Lacking the protection and safety features of automobiles, motorcycle accident victims are at risk of serious injuries. They also tend to face bias from skeptical insurance companies and juries. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you will need zealous legal advocacy to make sure you win the compensation you deserve. Attorney George H. Albers and Albers Injury Law, LLC are here to fight for you.
How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Granite City, IL?
The National Safety Council reports that motorcycles made up 4% of all injuries and 14% of all fatalities in traffic-related crashes in 2020. In Illinois that same year, there were over 3,000 motorcycle accidents, resulting in more than 2,400 injuries and approximately 150 deaths, according to the Illinois 2020 Crash Facts and Statistics. The Motorcycle Legal Foundation has concluded that Illinois ranks eighth in the country in terms of motorcycle crash fatalities.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Granite City, IL
Everything you do after being in a motorcycle accident will ultimately affect your health and your legal claim. Our firm suggests doing the following:
Get to a place of safety: If you are able to move, do so and leave your motorcycle behind. Remain at the scene but get away from the flow of traffic.
Call 911: Report the incident so emergency services are dispatched to the scene. Police will generate a police report about the wreck.
Leave your protective gear on: Removing your protective gear could aggravate your injuries. Let a medical professional examine you and take you to the hospital if necessary.
Collect evidence: Take pictures, record videos, and talk to accident witnesses. Capture as much evidence as you can and don’t neglect to make your own personal notes about the crash.
See a doctor: If you did not obtain medical assistance right after the accident, see your healthcare provider as soon as you can. Failure to do so will aggravate your injuries and jeopardize your legal rights.
Retain an attorney: Reach out to a Granite City motorcycle accident attorney at your earliest convenience. Your attorney will help you file a claim and seek the damages you need.
What To Do Throughout the Claim Process
While working with your attorney, do the following to protect the value of your claim:
Keep seeing your doctor and follow your treatment regimen: This includes attending follow-up appointments, taking your medications, and visiting any specialists to whom you are referred. If you notice any new medical problems, inform your doctor.
Do not speak with the at-fault party’s insurance company: If an insurance adjuster representing the liable driver or any other party contacts you, refer them to your attorney. Insurance companies have various tricks they use to devalue victims’ motorcycle accident claims, so negotiations are best handled by a lawyer.
Document your bills and other losses: Keep track of your medical bills and any expenses related to your motorcycle accident. Be sure to include time missed from work.
Make notes about your injuries: You should keep a journal to track your injuries, especially focusing on pain and suffering, anxiety, emotional distress, and similar losses. You can seek compensation for these damages.
Stay off of social media: Posting about your accident on social media is a bad idea, and the content you put online can be used against you later. Even if something seems harmless, don’t post about it.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Granite City, IL for My Claim?
For minor accidents where the other driver is clearly liable, that party’s insurance company may not waste time with a claim. In a situation like this, the insurer might choose to compensate you fairly.
However, it is far more likely that you will need a lawyer, particularly in situations wherein:
- You have major injuries requiring ongoing treatments
- You will need medical attention long after the accident
- The insurance company is showing clear bias against you as a motorcyclist
- The insurer is not taking your pain and suffering and similar injuries seriously
- The insurer is trying to blame you for causing the accident or worsening your injuries
- Multiple parties were at fault for the accident
Even if you think your case is cut and dry, let an experienced Granite City motorcycle accident lawyer review it.
Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Granite City, IL?
To seek damages from the at-fault parties in your motorcycle accident claim, the victim (plaintiff) must prove the following:
Duty of care: Everyone who drives automatically owes a duty of care to anyone else who could be harmed by them. This duty includes, for instance, obeying traffic laws.
Breach: A breach is caused by any act or omission that departs from the duty of care. Driving under the influence of alcohol is an example.
Causation: The defendant’s breach must have been responsible for causing injury to the motorcyclist. If another party was responsible (such as the manufacturer of the vehicle’s brakes), they may also be liable.
Damages: Lastly, you must have suffered damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, and property damage. Ask your attorney about the damages you can claim.
How Much Is My Granite City, IL Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your claim is based on such factors as:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- How many parties were at fault
- Whether the motorcycle rider was partially at fault
- How your accident has changed your life
Your Granite City motorcycle accident lawyer will review the evidence and consult expert witnesses (such as vocational experts), who can substantiate your claim for past, present, and future damages.
How Long Do I Have To File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Granite City, IL?
Most motorcycle accident victims only have two years from the date of their wrecks to file a claim. While there are some limited exceptions, a victim should never assume they apply. In general, you should not delay taking action, as evidence can be lost and memories can fade.
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Granite City, IL?
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:
- Failure to check blind spots
- Careless left turns that cut off a motorcyclist
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding and other traffic law violations
- Road hazards, such as potholes and debris
- Malfunctioning motorcycles and motorcycle parts
Who is Liable for My Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Granite City, IL?
The vast majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers. But other parties can be held liable, including:
- The driver’s employer
- A bar or restaurant that served the driver too much alcohol
- A construction company for negligent road repair
- Another driver who dropped something dangerous on the road
- A governmental entity for failure to safely maintain the roads
- The manufacturer of the motorcycle or a defective part
Can I Sue for My Granite City, IL Motorcycle Accident if It Did Not Involve Another Vehicle?
There are situations in which motorcycle accidents happen without another vehicle involved. For example, the state or city responsible for road maintenance might have failed to keep the roads safe. Different rules apply when suing the government, which is another reason not to delay speaking with a Granite City motorcycle accident attorney.
Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Granite City, IL Today
Were you or a loved one injured in a motorcycle accident? Albers Injury Law, LLC knows what it takes to make a compelling argument for the maximum amount of damages. Let us review your options, explain how the claims process works, and get started on your case. Give us a call today.