Riding a motorcycle through the streets of Chicago, IL, can be a great way to take a break from everyday life. However, while riding a motorcycle can give you a sense of freedom, it also puts you at risk of serious injury or death. The legal team at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers has seen firsthand how devastating motorcycle crashes can be.
Understanding and following safety regulations doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never be involved in a crash, but it can reduce your likelihood of needing a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer.
However, if you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, reach out to us at (312) 635-5400 for a free consultation.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After A Motorcycle Accident In Chicago, IL
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, Illinois, your first priority should be seeking medical care. Once your condition has stabilized, turn your attention to finding an attorney to help you recover compensation.
You shouldn’t rush into selecting an attorney. Your choice of lawyer can mean the difference between securing the compensation you need and walking away with nothing. Here are a few reasons to consider working with us:
- We won’t just help with your financial recovery — we will leverage our connections with medical providers to help you get the best care.
- We will work hard to prove your case, gathering evidence and soliciting expert testimony when necessary.
- We’ll handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company.
- We’ll take your case to trial if we can’t reach a fair settlement.
Members of our legal team have been recognized by the American Association for Justice, The National Trial Lawyers, and Super Lawyers. We have helped countless people like you get their lives back. If you’re looking for a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer, call us or get in touch online to book your free consultation.
Motorcycle Helmet Laws In Illinois
Most states have laws requiring some or all motorcyclists to wear helmets. Illinois is one of only three states — the others are Iowa and New Hampshire — that do not require helmets for anyone on a motorcycle.
Additionally, many motorcyclists choose to wear helmets to protect themselves on the road. High-quality motorcycle helmets reduce your risk of death by more than six times and reduce your risk of a traumatic brain injury by up to 74%.
Even though Illinois does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, it does require eye protection. You must wear glasses, goggles, or a face shield while riding.
Choosing The Right Helmet
If you decide to wear a helmet, you should select one that offers proper protection. One of the easiest ways to do so is to look for the Department of Transportation (DOT) certification label on the back. Certified helmets must meet rigorous safety standards to ensure they’ll protect you in the event of a crash.
All motorcycle helmets in the United States must have this certification label. However, it’s possible to accidentally purchase an unsafe helmet. Some retailers sell “novelty helmets” that look like motorcycle helmets but offer little to no protection. An unscrupulous retailer might purchase fake DOT certification labels to place on these helmets, so it’s easy to be fooled.
If you’re concerned that a helmet may be fake, look for these telltale signs:
- Plastic buckles
- Loose rivets
- Thickness of less than 1 inch
- Weight of less than 2 pounds
When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and buy a different helmet. Your safety is worth it!
How Wearing (Or Not Wearing) A Helmet Could Impact Your Case
Although Illinois doesn’t require motorcycle helmets, wearing one is wise from a safety standpoint. There’s another good reason to wear a helmet: If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident without one, you may have a harder time recovering full compensation.
Why? Part of it has to do with bias. Motorcyclists are often viewed as reckless and irresponsible, and unfortunately, that bias often extends to insurance companies and courts. The at-fault driver’s attorney could argue that you were responsible for your own injuries because you weren’t wearing a helmet, and a judge or jury might agree.
If that argument proves to be successful, you might be unable to recover the compensation you need. In the worst-case scenario, you could be forced to pay your medical expenses, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Contact Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can completely upend your life. If you’re currently dealing with the fallout of a crash, it might seem like compensation can’t do anything to change your new reality.
While it’s true that no amount of money can undo your accident, a successful claim can help you afford medical care, make up for your lost wages, and give you the ability to support yourself as you heal. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident you didn’t cause, call Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers.