In the U.S., in 2023, approximately 5,200 motorcyclists were killed and nearly 95,000 were injured. In Illinois, there were about 150 fatal motorcycle accidents in 2023. The most common cause of fatal motorcycle accidents continues to be when a vehicle turning left does not notice the motorcycle, resulting in a collision between the vehicle and the motorcyclist.
Unfortunately, the Chicago area has plenty of examples of fatalities and injuries. Just last summer in Aurora, a 22-year-old motorcyclist was killed when a semi-truck turned left in front of him. The motorcyclist ran into the side of the truck and was killed instantly due to massive head injuries. In another similar incident, a Des Plaines man was critically injured when he ran into a minivan that was turning left in front of him.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact Blumenshine Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to advocate for your rights and assist you in securing the compensation you need to move forward.
Call us now or click here to schedule your free case evaluation. (312) 766-1000.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Illinois
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, taking the proper steps immediately can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Follow these critical actions:
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Health
Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured—some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
2. Contact the Police
Always report the accident to law enforcement. A police report provides an official record of the crash and can be crucial evidence for your claim.
3. Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers involved.
4. Avoid Making Statements About Fault
Do not admit fault or make detailed statements to insurance adjusters at the scene. Stick to the facts when speaking with police.
5. Seek Medical Treatment
Get a complete medical evaluation as soon as possible. Follow all treatment recommendations and keep detailed records of your injuries, diagnoses, and medical expenses.
6. Preserve Evidence
Save your damaged helmet, clothing, and motorcycle. Keep copies of all accident-related documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
7. Contact a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Consult with an experienced attorney before accepting any settlement offers. At Blumenshine Law Group, we offer free consultations to review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Don’t wait—call (312) 766-1000 or email [email protected] today to speak with a skilled Chicago motorcycle accident attorney.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Chicago
Thousands of motorcyclists who survive accidents with vehicles are injured so severely that their lives will never again be the same. Some of the most common types of injuries include:
- Broken bones: Broken legs are major injuries often suffered in accidents. Because the accident happens so fast, the tendency is to put the leg down to stabilize the bike. The leg then gets caught under the bike and breaks. Arms and wrists are frequently broken as the bike goes down, and the arms go out in a reflex action to stop the fall. Pelvic and hip fractures are also common.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Motorcyclists often suffer traumatic brain injuries when their head violently strikes another vehicle or the ground. These injuries range from mild concussions to life-changing and severe permanent injuries. At the time of impact, the brain jostles back and forth within the skull, and the severity of the injury depends on the location of the damaged brain.
- Road Rash: As the motorcyclist’s body skids along the pavement, even skin that appears to be protected can be severely damaged, as clothes are ripped off and the skin scrapes along the pavement. There are various degrees of road rash, which can even be so severe that it becomes life-threatening.
Who Is Liable in a Chicago Motorcycle Accident?
If you were a motorcyclist or passenger injured in an accident with another vehicle, holding the driver accountable for your injury involves the same process as in any injury case. You must prove that it was the driver’s breach of his or her duty to drive safely, which was the cause of the accident and your injury. A Chicago motorcycle injury attorney skilled in dealing with transportation accidents will know how to gather the necessary evidence needed to support your claim.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident
Following a serious accident with life-changing results that often occur in motorcycle accidents, you may feel overwhelmed as medical costs skyrocket, and at the same time, you are losing wages due to your inability to work. This is when you need to turn your case over to an accident attorney who can concentrate on obtaining compensation for your injuries while you concentrate on getting better. Some damages to which you may be legally entitled include:
- Current and future medical expenses: An expert witness will likely need to evaluate your case and determine whether you need future medical or surgical care for your injury.
- Long-term medical or nursing care: Depending on the nature of your injury, you may need long-term nursing care. Some people with traumatic brain injuries need care for the remainder of their lives.
- Rehabilitation costs: This includes current and future rehabilitation and is usually determined by expert testimony.
- Job retraining: If you were severely injured and are unable to return to your former employment or if your injury makes it impossible for you to pursue the career of your choice, you may need job retraining.
- Current and future lost wages: If you cannot return to your job or career, you are entitled to collect damages for the future amount you will lose due to your injury. If you can be retrained, but the new job will not pay you as much as your old one, you will be compensated for the difference.
- Pain and suffering: Encompass both your emotional suffering and physical pain.
- Property damage: Payment for the loss of your motorcycle.
Free Case Consultations with a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you were injured in an accident or someone you love was killed, you would benefit by talking to a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer before agreeing to a settlement with an insurance provider. Contact us at the Blumenshine Law Group at [email protected], and you will pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable settlement in your case. Call or text us at (312)766-1000.