Qualified Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Chicago
Chicago roadways are home to an array of visually stunning motorcycles, everything from state-of-the-art bikes and high-octane monster cycles to lovingly restored vintage classics. They are a proud part of the Windy Cindy transportation scene, and they deserve our appreciation and respect.
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are disconcertingly common in Chicago and all across the state of Illinois. Bikers are hurt to no fault of their own every day here, owing in part to the vulnerable nature of their vehicles and the careless disregard displayed by so many other motorists.
The overwhelming majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by cars. Driver negligence is a real concern for bikers, whose vehicles offer almost no protection from the terrible force of an impact.
Indeed, Chicago motorcycle accidents are known to produce horrible, unthinkable injuries. In many cases, the occupants do not survive. Those who do make it through the ordeal may face a lifetime of suffering, hardship, and impairment.
Fortunately, Illinois has a number of tough motorcycle laws on the books, and the city of Chicago is committed to strict enforcement.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you may be entitled to considerable monetary reimbursement under the laws of this state. Specifically, your recovery may include:
- Medical expenses
- Hospital bills
- Lost income (past, present, and future)
- Pain
- Emotional distress
- Damage to your motorcycle or other property
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Psychological therapy
- Any other injuries reasonably related to the accident
Working with an experienced and aggressive law firm can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Malman Law, we’ve spent the last twenty years protecting the rights of injured Chicagoans, and we would like to do the same for you.
Our firm respects motorcyclists. We believe in their right to share the road, and we are dedicated to holding negligent drivers responsible for endangering the lives of bikers in Illinois. You can count on us.
Research Matters
When it comes time to pay accident victims for their injuries, insurance companies put up a real fight. Proving liability and demonstrating the value of your suffering can be difficult.
Fortunately, our Chicago, Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive experience in fighting the world’s biggest insurance companies on behalf of injured bikers. We’ve operated in Chicago since 1994 and have handled more than 15,000 cases since then, including numerous motorcycle injury claims.
We understand these cases and we know what it takes to push the insurance companies toward an advantageous settlement. If they refuse to negotiate fairly, we’re also ready and able to hold them accountable in a court of law.
Our process begins with research. We will visit the accident scene, reconstruct the accident itself, work with motorcycle and medical experts, and scrutinize all of the available evidence in order to put your best foot forward. We will proceed exclusively in your best interest, with the unfailing goal of maximizing your compensation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
Unsafe Lane Changes: Any local driver will tell you that unsafe lane changes are frequent occurrences on Chicago roads. An ill-advised lane change that would merely inconvenience a motorist, however, can cause a high-speed accident for a motorcyclist.
Opened Car Doors: Few actions are more thoughtless than opening a car door into oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, few actions are more dangerous if you are a motorcyclist. Justice demands compensation if you are injured in this manner — and at Malman Law, justice is our business.
Speeding: The laws of physics dictate that the faster an object is moving, the more serious the accident will be if a collision occurs. The vulnerable position of a motorcyclist, deprived of the frame protection that a motorist enjoys, virtually guarantees a serious injury.
Sudden Stops: A motorist is obligated to keep his vehicle under control at all times. Generally speaking, a motorist who stops suddenly is presumed liable for any accident that results. When the other vehicle is a motorcycle, however, the consequences can be particularly serious.
DUI: A DUI accident often triggers two legal proceedings — a criminal prosecution and a civil claim for damages. Unique legal issues may be raised. Punitive damages may be possible, for example, and under certain circumstances, a third-party alcohol vendor can be joined as a second defendant.
Common Injuries from Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
Head Injuries: Even though Illinois is one of the minority of states that do not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, a defendant can still raise the defense of failure to wear a helmet. With a good lawyer, however, this defense will not necessarily succeed. Moreover, a motorcyclist can suffer a head injury even while wearing a helmet.
Road Rash: A motorcyclist is far more likely to suffer a “road rash” injury than a motorist is. Since these injuries can be excruciatingly painful, and since permanent scarring can result, the potential value of a “road rash” claim can be quite high. A lot, however, depends on the skill and dedication of your lawyer.
Muscle Damage: If you suffered muscle damage in a motorcycle accident, you might not realize the full extent of your injuries until some time afterward. Don’t settle for token compensation that barely covers your medical bills — you might be entitled to quite a bit more to cover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and disability.
Biker’s Arm: A “biker’s arm” injury can occur when you draw up your arms to cushion yourself from the initial impact of a motorcycle accident. Although certain symptoms might not show up immediately after the accident, permanent nerve damage sometimes results. When a biker’s arm injury occurs, you are entitled to considerably more than simple reimbursement for your medical expenses.
Leg Injuries: When you ride a motorcycle, your entire body is exposed. No part of your body is more exposed than your legs, and a collision that might have amounted to a fender-bender for a motorist can result in a catastrophic injury for a motorcyclist.
