deadly motorcycle wrecks occur in the in the summer when the weather is nicer, and 50 percent occur between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Monday.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Grand Ridge, IL

There are several things you should do, both at the accident site and throughout the length of your claim process, to ensure both your health and the chances of a successful claim.

Immediately After The Accident

While any crash is surprising and scary, it is important to keep a clear head. At the accident site, you should:

• Get to safety — If you can, move out of the way of other vehicles coming down the street. Leave the bike. We know it is your baby, but staying with the bike or trying to move it could make your injuries worse. If you believe your injuries may be catastrophic, it may be best not to move; instead wait for emergency personnel.
• Do not take off 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 — Because motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, it is probably best to get medical attention there instead of trying to seek medical attention at urgent care or a doctors’ appointment. Police will also be able to file a report stating who they believe is to blame for the accident.
• Gather evidence — Speak to the other driver and request an insurance card. Take photographs of all vehicles and the crash site from a variety of angles. Take more photos than you think you need. Something that may seem like it does not matter at first may be useful to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Grand Ridge, IL when trying to prove your case when you make your claim. See if there are eyewitnesses who can back up your claim.

Lastly, receive medical attention if you have not already.

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 Grand Ridge, 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:

• Get the Full Medical Treatment You Need — This is obviously the best thing for your physical recovery, but aids your financial recovery as well. In order to prove your damages, you need to complete copies of medical medical records which show the extent of your injuries. The more medical expenses you have, the higher your ultimate compensation will be as well. Go to every follow up, chiropractic or physical therapy appointment your doctor orders for you.
• 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 that were necessary, such as parking or Uber rides for going to medical appointments or hiring someone to help with household chores. Keep all of your receipts and explanations for why those charges were necessary. It may also be a good idea to 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 filed your claim and hired a motorcycle accident lawyer, your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance. Insurance adjusters utilize a lot of ploys to minimize claims, and it is better to leave communication up to a lawyer who knows how to hold the adjuster accountable.
• Do Not Post on Social Media — It is commonplace to want to share what is going on with your life on the Internet. However, even a well-meaning post can hurt your chances of being fully compensated. If you say your injuries are debilitating, and the insurance finds out you have been going out on the weekends, they they can say your injuries are not actually that severe.

From your initial consultation, we will keep you completely in the loop until you get the maximum compensation you are owed. Allow us to handle the legal aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.

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

For minor and clear-cut accidents, where the liable party is obvious and your medical expenses only include a visit with your primary care physician, a lawyer may not be able to add much value to your claim. Supply the insurance company with proof of your financial losses, 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 not much is disputed, 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 obligations when their policyholders injure someone, it usually takes a fair amount of fighting to get them to do it. Situations where you will need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Grand Ridge, IL include:

• Your injuries are severe — The higher your damages, the more the insurance company will try and devalue your injuries. 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 company’s offer is no where close to that, they are trying to take advantage of you. If there is a lawyer on the case, the insurance company will know that you mean business. In a recent case, Burger Law was able to turn 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 caused your injuries. For example, a driver may merge into your line because they did not see you, causing you to swerve and hit an improperly cordoned-off construction zone. An aggressive Grand Ridge, 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.
• You are being blamed for your injuries — Trying to say your injuries are your own fault is a well-known tactic insurance adjusters use to avoid paying you. When this happens, an attorney will fight back conclusively demonstrate how the other party was negligent. 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 most possible compensation.

Your Grand Ridge, IL motorcycle accident lawyer at Burger Law knows how to fight back against tricks insurance adjusters use. We have been doing it for more than three decades. 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 get to work from the second you hire us, and do not give up until you get every bit of compensation you are owed.

Recent Burger Law Grand Ridge, IL Motorcycle Accident Victories

With any type of legal claim, results matter. You want to feel confident 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. Any motorcycle accident lawyer can say they will fight for you, 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 Grand Ridge, IL?

