Few things feel more relaxing and free than a long motorcycle ride on a country road, feeling the rumble of the engine, leaning into the turns, and enjoying the sights and sounds of the world around you without the insulation and separation of being buckled into a car seat.
However, motorcycle riding in Illinois, or any other state, can also be really dangerous. While motorcycle riders tend to be very cautious, conscientious and alert, many motor vehicle drivers don’t share the road safely.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a careless or reckless driver, the Cullotta Bravo Law Group will protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Our years of experience handling motorcycle accident claims mean that we know the questions to ask and we know how to help you.
What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago?
People get hurt in motorcycle crashes in and around Chicago for a number of reasons. Though driver inexperience can play a role in some crashes, the majority of serious bike accidents involve the following scenarios:
- Inattentional blindness—Drivers get used to looking for cars on the road, and most cars look more or less the same. Because of this, they can be “blind” to motorcycles, even when a motorcycle is directly in front of them. When they don’t notice a motorcycle, they’re more likely to hit it.
- Drivers who are under the influence— Impaired drivers are a major threat on Chicago roads. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol leads to poor judgment, slowed reactions, and a general inability to identify dangers, all of which means impaired drivers are at high risk of hitting motorcycles.
- Distracted drivers—It’s very rare for a motorcyclist to try to text or update a social media status while on their bike, but it is not rare for automobile drivers to. When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road around them, they can easily cause collisions with motorcyclists.
- Rear-end crashes—Drivers who are in heavy traffic may get distracted and “bump” a motorcycle from behind, especially when they’re following motorcycles too closely. Even a minor collision can lead to serious injuries for a motorcyclist.
How to Prove Liability After a Motorcycle Accident
Even though it may be obvious to you and any witnesses that the other driver was at fault for the accident, you should not expect the other driver’s insurance company to just accept liability and pay a claim without a fight. Insurance companies stay profitable by collecting premiums and by paying as little as possible in accident and injury claims. Don’t be surprised if the other driver’s insurance company tries to shift the blame to you.
If the other side’s insurance company is not treating you fairly, the Cullotta Bravo Law Group will step in to make sure your rights are protected. We will thoroughly investigate your motorcycle accident and make sure the blame is placed where it belongs – on the at-fault driver. We can preserve, collect, and analyze evidence such as:
- Toxicology test results
- Accident scene photos
- Witness statements
- Driver cell phone records
After so many years of experience, we have a group of highly knowledgeable professionals in fields such as accident reconstruction that we work with to establish why a motorcycle crash happened and who was responsible for it. We leave no stone unturned in our investigation and analysis of a crash, and we can refute any efforts by an insurance company to place undue blame on you for the accident.
What Compensation is Available to a Motorcycle Wreck Victim?
Because motorcycles don’t offer the same structural protection as cars, motorcycle accidents often result in life-changing injuries. Motorcycle riders are often thrown from their bikes upon impact and injuries can result from both the impact itself and from being thrown. Our attorneys understand the serious nature of these accidents. We aggressively pursue compensation for your past and future medical bills and other damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lost income
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- All other out-of-pocket expenses
- Punitive damages (in exceptional cases)
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one died in a crash).
You must move quickly after a motorcycle accident to hire a lawyer and file a claim. Illinois laws limit the amount of time you have to after a motorcycle accident in which to file a claim. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need and deserve. The faster you act, the more we can help you build your case and successfully fight the other side’s insurance company to get what you need and deserve. Contact the Culotta Bravo Law Group today at (630)898-7800 and let us put our years of legal experience to work for you.
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