Suppose you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, IL. In that case, you might be dealing with serious injuries, financial stress, and many unanswered questions. Navigating the legal landscape after an accident can be challenging, especially while managing your recovery. At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through each step, fight tirelessly on your behalf, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle accidents can be especially devastating, given the vulnerability of bikers compared to drivers in enclosed vehicles. The impact of such accidents can lead to significant physical and emotional distress. Understanding your legal rights and options in Chicago, Illinois, is crucial in alleviating some of the stress during this difficult time.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney at (312) 635-5400.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Chicago
Helping motorcycle accident victims in Chicago is what Powell & Pisman, PLLC is all about. Our law firm has been doing this for over 20 years, and we’ve won numerous awards and secured a lot of money for our clients. We are dedicated to helping our clients and making sure they get the best possible outcome.
Here’s how our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can help you:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Collect relevant evidence
- Consult experts
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters
- Provide courtroom representation
We take the time to understand every detail of your accident. This means we visit the scene, look at any photos or videos, and figure out exactly what happened. We want to know all the facts to see who is responsible.
A strong case needs solid evidence. Our team will gather important documents like police reports, statements from witnesses, and your medical records. These pieces help tell the story of what happened and show how the accident affected you.
We work with experts to make your case stronger. Accident specialists explain how the crash happened, and medical professionals describe your injuries and what care you might need in the future. Their insights can greatly help your case.
Insurance companies can be tough to deal with, but we handle all the talks for you. Our aim is to make sure their settlement offer covers what you really need. We know how insurers try to cut down on payments, and we’re ready to fight those tactics.
If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair deal, we’ll take your case to court. We’re committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way, ensuring you get the full compensation you deserve.
If you’re looking for dependable legal help in Chicago, IL, you can count on Powell & Pisman, PLLC. We know how complex motorcycle accident cases can be, and we’re ready to use our experience to help you. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need.
Contact our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and start working toward the compensation you deserve.
What Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
The value of your motorcycle accident case depends on several factors:
- Severity of Injuries
- Medical Expenses
- Loss of Income
- Pain and Suffering
Each case is unique, so consulting with an experienced attorney can help you better understand what compensation you’re entitled to.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
In a Chicago motorcycle accident case, you can potentially recover the following types of damages:
Economic damages include the following:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Property damage
Non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Reduced quality of life
Understanding the distinction between economic and non-economic damages is essential, as they affect your overall compensation. An experienced attorney can help assess these damages accurately.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
At Powell & Pisman, PLLC, everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of financial situation.
That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis:
- No Upfront Costs: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Fee from Settlement: Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award.
This fee structure ensures you can obtain solid legal support.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for a Motorcycle Accident in Illinois?
You may still be eligible for compensation even if you’re partly blamed for the accident. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can recover damages if you’re less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be decreased by 20%.
This highlights the importance of a skilled attorney to help establish the proper degree of fault and maximize your compensation.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the minimal protection provided to riders.
Common injuries include:
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Road Rash
At Powell & Pisman, PLLC, we are dedicated to pursuing the full range of compensation for all these injuries and more, ensuring your needs are addressed both now and in the future.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago?
Motorcycle accidents in Chicago can happen for many reasons, and understanding these causes is important for riders and drivers. Here are some common factors that lead to these accidents:
Driver Negligence
A lot of motorcycle accidents occur when other drivers are not paying attention. Maybe they’re distracted by their phones, or they’re just not used to looking out for motorcycles on the road. This lack of attention means they might miss seeing a motorcyclist until it’s too late.
Speeding
Speeding is dangerous whether you’re in a car or on a motorcycle. When drivers or motorcyclists go too fast, it becomes harder to stop quickly or react to changes in traffic. Speeding reduces the time a person has to avoid a crash and increases the severity of an accident when it happens.
Improper Lane Changes
Sometimes, drivers change lanes without checking their mirrors or blind spots. This can be especially risky for motorcyclists, who are smaller and harder to see. A quick lane change by a car can easily lead to an accident with a motorcycle riding beside it.
Poor Road Conditions
Roads that have potholes, loose gravel, or uneven surfaces can be particularly hazardous for motorcycles. Unlike cars, motorcycles are more affected by changes in road surfaces, which can cause a rider to lose control. Weather-related issues, such as rain or ice, can also make roads slippery and dangerous.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs greatly increases the risk of a crash. These substances can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and affect the coordination needed to drive safely. This is true for both car drivers and motorcyclists.
Understanding these causes is important not only for preventing accidents but also for forming a strong legal case if an accident occurs. Knowing why an accident happened can help determine who is at fault and what might have been done to prevent it.
At Powell & Pisman, PLLC, we use this information when investigating accidents to help build a solid case for our clients. Carefully examining the cause of an accident helps us to better serve those who have been injured and work towards securing the compensation they deserve.
How Long Do I File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident in Illinois?
According to Illinois law, you generally have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This period might seem long, but beginning the legal process as soon as possible is crucial. The earlier you start, the more time your lawyer has to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a strong case.
Contact Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, IL, don’t face the aftermath alone. At Powell & Pisman, PLLC, our dedicated team of Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers is ready to help you every step of the way. By leveraging our extensive experience, we’re committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
We understand the complexities involved in motorcycle accident cases and their severe impacts on your life. Our free consultation allows you to understand your legal options without obligation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there’s no financial risk to you.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us provide the support and guidance you need to navigate the legal processes and focus on your recovery.