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Motorcyclists are subject to extreme dangers when an accident occurs. Unfortunately, these dangers are the reality of riding a motorcycle, whether it is your primary means of transportation or a weekend hobby. You could be completely aware and alert while riding, but the reckless actions of another driver can cause life-threatening injuries.
If you were injured while riding your motorcycle, you should not wait to retain a skilled personal injury attorney. Large insurance companies and defense attorneys will try to minimize your damages and downplay your injuries. However, an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer could effectively negotiate the case and fight for your best interests.
The causes of motorcycle crashes are similar to other motor vehicle accidents, but motorcyclists tend to suffer more severe injuries that may not even affect the occupants in a bigger vehicle. Some common causes of motorcycle collisions include:
Some motorcycle accidents are not as straightforward in terms of the cause, and a determination of who may be negligent may require extensive review of the evidence and the advice of experts. A dedicated Chicago attorney could collect evidence and conduct a full investigation into a motorcycle accident to help determine the cause and the at-fault party.
It is important to understand the types of compensation that could potentially be recovered in an injury claim. Many motorcyclists sustain significant injuries that can require years of medical treatment. However, medical bills are not the only damages that motorcycle accidents can bring.
Injured motorcyclists can also seek compensation for economic losses such as their lost wages, damage to their bikes, other property damage, and future medical treatment costs. Additionally, injured motorcyclists may also recover non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering and emotional distress in some circumstances. In cases where a crash resulted from the willful or wanton misconduct of a driver, an injured party may also pursue punitive damages to punish the driver. A qualified motorcycle wreck attorney in Chicago understands that recovery takes time and could fight for the injured party’s compensation while they recover.
Under the modified comparative fault laws, a motorcyclist may be entitled to compensation even if they are partially responsible for the crash. However, the amount recovered will be reduced by the claimant’s percentage of fault. For example, if a motorcyclist is 20 percent at fault and a motorist is 80 percent at fault, the motorcyclist’s recovery will be reduced by 20 percent. However, if it is determined that the person seeking recovery is more than 50 percent at fault, they typically lose their case and are unable to recover compensation.
Blaming an injured motorcyclist is one of the common defenses the insurance companies use to try to minimize the actions of the drivers they insure. As such, it is imperative that an injured party stands up to these claims and presents their best interests. Having a seasoned Chicago attorney could help stand up to the large insurance companies and fight all unfounded claims following a motorcycle accident.
If you have been injured and believe that someone else was to blame, do not try to reach a settlement on your own. You need an advocate who could stand up to defense lawyers and insurance companies, and not be intimidated into accepting an inadequate settlement.
