CHICAGO, IL – Summer is here and the weather is changing in Chicago. Motorcyclists are ready for a new change of season and are ready for some fun. However, it’s important to know what steps to take in the event that you’re involved in a serious motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accidents and injuries are normally the most severe amongst motor vehicle accidents.
Estate Planning for Motorcycle Riders
Most bikers think they are invincible and don’t plan for the end of life, especially amongst younger riders. If you’re a regular rider, it’s a good idea to have an estate plan in place. It could be something as simple as a will and a medical power of attorney. You could also add a trust, depending on the amount of assets you have. Having an estate plan in place like a medical power of attorney or a living will is much easier for your lived ones to manage your affairs and make decisions for you in the event you suffer from a catastrophic injury.
Motorcycle Accident Scene
If you’re able to move after the accident, check to see if others involved in the accident were hurt before calling 911. If your injuries are severe, ask for an ambulance. Make sure to gather contact information, registration and insurance information from all those involved in the incident. Additionally, you should obtain contact information from any witnesses that you may see in the area. Ask witnesses what they saw and take notes. You can use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene – make sure you get photos from many different angles. Take photos of any skid or tire marks and pictures of any property damage.
Allow the emergency medical people to thoroughly check your injuries. Once the police release you from the scene, go to the hospital and ask for a complete checkup. Injuries aren’t always apparent after an accident, so you should still have a medical professional conduct a thorough medical examination.
The sooner you can speak with an attorney, the better. You are more likely to remember pertinent facts and information immediately after an accident. If you wait to talk to an attorney, you might forget about something that could make or break your case.
Contact Your Insurance Company
It’s important to let your insurance company know that you were involved in an accident, even if the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible. When you contact the insurance company, be sure to only give the representative your name, contact information, date and location of the accident, as well as the other driver’s insurance and contact information, and your attorney’s contact information.
Always let your lawyer provide all other details after you make initial contact. At the end of the day, insurance companies are businesses and they need to make money. Representatives may try to get you to discuss the accident to twist your words and deny your claim. If insurance companies can’t find a reason to deny your claim, they may use what you say against you in an attempt to low-ball settlement.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Some injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident include:
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Bumps, bruises, cuts, scrapes and scratches
- Burns
- Face and eye injuries
- Head, neck and shoulder injuries
- Internal injuries
- Open wounds
- Road rash
Recovering Damages After a Motorcycle Accidents
Under Illinois law, victims of motorcycle accidents can recover both economic and noneconomic damages:
- Economic damages: Past medical expenses, future medical expenses, past lost wages, future lost wages, replacement or repair of destroyed property (including your bike) and funeral, burial or cremation expenses if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident.
- Noneconomic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, loss of companionship, loss of consortium (if you can no longer have a physical relationship with your spouse), inconvenience expenses (if you have to hire someone to do chores you normally do, such as grocery shopping, house cleaning, lawn maintenance, etc.) and compensation for scarring and disfigurement.
Courts typically award noneconomic damages if doctors believe your injuries will lead to long-term or permanent disability or if you lost a loved one in a catastrophic motorcycle accidents.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Illinois
Our skilled team of motorcycle crash attorneys know the tactics that insurance companies use. Our team will evaluate all of your injuries and determine the true value of your claim. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at the Dinizulu Law Group for a free case evaluation if you have suffered serious injuries or have lost a loved due to a motorcycle accident.
Get started today by filling out this form or by calling (312) 384-1920.
