Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Many people enjoy riding a motorcycle because of the wind in their hair, the freedom of the open road, and the flexibility riding a motorcycle provides. Like any other motor vehicle, you might get involved in a motorcycle accident, and an accident can happen at just about any time.

If you are involved in a motorcycle collision, you must see a doctor quickly. Then, contact the Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Conboy Law for a free case consultation. We can review the circumstances of your case, make sure that blame is appropriately placed, and pursue compensation on your behalf if we believe you are entitled to it.

Experienced Representation From Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you must focus all your attention on your medical recovery. Even a relatively minor motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries, and your injuries need to be treated as quickly as possible.

At the same time, you must make sure all potential legal issues get rectified as well. That is why you need to rely on experience representation from our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers. We have a local motorcycle accident lawyer who can review your case, protect your rights, and defend your interests. If you want to learn more about how a local motorcycle accident attorney from our firm can help you, contact us today. 

Chicago Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to information that the Illinois Department of Transportation has published, fatal accidents involving motorcycles have risen during the past few years. For example, in 2018, there were 118 accidents involving motorcycles that resulted in a fatality. In 2021, this number increased to 167.

Remember that numerous other motorcycle accidents might result in serious injuries but do not necessarily result in a fatality. 

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Like other motor vehicles, different types of motorcycle accidents might take place. Some of the most common types of motorcycle accidents that might take place in Chicago include:

Head-on Collision

There could be a head-on collision involving a motorcycle. For example, a bike could strike the hood of a car coming directly at them, and the rider could be flung from the bike before they hit the ground and suffer serious injuries. A head-on collision involving a motorcycle can lead to severe injuries, and some of these injuries could even result in death.

Side Collisions

A motorcycle could also get struck from the side. For example, a bike could be headed straight, only to be hit on the side by a motor vehicle, leading to a severe injury.

Doorings

There are some situations where motorcycle riders could also be involved in an accident known as a “dooring” accident. It occurs when someone gets out of the car, opens the door, and a motorcyclist strikes it because the occupant did not see the motorcycle before opening it.

Left Turn Accidents

Left-turn accidents can also be very difficult for motorcyclists. It takes place when an oncoming motorcycle gets struck by a vehicle turning left, and it always has the potential to result in major injuries.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is a significant issue in Chicago and is not always legal. Lane splitting usually occurs in a traffic jam, and it happens when a motorcyclist tries to squeeze between two lanes of traffic, usually headed in the same direction. It can result in severe injuries because there might not be enough pavement for a motorcyclist to split lanes safely.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a common cause of motorcycle accidents of all types. For example, the driver of another vehicle may be distracted by their cell phone and strike a motorcyclist they otherwise would have avoided. A motorcyclist could be distracted, resulting in an accident as well.

Drunk Driving

Even though drunk driving rates have decreased during the past few decades, it is still a significant issue if someone decides to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It dramatically increases their chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident.

Road Hazards

Road hazards are another common cause of motorcycle accidents. Road hazards come in many shapes and forms. For example, there are some situations where a pothole could injure a motorcycle rider and others where extraneous construction equipment could increase the chances of a motorcycle accident.

Not Being Seen by Driver

Finally, if another driver does not spot a motorcycle rider, it dramatically increases their chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Because motorcycle riders have much smaller silhouettes than vehicles, they can easily be overlooked. It is the responsibility of drivers to keep their eyes open for motorcyclists who might be sharing the road with them.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago

In Chicago, there are several common causes of motorcycle accidents. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Chicago include the following:

• Distracted driving. It remains one of Chicago’s most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Drivers must put down their cell phones and keep their eyes open, as a motorcyclist could be on the road.
• Bad weather. It is also a common contributing factor to motorcycle accidents. For example, winter precipitation and driving rain can make it difficult for motorcyclists to keep control, and it can also make it hard for drivers to spot motorcyclists on the road. 
• Drunk driving. Drivers and motorcycle riders need to ensure they avoid drugs or alcohol if they are going to be on the road. It dramatically increases the chances of a motor vehicle accident taking place.
• Improper maintenance and manufacturing defects. Motorcycle riders need to ensure they take good care of their vehicles, but it is also the companies’ responsibility to manufacture motorcycles appropriately.

