Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Joliet

FAQs

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

  You may call 815-726-2491 to contact the Joliet Police Department for non-emergency matters.

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

  You can request a Joliet police report using the Driver Exchange Form, which includes the list of vehicles and contact information of involved parties, available at the Joliet Police Department's front desk. Bring a photo ID and request in-person Sunday through Saturday between 8 AM and 9 PM. Accident reports can also be acquired online via the Lexis Nexis eCrash website.

• Who can sue after a motorcycle accident in Joliet?

  In Joliet, anyone injured in a motorcycle accident resulting from another person's intentional or negligent behavior can file a claim. Motorcycle accident victims might bring legal claims against one or more defendants to trial or settle with a lawyer. The victims can sue anybody if the other party has something to do with it. This is referred to as joint and several liabilities, allowing the plaintiff to make claims against those at fault and required by law to pay compensation.

• How long do you have to submit a motorcycle accident claim in Joliet?

  The statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims in Illinois is two years, according to 735 ILCS 5/13-202. It means you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit after a Joliet motorcycle accident. However, exceptions apply for accident victims under 18, who can file a claim until their 20th birthday. If you were legally disabled at the time of the accident, you have two years until the end of the disability to file a claim. The responsible party's time outside Illinois does not count toward the two years.

• What types of compensation can motorcycle accident victims pursue in Joliet?

  You can be awarded compensation for your economic and non-economic losses after a motorcycle accident in Joliet. These include medical bills, treatment costs, property damage, lost wages and future earnings, and pain and suffering. To demand a complete reimbursement for you, lawyers add up all your damages to determine the total amount of losses. Your motorcycle accident attorney will utilize negotiation and litigation skills to seek the reimbursement you are entitled to because insurance companies are known to be reluctant to pay the injured for what they are owed.

• Can you file a lawsuit if you were not wearing a helmet in a motorcycle accident in Joliet?

  Yes, you can bring a case even if you were not wearing a helmet in a motorcycle accident in Joliet, although it may weaken your case. Your failure to wear a helmet could be cited as contributory negligence by the defendants, which could decrease or eliminate the damages you recover. In most personal injury lawsuits, the facts determine whether the plaintiff has a claim and how much they can receive for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

• What are the most dangerous intersections in Joliet?

  Joliet junctions which recorded at least 10 crashes in 2021, as per traffic accident statistics from the Joliet Police Department, are Route 59 and Caton Farm Road, Theodore Street and Route 59, Broadway Street and Western Avenue, Raynor Avenue and Jefferson Street, Plainfield Road and Hennepin Drive, Larkin Avenue and Jefferson Street, Western Avenue and Hickory Street, Caton Farm Road and Cryder Lane, Essington Road and Black Road, and Plainfield Road and Mall Loop Drive.

• 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.