Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Peoria

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Peoria, Illinois?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Peoria Police Department is (623) 773-8311.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Peoria, Illinois?

  Copies of Peoria police reports can be obtained by submitting a letter of their request to the Peoria Police Department.

• Are motorcycle riders in Peoria required to wear a helmet?

  There is no law in Peoria that requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. Illinois and Iowa are the only two states in the nation that don't have motorcycle helmet laws. Safety advocates advise motorcyclists to use helmets for their own protection to avoid potentially fatal injuries from collisions and falls.

• What percentage of motorcycle accidents result in fatalities in the Peoria area?

  According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, around 15% of accident fatalities throughout Peoria and the state of Illinois involve motorcycles. From January to October 2022, there were 122 motorcycle accident fatalities in the state. Most of these accidents happened in and around Chicago.

• What are the laws that Peoria motorcyclists should be aware of?

  Motorcycle riders in Peoria are required to follow the traffic laws in Illinois that apply to other motorists. Some laws are more specific for motorcyclists, such as wearing eye protection or having a windscreen on their bike, having a passenger seat and footrest if there is a passenger on their bike, and using a bike with handgrips below the height of their head.

• What are the legal rights of the victims of motorcycle accidents in Peoria?

  Under Illinois law, Peoria residents who have been involved in motorcycle accidents are entitled to sue and recover damages. Victims can take legal action to seek financial compensation for the injuries and suffering caused by the negligent party. Motorcycle accident lawyers assist injured individuals throughout the process and represent them in court.

• Is there a requirement to file a police report for motorcycle accident victims in Peoria?

  Under Illinois law, every Peoria driver involved in a motor vehicle accident is required to file a police report if the accident resulted in any bodily injury, a fatality, or more than $1,500 in property damage. Various municipalities in Illinois require law enforcement personnel to respond to accidents regardless of limitations.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.