Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Aurora, IL

FAQs

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

  Residents may reach the Aurora Police Department Dispatch at 630 256-5900 for non-emergencies.

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

  Reports are available through the Records Department, which is open for walk-in business Monday through Friday beginning at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aurora Police Department's Records Counter, located at 1200 E. Aurora, Illinois 6050 Indian Trail.

• Can one sue for pain and suffering following a motorcycle accident in Aurora?

  As they pertain to subjective losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, or the loss of quality of life, “non-economic damages” might be trickier to measure but are just as significant as economic damages. Therefore, they can be included in a compensation claim. Your Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer can compile facts and offer testimony that demonstrates how your injuries restrict your capacity to enjoy life the way you did before the accident, and how your pain, suffering, and other psychological concerns limit your skills and activities.

• Can one still sue if they weren't wearing a helmet in an Aurora motorcycle accident?

  Yes, and because Illinois does not have a motorcycle helmet statute, not wearing a helmet at the time of a crash cannot influence how much compensation a motorcycle accident victim receives. However, this does not preclude the insurance company or the at-fault party from arguing that they should reduce compensation. When this happens, consider hiring an Aurora lawyer to discuss your options.

• Can injured motorists sue the Aurora government if the motorcycle accident was caused by poorly maintained roads?

  Yes, state or municipal governments may be named as defendants in lawsuits involving motorcycle accidents. Roads can deteriorate, and the responsible state or municipal government, such as the City of Aurora, is responsible for making sure they are kept in a safe condition. Some allegations against public bodies relate to deteriorated roads or signposts. These arguments, however, may also hold water if the road itself was unsafe by design.

• What kinds of damages can motorcycle accident victims claim in Aurora, IL?

  A claim for damages can be made by the injured party to recover costs and losses related to the Aurora motorcycle accident, which could include:

  • Current and anticipated medical costs
  • Physical therapy
  • Replacement or repair of motorcycles
  • Income loss, and
  • Suffering and pain.

• How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Aurora, IL?

  Anyone hurt in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, which covers Aurora, has two years from the time the injuries are discovered to file a lawsuit against the person or entity that caused their injuries. If the victim was a minor when the accident occurred, the statute of limitations won't begin to run until the minor is 18 years old. The victim has two years from this time to submit their claim.

• 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.