Motorcycle Accident FAQs – Chicago Injury Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents typically leave victims with far more questions than answers. To help you gain some clarity about your case, here are answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask.

What Should I Do if I Was Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

After an accident, health and safety always come first. Your priority should be to get somewhere safe and seek prompt medical attention, even if you feel fine. However, to protect your legal rights, be sure you also:

• Report the accident to the police
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene
• Collect witness contact information
• Maintain an organized file of all medical and financial records
• Contact a lawyer as soon as you’re able

What Do I Need to Know About Dealing with My Insurance Company?

The first thing you need to know is that no insurance company, not yours nor anyone else’s, is your friend. These businesses will fight to protect their profits by weakening your claim and minimizing your payout in any way they can, and they are highly skilled at it.

Your safest option when dealing with an insurance adjuster after an accident is to let your attorney handle all communications. If you must speak with them for whatever reason, remember: never admit fault, never accept quick settlements, and avoid providing recorded statements.

Does Health Insurance Cover Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Your health insurance may cover your medical treatment after a motorcycle accident. Your health insurer may cover doctor’s visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and other forms of medical care. However, they may also request reimbursement if you receive a settlement or verdict.

What if I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet and Crashed My Motorcycle?

Illinois has no mandatory motorcycle helmet law for adult riders, but failing to wear one can still affect your case. Insurance companies may argue that the lack of protective gear worsened your injuries. This doesn’t automatically prevent you from recovering compensation, but can influence how much compensation you can receive.

Can I Sue After a Motorcycle Accident?

Yes, if another driver, company, or entity’s negligence causes an accident, you may pursue a motorcycle accident lawsuit against them. Typically, cases begin as insurance claims, but filing a lawsuit can become necessary if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s crucial to act quickly and contact an attorney to avoid severely limiting your legal options.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Lawsuit?

If you pursue a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

What Is the Value of My Case?

All personal injury cases are unique, which makes it difficult to predict how much they may be worth. Factors that affect case value include:

• The severity of injuries
• Medical costs
• Time missed from work
• Need for future care

Should I Accept a Settlement from My Insurance Company?

You should always be cautious about accepting a settlement too soon. Insurance companies typically make initial offers to close the case quickly and cheaply. Once you accept, you forfeit your right to reopen the claim, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than you thought. Before signing anything, always consult an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident attorney.

Contact Law Tigers Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, Law Tigers Chicago can help. We’ll fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.