These are just a few of Chicago’s most common causes of motorcycle accidents. If you get involved in a motorcycle accident locally, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer from our team. 

Most Common Injuries in a Chicago Motorcycle Accident

If you get involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, there are a variety of injuries that you may suffer. Some of the most common examples of injuries in motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries. These are very common, which is why it is crucial to make sure that you always wear a helmet if you are involved in a motorcycle accident.
• Road rash. It happens if you slide along the pavement and your skin gets torn away by the road. It is a severe injury, and you can prevent it from happening if you wear long clothes while riding.
• Fractured bones. There are a variety of bone fractures that you may suffer in a motor vehicle accident. Examples include a broken wrist, ankle, or even a broken femur.
• Spinal cord injury. There is even a chance that you may suffer a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident.

Because you don’t have a lot of protection between yourself and the road, all motorcycle riders need to seek medical care as quickly as possible. Even a motorcycle accident that takes place at a relatively low speed has the potential to result in serious injuries.

Steps To Take Immediately After a Chicago Motorcycle Accident

If you get involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several steps that you need to take as quickly as possible. They include:

• You should always contact emergency personnel if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Dial 911 and ask for emergency personnel to come to the scene. Even if you feel like you have not been injured, you still need to ask for emergency personnel to arrive.
• Make sure you are honest with the police officer about what happened. You can only present the accident as it happened from your point of view.
• Do not forget to ask for a copy of the accident report before you leave.
• You must always follow up with your doctor to ensure all of your injuries are treated appropriately. You may have injuries overlooked at the scene.
• Then, remember to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago who can review your case and see if you deserve compensation.

If you follow these steps above, you should put yourself in the best position possible to maximize your recovery. 

Liability for Chicago Motorcycle Accidents

Liability for motorcycle accidents in Chicago is determined the same way as for other motor vehicle accidents. Even though you may place the blame at the accident scene, you should still reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer who can ensure that you are placing the blame appropriately.

You must yield the right of way when the other person has it, but you must ensure that your side of the story is heard. We can even negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf if we believe the blame has been placed inappropriately.

What Your Motorcycle Accident Case May Be Worth

So, if you file a lawsuit following a motorcycle accident in Chicago, how much is your case worth? Several factors will be involved. They include:

• You can recover compensation for motorcycle accident injuries, so the more serious your injuries are, the more your case might be worth.
• If you are hurt and unable to return to work, you may be able to recover compensation that can replace lost income.
• If you have suffered serious property damage that the insurance company does not cover, you may be entitled to additional compensation to help you replace your bike.
• If you incur future medical bills as a result of the accident, you may be able to recover damages that can pay those expenses as well.

You need to ensure you maximize the value of your personal injury claim, which is why you should trust our personal injury attorneys to file a motorcycle accident claim on your behalf.

When To Hire Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

When should you hire a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney? If you get involved in a motor vehicle accident, you need to hire a motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago who can represent you.

Remember that you do not necessarily have to pay anything unless you win. That means there is no harm in reaching out for a free case consultation. If you want to see if you deserve compensation following a Chicago motorcycle accident, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you.

Contact Our Experienced Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Conboy Law for the Best Chance of Maximum Compensation

At Conboy Law, we have significant experience representing motorcyclists of all backgrounds. We want to put you in the best position possible to maximize your compensation following a Chicago motorcycle accident. We always put the needs of our clients first, and we will ensure that we vigorously defend your rights and protect your interests. 

If you want to learn more about how we can help you following a motorcycle accident, contact us today to schedule a free case consultation. We have represented countless motorcycle accident victims, including those involved in fatal motorcycle accidents, and our experienced Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can also help you.