If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Joliet, IL, you may be facing some very serious injuries. When the accident is caused by the negligence of another driver, you need experienced legal representation. The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is ready to help you recover compensation. We have experience handling all types of motorcycle accident cases, and we know what it takes to get you the compensation you need to cover your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
Don’t try to deal with the insurance companies on your own. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Motorcycles Are No Match for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
There’s no doubt about it, motorcycles are dangerous. They offer very little protection to riders in the event of an accident compared to passenger vehicles. And when they’re involved in collisions with other vehicles, the results can be catastrophic.
US Rider Fatalities
The Insurance Information Institute reports that in 2020 there were more than 8.3 million registered riders in the United States, and 5,579 rider fatalities from motorcycle accidents that year. This amounts to 67.08 fatalities per 100,000 motorcycles registered. And it is the highest the fatality rate has been in the last ten years.
When a car, truck, or SUV strikes a motorcycle, it is almost always the rider who is seriously injured or killed. The average passenger vehicle can weigh a few thousand pounds, while a motorcycle may hover around a few hundred. That difference in weight and size can mean the difference between life and death in motorcycle accidents. Let us help you hold the negligent car or truck driver responsible for your bodily injuries.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Joliet Motorcycle Accidents
Riders who are lucky enough to survive motorcycle accidents often suffer serious, life-altering injuries. Motorcycle riders involved in car accidents can suffer from:
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Cuts and lacerations
- Traumatic spinal cord injury
- Brain damage
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Road rash
- Disfigurement
- Neck injuries
Any of these injuries can have a major impact on your life. You may be facing a long road to recovery, and you may never be the same again. That’s why it’s so important to have experienced Joliet motorcycle accident lawyers on your side.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Joliet?
There are many different factors that can contribute to a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common include:
- Speeding: when a driver is speeding, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident
- Reckless driving: this can include weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, or making sudden lane changes
- Distracted driving: anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road can be dangerous. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or fidgeting with the radio
- Driving under the influence: this is always a dangerous and deadly choice
These are just some of the ways that other drivers can cause accidents. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call today for a free case evaluation with one of our motorcycle accident lawyers to find out how much your case may be worth.
Motorcyclists Pay When Motorists Drive Negligently
Motorists who cause accidents often try to blame the riders, even when it’s clear that they were at fault. They may say that the rider was speeding, or weaving in and out of traffic. But even if the rider was doing something risky, that doesn’t mean that the driver isn’t responsible for the accident and the rider’s motorcycle accident injuries.
The Most Unsafe Driving Practices
Drivers have a responsibility to share the road safely with all other users, including motorcycles. When they fail to do so, and accidents happen, they should be held accountable when they cause catastrophic injury to the motorcycle rider. According to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the six most unsafe driving practices include:
- Improper speed: speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents
- Violating the right of way: this is particularly dangerous when a car turns left in front of a rider, cuts them off, or doesn’t follow traffic laws
- Driving left of center: this can cause head-on motorcycle crashes
- Turning improperly: this can include making sudden or illegal turns
- Passing improperly: this occurs when a driver tries to pass in an unsafe manner, such as in no-passing zones or undertaking another vehicle
- Following too closely: this is also known as tailgating, and it’s one of the most dangerous things a negligent driver can do
It will be one of the goals of your legal team of personal injury lawyers to determine which of these actions or behaviors contributed to your accident. By reviewing the police report, photos, videos of where the accident occurred, and interviewing witnesses, your personal injury attorney will be able to establish your collision’s cause while also holding the responsible party liable for your damages.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Joliet
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are some important steps injured riders need to take:
Get medical attention: your health should be your top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
Call the police: it’s important to have a police report documenting the accident. This can be helpful in later establishing liability.
Gather evidence: if you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle. You should also get the contact information for any witnesses.
Call an experienced Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer: don’t try to deal with the insurance company on your own. They may try to lowball you, or deny your claim outright. An experienced lawyer will fight for the compensation you deserve and can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf for a fair settlement.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC is Ready to Help the Injured Party
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, The Kryder Law Group, LLC is here to help. We have experience handling all types of personal injury claims, and we’re not afraid to take on the insurance companies. We’ll fight for the full compensation you deserve for your extensive medical bills, future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. The motorcycle accident attorneys at our law firm represent seriously injured motorcycle accident victims in Joliet. Call today for a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your wreck with one of our personal injury attorneys.
Types of Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Joliet
There are two types of compensation available to seriously injured victims in Illinois:
- Special damages: these are economic damages, which reimburse you for your financial losses. This can include medical bills, lost income, and your totaled bike.
- General damages: these are non-economic damages, which compensate you for your pain and suffering damages. This can include emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.
Compensation for Wrongful Death in Joliet
If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for their wrongful death. This can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of consortium, medical expenses, and loss of income. You’ll need to file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of your loved one’s death to ensure your wrongful death claim is within the Illinois statute of limitations.
Get Help From an Experienced Joliet Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need experienced legal representation. The Kryder Law Group, LLC is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our law firm has experience handling all types of personal injury cases, and we’re not afraid to take on the insurance companies. We’ll work tirelessly to get you the full compensation you deserve for your medical bills or medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering or loss of a loved one. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Illinois Modified Comparative Negligence
Under Illinois law, you can only recover damages if the other driver was at fault for your accident. This is known as negligence. Illinois follows modified comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) as the standard for how an accident victim can recover damages. This means that if you’re found to be partially at fault for your accident, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example of Modified Comparative Negligence
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault, you would only recover $80,000.
It’s important to note that if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages.
This is why it’s important to have an experienced Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer who can investigate your accident and establish driver negligence on the part of the other driver.
Establishing Negligence in a Joliet Motorcycle Accident Case
There are four elements that must be established in order to prove negligence:
- Duty: the other driver had a duty to use reasonable care while operating their vehicle.
- Breach: the other driver breached that duty by driving recklessly or breaking the law.
- Causation: the other driver’s breach caused your accident and injuries.
- Damages: you suffered damages as a result of the accident, such as medical bills and lost wages.
Proving negligence can be complicated, which is why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. The attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC have the knowledge and resources to investigate your accident and build a strong case for compensation.
The Statute of Limitations in Illinois is Two Years
In Illinois, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury or motorcycle accident lawsuit. If you don’t file within that time frame, you’ll be barred from recovery.
This may seem like a long time, but it’s important to start working on your case as soon as possible. An experienced Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather evidence after your motorcycle crash and build a strong case for compensation.
Call Today for a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free case evaluation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options. Don’t wait to get started on your case—call us today.
What You Get When You Call to Discuss Your Personal Injury Case
When you call, you can expect:
- Free Consultation: We’ll review your case, discuss your severe injuries, and help you understand your legal options under personal injury law.
- No Upfront Costs: You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
- Experienced Representation: We have experience handling all types of motorcycle accident claims, and we’re not afraid to take on the insurance companies.
- Personalized Service: We’ll work with you one-on-one to get the best possible outcome for your case and the financial compensation you deserve.
- Clear Answers: Some lawyers use 50 words when just 5 will do. We pride ourselves on providing you with clear answers to all your legal questions.
Don’t wait to get started on your case – call us today.
(312) 223-1700