Motorcycles present as a fun alternative for commuters or for recreational purposes. Unfortunately, bike accidents are commonplace across the state. When motorcycles are implicated in crashes, riders are at a heightened risk of injury, some of which can be fatal. If you or a family member has endured severe injuries in this type of wreck, you may want to get the help of an Elgin motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

When negligent drivers cause motorcycle crashes, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. You can hold negligent persons accountable for their wrongful actions, giving you the measure of justice that you deserve. With the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can claim the compensation that you are entitled to for your injuries.

The Statute of Limitations and Motorcycle Accidents

Victims who sustain injuries in motorcycle accidents have limited timeframes to file their personal injury claims. Under 735 ILCS § 5/13 204, injury victims typically have two years from the date of their accidents to formally file their claims in court against the liable parties. Although the law permits a few exceptions to these rules, this time limit underscores the need to promptly contact a local attorney.

If injury victims fail to file suit within this two-year timeframe, they risk losing their ability to pursue the responsible parties. Loss of this right could lead the injured person to miss their chance of getting compensated for their injuries from third parties, no matter how negligent they are.

Damages in Elgin Motorcycle Injury Claims

Motorcycle riders often sustain catastrophic injuries when involved in collisions because they are generally much smaller and lighter and lack many of the basic safety features of passenger vehicles. For instance, motorcycles do not have seatbelts to prevent ejection, airbags to soften the impact of a crash, or a vehicle frame to shield their riders from a crash.

These injuries can lead to significant medical bills, such as emergency room costs or ongoing doctor visits depending on the severity and character of the condition. Some motorcyclists will suffer permanent and catastrophic impairments in these crashes, resulting in massive ongoing medical and personal care needs. When others cause a motorcycle accident, they may be liable for the medical costs of the injured parties.

Likewise, some motorcyclists who suffer significant injuries may be unable to return to their former jobs or occupations. Even if they later can return to work, they still may have missed weeks, or even months, of income due to their injuries. Lost current and future income can be a source of damages if a motorcycle accident lawyer in Elgin files an injury claim for the injured parties.

Is there a Duty of Care on the Road?

All drivers have a legal duty to protect others by driving safely and avoiding causing harm to others. When drivers violate this legal duty and cause an accident, their negligence may make them liable for the resulting injuries.

Establishing causation in motorcycle accidents is crucial to holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. For instance, if drivers are impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of a crash, they may have violated the law, but they also may be civilly liable for any injuries and damages that they cause. Likewise, drivers who drive while distracted by their cell phones or other devices, speed, fail to use turn signals, or violate other traffic laws also may face liability if they cause an accident.

Talk to an Elgin Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

After you have been in a devastating accident, you are likely to have numerous concerns. Trying to deal with insurance companies, steadily mounting medical bills, and an inability to work all on your own can be overwhelming and stressful.

Hiring an Elgin motorcycle accident lawyer from the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. to assist in the claims process may be the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve. Instead of trying to handle all these issues, letting a motorbike attorney represent your interests may allow you to focus on rebuilding your physical and emotional health after a traumatic event.

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