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Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Hoffman Estates, IL
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Hoffman Estates, IL
The exhilaration you feel when riding a motorcycle can be made moot 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 Hoffman Estates, IL, call the motorcycle accident lawyers of Burger Law immediately at (779) 800-HURT or contact us online for a complimentary case review.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Hoffman Estates, 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 peace. You get a feeling of the open road that a car just cannot emulate. Regrettably, there is a potentially dangerous trade-off. Because motorcycles do not protect their occupants as well as enclosed vehicles, motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries. When you are injured, there are financial, physical and mental consequences and you need someone to stand by your side and get you the compensation you deserve. You need to find a lawyer with a proven track record of winning motorcycle crash lawsuits in Hoffman Estates, IL.
Burger Law has over three decades of experience getting maximum compensation for our clients. Our motorcycle accident lawyers will aggressively pursue every legal avenue to make sure justice is served. Do not talk to your insurance or the other side’s insurance without speaking to an attorney first. The insurance adjuster will try to limit 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 Hoffman Estates, IL clients.
To discover more about how our personal injury law firm will fight for your rights, speak to an attorney at (779) 800-HURT to discuss your motorcycle accident case today.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Hoffman Estates, IL?
Despite the fact that motorcycles account for barely over half a percent of all traffic miles traveled in the United States, they made up four percent of all injuries and 14 percent of all fatalities in traffic-related accidents in 2020, according to research from the National Safety Council. In the United States, in 2020 there were 82,500 motorcycle accident injuries and 5,579 fatalities. In Illinois, of 3,077 motorcycle crashes, 2,404 caused injuries and 152 were fatal, according to the Illinois 2020 Crash Facts and Statistics. Sadly, the majority of those crashes came when the motorcycle was going straight ahead, insinuating that the accidents were often because of a car or truck driver failing to notice motorcyclists. Wrecks happen most frequently in densely populated areas, especially around tolls.
The most common season for motorcycle crashes is summer, and half of all wrecks happen between Friday night and Monday morning.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Hoffman Estates, IL
There are a number things you should do, both immediately following the accident and in the days and weeks that follow, to ensure both your health and the chances of a successful claim.
Immediately After The Accident
While any wreck is surprising and scary, try to stay as calm as possible. At the accident site, you should:
Get out of harm’s way — If you are physically able, get to the side of the road and away from oncoming traffic. Leave the bike. It is obviously important to you, but trying to carry it could put you at risk of further harm. If you are seriously injured, it may be best not to move; instead wait for emergency personnel.
Keep your gear on — Removing your helmet or other gear could also make serious injuries even worse. Shock may hide how severe an injury actually is.
Call 911 — As the injuries caused in a motorcycle wreck can be catastrophic, it may be best to be looked over there instead of leaving and planning to go to an emergency room yourself. Police know how to assign fault in an accident, and will make a police report.
Gather evidence — Speak to the other driver and request 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 you do not think matters much may be useful to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Hoffman Estates, IL when trying to prove your case in the future. Get the contact info of any eyewitnesses to the accident.
Finally, receive medical attention if you have not already.
What to Do Throughout the Claim Process
Once you have gotten medical treatment, notify both your insurance company and the other driver’s. Then, speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Hoffman Estates, 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 not only vital for your health, but is also key to building your case. In order to prove your damages, you need to be able to point to medical records which detail all of the costs and treatments directly associated with the accident. The more medical expenses you have, the higher your ultimate compensation will be as well. Go to every every treatment and use all of the equipment and medication your doctor orders for you.
Keep Detailed Records — 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 you incur, such as transportation to and from medical appointments or hiring someone to help with housework. Manage a file with 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 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 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 devalue claims, but your attorney will know how to combat them.
Resist Social Media — It is normal to want to share what is going on with your life on the Internet. 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 they can say your injuries are not actually that severe.
From the moment you hire us, we will keep you completely in the loop until you get the maximum compensation you are owed. Allow us to handle the investigation, documentation, negotiation and litigation so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Get a Free Consultation
We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to take your call. Live chat, text, and virtual meetings are available.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Hoffman Estates, IL For My Claim?
For accidents involving minor injuries, where there is no discrepancy about who is at fault and your medical bills are no more than a visit with your primary care physician, you may be able to get compensation on your own. 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 smaller settlement where not much is disputed, the adjuster will only lose money if they try to fight 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 responsibility when someone is injured under their coverage, it usually takes a fair amount of fighting to get them to do it. You will almost certainly need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Hoffman Estates, IL if:
Your injuries require ongoing treatment — The higher your damages, the more the insurance company will try to avoid their responsibility. If your injuries result in permanent disability, you will always need an attorney to precisely value 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 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 a lawyer working on your claim, the insurance company will know that you mean business. Burger Law has added hundreds of thousands of dollars to claims, including turning a $3,900 offer into a $100,000 settlement.
There is more than party at fault — With some cases, especially multi-vehicle accidents, there may be more than one liable party. For example, a driver may cut your off while not looking for you, causing you to take defensive action and hit a road hazard that a local government should have fixed. A talented Hoffman Estates, IL motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to investigate the crash and assign a portion of the damages to each liable party. Identifying everyone who is liable is crucial if your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
The insurance adjuster is trying to blame you for the accident — Blaming you for your injuries is a well-known move insurance adjusters use to devalue your claim. When this happens, an attorney will fight back conclusively demonstrate how the other party was negligent. If you were indeed partially to blame, you can still receive some compensation under Missouri’s comparative negligence doctrine. However, you will need an attorney to apply the rule of law and get you that compensation.
