Belvidere Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Few vehicular accidents can lead to such personal devastation as a motorcycle accident. The resulting damage to your physical, emotional, and mental health can be catastrophic. Due to the small size and fast speed of a motorcycle, an accident can be very terrifying. The full scope of your injuries may depend entirely on whether you were wearing protective gear. If you want to take legal action, you should consider speaking to a Belvidere motorcycle accident lawyer. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure your rights are protected
The legal team at Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley can help you figure out your next steps following a motorcycle accident. If you are not seriously injured, we can help you put together a solid case for compensation from the driver who caused your accident. If you are severely injured, we can take control of your case and give you the time you need to focus on your recovery. Motorcycle accidents often lead to permanent conditions. You will want options.
Getting in a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident can come out of nowhere to effectively change the trajectory of your life. If you sustain severe injuries, they could lead to a chronic condition and ongoing medical issues for the foreseeable future.
You may have to become accustomed to a new normal that you never asked for as you adjust to a permanent condition like a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury. The resulting mental trauma can be just as devastating.
You should consider hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help you figure out a plan to hold the right people accountable for what has happened to you. Your lawyer can handle the finer details of your case, negotiate with opposing counsel and insurance companies on your behalf, provide you with legal assistance, and ensure that nobody takes advantage of you throughout this process.
According to recent crash statistics, there were over 3,000 motorcycle accidents in Illinois in 2022 alone, which was the most recent year analyzed. In these accidents, nearly 2,400 motorcyclists were injured, and 145 were killed. Motorcycle accidents that take place on Illinois highways, such as Interstate 90, can be particularly dangerous. Injured victims are usually taken to UW Health Belvidere Hospital, Belvidere’s sole emergency department.
Illinois Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Illinois is one of only three states that do not have any motorcycle helmet laws, regardless of age. While many states at least demand that underage riders wear helmets, Illinois does not require anyone to do so.
Despite there being no legal requirement to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, it is still highly recommended that you wear one anyway. Nationwide, helmets have been proven to save lives in the event of an accident. Having this added protection could save your life.
Statute of Limitations
When you decide to move forward with legal action against the negligent party, it is important that you pay close attention to every aspect of your case. One aspect you may not immediately think to consider is Illinois’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which include motorcycle accident cases.
Generally, you have two years to put together a strong case, gather the evidence you need, speak with a lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages. If you are not able to file your claim before the two-year deadline, your accident case will likely be dismissed, and you will have no further opportunity to pursue compensation for the damages you sustained.
Building a solid claim can take a lot of time and energy, so you should begin as soon as possible while your memory of the incident is fresh and evidence is available. If you’re worried your case isn’t strong enough, you may want to consider bringing what you have to an injury lawyer for an evaluation. They can look through your case and let you know if it’s worth pursuing. You may be surprised to learn you have more than you thought.
FAQs About Belvidere,IL Motorcycle Accident Law
How Much Compensation Can I Receive in a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
Every motorcycle accident case is different, with every case being built on a foundation of differing circumstances and factors. The amount of compensation you may receive in your settlement will be a direct reflection of the seriousness of your case. The severity of your injuries, the stance of the insurance companies, and the evidence you have that proves negligence will all contribute to that amount.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?
The amount of time that a motorcycle accident case takes to settle is entirely dependent on the case at hand. The more serious the accident, the longer it may take to finalize. Some cases may take a few months, while others could take several years. It depends entirely on the severity of your injuries, your lawyer’s negotiation skills, the willingness of both parties to compromise, the complexity of your case, and the strength of your evidence.
Who Is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?
Generally, car drivers are largely considered to be at fault in many motorcycle accidents. When two vehicles of considerably different sizes are involved in an accident, the larger vehicle is usually seen to be at fault; however, this is not a guarantee. There are multiple situations where the motorcycle driver could be at fault, such as if they engage in lane splitting or excessive speeding.
What Shouldn’t You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
There are many different things you should never do after a motorcycle accident. You don’t want to do anything that’s going to jeopardize your accident claim. Above all, you should never admit fault for the accident, even if you caused it. Admitting fault can hurt your accident claim and completely destroy your case. Be civil and state the facts of the incident, but don’t admit fault to the other driver, the police, or your insurance company.
Reach Out to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
After enduring a motorcycle accident, it’s reasonable to want to hold someone accountable for causing it. An experienced lawyer can help you put together a strong case and seek the justice you are after.
The legal team at Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley understands the most effective ways to help you succeed in getting compensated for your accident. We can help you build a case, gather the proper evidence, and protect your interests throughout. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member today.