Malman Law’s No Fee Guarantee
At Malman Law, no one is turned away because they can’t afford a lawsuit. In fact, we proudly offer every single personal injury client our Zero Fee Guarantee. That means you are never asked to pay a penny for our services unless (and until) we achieve an in-court victory or a successful out-of-court settlement in your case.
Never let your financial situation stand in the way of justice. Put your trust in a law firm willing to invest its time and talent in you.
There is no case too big and no cast too small. We are passionate about every single client we embrace.
Free Consultation with Experienced Chicago Motorcycle Injury Lawyer
No one deserves to endure the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. If you’ve been injured in one of these terrible crashes — even if your injuries were relatively modest — we know that you’ve been through an overwhelming ordeal. We want to help you access the relief to which you are entitled under the law.
Our Chicagoland motorcycle accident lawyers are also extensively experienced in wrongful death litigation. Sadly, motorcycle accidents are among the deadliest traffic incidents in Illinois. If you and your family are in the middle of heartbreak, you can turn to us in your hour of need. We will shoulder all the stress of litigation so that you can focus on your own needs during this difficult time.
Remember, time limits do apply to these claims. The sooner you take your next steps, the better.
Please call 888-625-6265 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. We are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I was hurt in a motorcycle accident in Chicago. What could a lawsuit help me with?
Motorcycle accidents in Chicago are on the rise. Fortunately for motorcycle riders, Chicago has some tough laws in place to protect them. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident within Chicago, you may be eligible to receive:
- Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, rehab, physical therapy, and other related expenses;
- Lost income;
- Loss of potential income for the future;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Property damage;
- Other injuries that are reasonably related to the motorcycle accident
All Chicago motorcycle accidents are different. They all have their own facts and circumstances. So, it’s important that you have your case evaluated by Malman Law. We provide free initial consultations to people who are hurt in motorcycle accidents. Call us today to schedule yours.
After being injured in a Chicago motorcycle accident, what should I do?
The first and most important thing to do is to call the police to come out and make a report. Make sure that you get a copy of the report number. The responding officer will also assist you in getting the insurance information of the other driver. Next, you should be checked out by a medical professional even if you feel fine. With the adrenalin flowing from the motorcycle accident, you may not realize that you’re hurt. Also, there are certain injuries that will not show signs.
If you’re able to do so while on the scene of the motorcycle accident, take pictures of the damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and the scene. Also, make sure that you keep any bills, medical records, and other documentation. You may need it if you choose to file a lawsuit.
Next, you should contact Malman Law to learn what you can do to protect your legal rights. The initial consultation is free. Regardless of whether you choose to be represented by our firm or another firm, make sure that you do not sign anything given to you by the insurance company. You could sign away your right to sue. It’s important that you protect your legal rights. You can schedule your free consultation with Malman Law by phone or online.
The other insurance company contacted me and asked for my medical records. Should I send them?
Before you send your medical records to the insurance company, talk with Malman Law. Sometimes, insurance companies will try to use your medical records against you by stating that you had a pre-existing condition and that they shouldn’t have to pay for it. You do not want to do anything that could damage your chances at recovering monetary damages for your injuries and your losses. Call Malman Law to schedule your free consultation.
Do drivers have a duty toward motorcycle riders?
Generally, yes. In addition to following the same laws and sharing the road as a driver would with similarly sized vehicles, drivers generally do have a duty to leave extra space when they are behind a motorcycle. Driver negligence is a serious concern and is often the cause of Chicago motorcycle accidents.
This duty to watch for motorcycles and leave extra room is important because it helps stop horrific and often deadly injuries that occur in Chicago motorcycle accidents. Thankfully, the City of Chicago backs motorcyclists and has strict laws on the books about duty toward motorcycle riders, and those laws are routinely enforced.
What are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Chicago?
Motorcycle accidents in Chicago are most often caused by driver negligence. The most common causes include:
Problems with visibility.
This includes blind-spots and when drivers make left-hand turns.
Driver negligence.
This includes not leaving enough room between their vehicle and the motorcyclist.
Poor driving conditions.
These conditions can include the weather and the condition of the roads. Often, hitting a pothole can cause a vehicle to lose a tire. It can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike.
Faulty equipment on either vehicles or motorcycles.
Faulty equipment such as brakes, brake lights, blinkers, and other equipment for either person’s vehicle can lead to a motorcycle accident.
If you have questions about your motorcycle accident, call Malman Law and schedule a free initial consultation.
What happens if I’m partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?
In Chicago, there is a concept called comparative negligence. This means that in motorcycle accidents and other accidents in Chicago, the court will look at both parties to determine just how much fault each party had for causing the accident. If, for instance, you were found to be 30 percent at fault, you could be entitled to recover no more than 70 percent of your damages.
Contact Chicago’s Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Malman Law right now at 1.888.625.6265 or fill out our free online consultation to learn more about your rights. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will help you to reclaim the cost for your injury, medical bills and other injuries expenses caused due to motorcycle accidents.