Your Hoffman Estates, IL motorcycle accident lawyer at Burger Law knows how to combat tricks insurance adjusters use. We have been doing it for over three decades. We offer an initial conversation and investigation for free, so call us at (779) 800-HURT to see what we can do for your claim. We get to work from the second you hire us, and fight until there is nothing left to fight.
Recent Burger Law Hoffman Estates, 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 with client testimonials and results to prove it is another thing. Here are several of our most recent victories as well as client testimonials:
Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Hoffman Estates, IL?
If you want to file any Hoffman Estates, IL injury claim, you must have sustained an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence. There are five elements to proving negligence in a personal injury claim:
Duty of care — Did the other person have a duty 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 a duty of care.
Cause in fact — Did the accident cause your injuries?
Proximate cause — Whose breach of duty caused the accident? If the other driver’s brakes were malfunctioning, the person who needs to compensate you may be a manufacturer and not the driver?.
Damages — Did you sustain losses because of your injuries, such as medical expenses and emotional distress? If your accident caused a few bumps and bruises, but it was not serious enough to seek medical treatment, you likely do not have a claim.
Any time somebody else’s carelessness or recklessness injures you, you can to file an injury claim. Consult with a motorcycle accident attorney today at (779) 800-HURT if you have any doubts about the validity of your claim.
How Much is My Hoffman Estates, IL Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
In any personal injury claim, you are owed compensation for:
Non-economic damages, such as mental anguish, disfigurement and pain and suffering
While not common, you might be able to receive 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 typically 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
The impact the injuries have had on your ability to enjoy life
At Burger Law, we are experts at calculating every dime you are owed and demand that the liable party takes responsibility for all of it. If your injuries lead to future economic damages like lost earning capacity or future surgeries, that will also be part of your settlement or verdict, including adjusting for inflation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Hoffman Estates, IL?
According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident injuries in Hoffman Estates, 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 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 person responsible for your injuries leaves the state of Illinois for a time, that period does not account against the two years
While two years may seem like a long time, it takes time to properly build your case. Do not wait to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer after you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Hoffman Estates, IL. Call us today at (779) 800-HURT.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Hoffman Estates, IL?
Motorcycles are harder for drivers of enclosed vehicles to see, being smaller. Because of something known as “inattentional blindness,” it is harder for drivers to see a motorcycle — even if they are doing their best to be careful. 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 Hoffman Estates, IL.
Most motorcycle accidents occur because of:
Left-hand turns — According to data from the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, almost half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve a car turning left while and hits a motorcyclist in an intersection. 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 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 may be due to a negligent construction company or governmental entity.
Road hazards — Cracked pavement, potholes, animal carcasses, 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 fall.
Defective parts — Manufacturers and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall dozens of motorcycles annually. 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 Hoffman Estates, IL?
A company if their employee injured you while driving, such as in a commercial truck accident
Can I Sue For My Hoffman Estates, 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 state 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 Hoffman Estates, IL can take on your claim and take the fight to city hall to secure you the compensation you deserve.
A Loved One Was Killed in a Motorcycle Crash in Hoffman Estates, IL. What Are My Legal Options?
The dangers of motorcycles mean that bikers have a higher death rate than people in passenger cars. If tragedy struck and a family member died in a motorcycle crash, you can make a recovery through a wrongful death claim. While it is impossible to put a monetary value on your loved one’s life can bring a sense of justice and ease the financial hardships 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:
Members of the nuclear family, such as a spouse, children, grandchildren and grandparents
When there are no immediate family members, siblings and nieces and nephews can bring a suit
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 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 benefits related to their employment
Loss of instruction, guidance and moral training the deceased would have provided
Survivors’ grief, sorrow and mental suffering
Burger Law’s Hoffman Estates, IL wrongful death attorneys are not just experts at securing full compensation. We are understanding and kind and have helped many families get through the sorrow, anger and confusion that accompanies a fatal auto accident.
In addition to motorcycle accidents, other personal injury claims we take on and win in Hoffman Estates, IL include:
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Hoffman Estates, IL Today
Our Hoffman Estates, IL motorcycle accident lawyers will not stop fighting until there is nothing left to fight; we promise. You are owed a recovery 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 Hoffman Estates, 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 complimentary case review.
Client Reviews
What our clients are saying about us
Anonymous
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!
Genevieve and Laura have assisted me in my personal injury claim and have made the process so much less stressful. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and attentive. Laura is always on top of everything and very sweet. I had no idea how to navigate this process and they have made me feel at ease and like they truly cared about the outcome.
Cara Barton
It has been a long 4 years, but it is finally over! Burger law did a great job handling my case. Grant Doty answered all my questions, promptly returned my phone calls, frequently kept me updated and insured me that he was fighting for me. Jennifer Zini also did a wonderful job, great customer service. It was pleasure getting to know the Burger Law team!
S. Alred
After a driver unexpectedly pulled out right in front of my motorcycle & I suffered injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance company offered me a $10,000 settlement. I hired Burger Law & they won a $109,000 settlement. I was very happy with the outcome. They were easy to work with & fully explained each step of the process & kept me informed along the way.
At Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer, we are a team of personal injury attorneys who have earned many distinctions and peer-reviewed awards for our civil litigation and trial work in Missouri and Illinois. A few of the honors we have earned include the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award, a Martindale-Hubbell AV rating, Super Lawyers selection as one of the top attorneys in the field of personal injury and board certifications in Civil Litigation.
Personal injury lawyers who demand justice in Southern Illinois. The role of a personal injury lawyer in Southern Illinois should be more than just getting you a great settlement…