Maywood Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In Maywood, Illinois, the roads are bustling with over 300,000 licensed motorcycles, a number steadily increasing each year, as reported by the Motorcycle Operator Manual published by the Illinois Secretary of State. However, with this surge in motorcycle activity comes a heightened risk of accidents, compounded by the fact that drivers often fail to exercise the same level of caution around motorcyclists as they do with other vehicles. Furthermore, the inherent lack of protection for motorcyclists makes injuries sustained in accidents far more severe. If you or a loved one has been injured while riding, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Our team of dedicated Maywood motorcycle accident attorneys is here to support you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle in Maywood
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents come in various forms, each with its own set of dangers. Some of the most common types include left turn accidents, where a driver fails to notice an oncoming motorcyclist while making a turn; lane splitting incidents, occurring when a motorcyclist maneuvers between slow-moving traffic, often resulting in collisions due to drivers not checking their blind spots; dooring accidents, where a parked motorist inadvertently opens their door into the path of a motorcyclist; head-on collisions, typically fatal for bikers; rear-end collisions, similarly devastating for motorcyclists; and lane change accidents, where drivers may not see motorcyclists due to their smaller size until it’s too late. The injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe due to the minimal protection afforded to motorcyclists, ranging from broken bones and abdominal injuries to burns, internal bleeding, and amputations.
Contact a Maywood Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
After a motorcycle accident in Maywood, you have rights that need protecting, and at Kennedy Watkins, our team of dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys is here to ensure just that. Available round the clock, seven days a week, we prioritize your needs, willing to meet you wherever you are in Maywood. Reach out to us now at (312) 448 – 8181 or contact us online to arrange a complimentary consultation. Let us guide you through your options and demonstrate how we can assist you during this challenging time.
FAQ
About Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can greatly impact your claim. First and foremost, you should seek medical attention. Even if you do not think you were hurt, you should still see a doctor who can examine you and look for injuries. Seeking medical attention will not only protect your safety and well-being, but it will also document your injuries, making them easier to prove to the insurance company.
You should also collect as much evidence while still at the scene of the crash. This includes pictures of your injuries, the vehicles involved, and the overall scene. Locate witnesses and ask them for their names and contact information. After you leave the scene, keep all invoices, receipts, records of lost wages, and any other documentation regarding the crash.
Do Motorcycle Passengers Have Rights in a Crash?
Yes. If you have been hurt as a passenger on a motorcycle, you have all the same rights as bikers when filing a claim. You can even file a claim if the negligent motorcyclist was the one you were sharing a bike with at the time.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident?
Every state has a statute of limitations, or time limit, on motorcycle claims and Illinois is no different. In Illinois, you generally have only two years from the date of the crash to file a claim for compensation. If you do not file your claim within this time, you will likely lose your right to claim any compensation at all. While two years may sound like a long time, it is not. Before filing your claim, an investigation must be conducted, and evidence must be collected. All of this takes time and so, it is critical that you speak to a lawyer right away.
What Damages are Available in Motorcycle Claims?
Through a motorcycle accident claim, you can recover compensation for any loss you suffered as a result of your crash. The most common damages awarded in motorcycle accident claims include:
- Medical bills, including hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and more
- Lost wages, bonuses, and employment benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
An attorney can review the facts of your case and accurately value your claim so you obtain the full settlement you deserve.
Do I Have to Speak to an Insurance Adjuster After an Accident?
No. You do not have any legal obligation to speak to an insurance adjuster after an accident. The only person you must speak to after a crash is law enforcement when they visit the scene. However, you should speak to a lawyer soon after any accident. Not only will a lawyer know how to get you the compensation you justly deserve, but they will also speak to the insurance company on your behalf.