If you want to file any Grand Ridge, IL injury claim, you must have sustained an injury that was caused by another person’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 a duty of care.
2. Breach of duty — Were they neglectful in that duty and cause an accident? Was another driver speeding, texting and driving, drunk driving or otherwise breaking the rules of the road?
3. Cause in fact — Did the accident cause your injuries?
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 you sustain losses because of your injuries, such as medical bills and emotional distress? If your accident caused some bruises or scrapes, but you did not need 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. Speak to a motorcycle accident attorney now at (779) 800-HURT if you have any doubts about the validity of your claim.

How Much is My Grand Ridge, 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 emotional distress, scarring and pain and suffering
• In some rare cases, you can be awarded punitive damages if the liable party’s behavior was especially egregious, such as if they were drunk driving

Factors that might make your compensation higher or lower include:

• The severity of your injuries; more significant injuries usually lead to higher medical bills and more pain and suffering
• Whether or not you contributed to the accident
• If you sustained permanent disfigurement or disability
• The impact the injuries have had on your ability to live the life you are used to

At Burger Law, we are experts at calculating the full value of someone’s injury claim and insisting the liable party pay all of it. If your injuries require ongoing medical care, we will ensure you also get money to pay for that, including calculating for inflation.

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

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the time limit for motorcycle accident injuries in Grand Ridge, IL is two years. That means you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. There are some 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 when the injuries occurred, they have until two years after the disability ended
• If the person responsible for your injuries is outside of the state of Illinois for a period, that period does not account against 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 hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer after you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Grand Ridge, IL. Call us today at (779) 800-HURT.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Grand Ridge, IL?

Motorcycles are harder for drivers of enclosed vehicles to see, do not take up as much space on the road. Because of something known as “inattentional blindness,” drivers are less likely to see a motorcycle — even if they are doing their best to be careful. This is because we train our brains to look for other cars, but not for motorcycles. Inattentional blindness is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents in Grand Ridge, IL.

The most common causes of motorcycles accidents are:

• Left-hand turns — The Motorcycle Legal Foundation reports that 42 percent of all motorcycle accidents that result in fatalities occur when a car turns left while and hits a motorcyclist in an intersection. These crashes can be the result of a motorist’s intoxication, speeding or simple inattention.
• Other collisions — Head on collisions are also common between motorcycles and passenger cars. A car may also to fail to 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, animal carcasses, slick surfaces or other debris on our streets 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 lose control.
• Defective parts — Dozens of motorcycles are recalled every year, either by the manufacturer or by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If bikes or parts that are defective are allowed to stay on the market, it can cause motorcycle crashes.

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

Almost all motor vehicle 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 not repairing or negligent repairing a road
• A vehicle manufacturer for a defective product
• A company if their employee injured you while driving, such as in a commercial truck accident

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

States and municipalities are tasked with keeping their roadways safe for citizens to travel on, and when there are road hazards that cause an accident, the agency responsible for the neglect can be held liable for the motorcycle accident. However, suing a government entity in Illinois has added complications. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Grand Ridge, IL can take on your claim and take the fight to city hall to get you the compensation you deserve.

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

Motorcyclists are not only at higher risk of a catastrophic injury, but are more likely to perish in a crash. If tragedy struck and a family member died in a motorcycle crash, you can make a wrongful death claim. While no amount of money can fill the whole that is left, it can help provide some sense closure and ease some of the difficulties associated with their 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 of your loved one’s death, not the date of the accident.
• There are three categories of people who 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. When there are no immediate family members, siblings and siblings’ descendants can file a claim
  3. If there are no family members, the court can appoint a plaintiff ad litem to file a claim
• Your compensation will include:
  • Under 755 ILCS 5/27-6, the Illinois Survival Act, the economic and noneconomic damages your loved one 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 Grand Ridge, IL wrongful death attorneys are not just experts at securing full compensation. We are empathetic 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 injury claims we take on and win in Grand Ridge, 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 Grand Ridge, IL Today

Our Grand Ridge, IL motorcycle accident lawyers will fight until you get the maximum compensation you are owed; that is our guarantee. 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 Grand Ridge, 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 review.