Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Rockford

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency situations in Rockford, you can contact the local police station at 815-966-2900.

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

  You can get a copy of your accident's police report from the local records center in the District 3 Headquarters located at 557 S. New Towne Drive, Rockford, Illinois. To obtain more information about the local records, contact the records division at 779-500-6451.

• What should you do after a motorcycle accident in Rockford?

  After a motorcycle accident in Rockford, you need to protect your right to receive compensation by seeking immediate medical attention, obtaining a copy of the police report, taking photos of the accident scene to secure evidence, and recording your medical treatments and time off from work. It would be best to also refrain from giving statements to insurance companies to prevent them from using your words to lessen your settlements or compensations.

• Are you liable for a motorcycle accident in Rockford if you didn't wear a helmet while driving?

  No. If other parties are at fault for the motorcycle accident, they cannot use your failure to wear a helmet to establish contributory negligence or defeat your claims. In Rockford, you can still receive maximum compensation from the negligent parties or insurance companies. Illinois is one of only three states that do not have a law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets.

• What if the driver who hit you left the motorcycle accident scene?

  If you sustained injuries or property damage from motorcycle accidents caused by a negligent driver who left the scene, you could still file personal injury compensation in Rockford. Your claims against the negligent driver will most likely be a success, as leaving the accident scene could constitute a hit-and-run, which is a potential criminal offense.

• What if you were at fault in the motorcycle accident in Rockford?

  As per Illinois law of comparative negligence, you may still have a chance to get compensation even if you are partially responsible for your motorcycle collision. However, the court will look into how much you contributed to the accident, which would be the basis for the reduction in your compensation. To receive proper settlements in Rockford, avoid taking the blame right after the accident and, instead, find the fault through appropriate investigation.

• Can you file a claim against more than one party in Rockford?

  Yes. In Rockford, you can file claims against more than one party responsible for your injuries. For instance, if you get into a motorcycle crash involving an 18-wheeler, you can pursue claims against the reckless truck drivers or their negligent trucking company.

• 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.