Cook County Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Lawyer For Motorcycle Wreck Injuries in Arlington Heights and Chicago

Motorcycle accidents are a fairly rare occurrence in Illinois, accounting for under 1 percent of all vehicle crashes, but they are disproportionately fatal. In any given year, well over 10 percent of Illinois crash fatalities come from accidents involving motorcycles, with the motorcyclist being the most common victim. Even motorcyclists who survive a crash are often left with serious injuries that can affect them for the rest of their lives.

Just as motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as other drivers, they have the right to pursue a personal injury claim when they have been injured because of another person's negligence. At Adler Law Offices, LTD., Attorney Charles Adler represents injured motorcyclists to help them recover compensation for their medical expenses and other damages. He only charges an attorney fee when he is successful in securing compensation, and he is committed to achieving a fair outcome for each client.

Contributing Factors in Illinois Motorcycle Crashes

Illinois motorcyclists are susceptible to many of the same dangers as anyone else on the road, but certain factors tend to be more prevalent in motorcycle accidents. One of the most common is the failure of other drivers to see motorcyclists and react accordingly. The small size of motorcycles makes them inherently less visible than most other vehicles, but other drivers still have a responsibility to stay aware of their surroundings. A driver who fails to notice a motorcyclist due to inattention or distraction can cause an accident and be held responsible for the resulting injuries.

Other motorcycle accidents happen when drivers fail to safely share the road with motorcyclists. For example, a driver may follow a motorcyclist too closely, attempt to pass a motorcyclist without maintaining enough space between vehicles, or fail to yield the right of way to a motorcyclist at an intersection. Such behaviors can be considered negligent if they lead to the motorcyclist's injuries.

When accidents do occur, motorcyclists are at a greater risk of serious injuries due to the fact that their vehicles provide very little restraint or protection. A motorcyclist can be crushed in the impact of a collision or thrown from their vehicle and onto the road. Common injuries include severe lacerations that can result in permanent scarring, broken bones, and brain and spinal injuries, among others.

Recovering Full Compensation for Motorcycle Crash Injuries

As a motorcyclist, you can take several important steps to help you secure the most possible compensation in the event of an accident. First, you should be sure to drive safely, wear a helmet and other protective gear, and use lights and reflectors to increase your visibility. While this may not prevent all accidents and injuries, it can help you avoid claims of contributory negligence that could reduce your compensation.

When you are injured in an accident, your priorities should be to get medical help, notify law enforcement, and hire an attorney as soon as possible to begin investigating the crash and collecting evidence of another party's negligence. Your attorney can also help you document the full extent of the damages you have suffered to determine a fair amount of compensation to pursue. In a severe motorcycle accident, these damages can include not only your medical bills, but also other economic and non-economic damages related to the lasting effects of your injuries on your work, life, and well-being.

Because motorcycle accidents are unfortunately often fatal, it is important to note that the family of a motorcyclist who is killed in a crash with a negligent driver can also pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. If you have lost a loved one, we can help you recover damages on their behalf and your own, including the costs of a funeral and burial and damages for your grief and loss.

Contact a Palatine Motorcycle Crash Lawyer

If you need an experienced attorney to represent you in a motorcycle injury settlement or trial, contact us for a free consultation by calling 847-394-0100 or 312-236-2700. We serve clients in Arlington Heights, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, and throughout Cook County and the Chicago area.