When you ride a motorcycle, you balance a mix of freedom and risk. You enjoy the freedom of an open-air riding experience and connecting with nature. You also understand that when a car crashes into your bike, you run the risk of serious injury. When an accident occurs, you need the assistance of a Belleville motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your legal interests while you concentrate on healing.
When a vehicle crashes into your motorcycle and injures you, you should contact a Belleville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. A motorcycle attorney provides compassionate legal services and works to protect your legal rights. Attorneys investigate your accident to resolve liability issues. They locate all responsible parties, place them on notice, and intervene with insurers to resolve your case.
When an accident occurs, it might take days before you connect with a legal representative. Immediately after your accident, you must take the necessary steps to get the medical care you need. You must also do what you can to preserve accident scene evidence.
People involved in crashes sometimes toss out spontaneous apologies. They say, “It’s my fault” or “I’m sorry,” or they make other inappropriate admissions. No matter how anxious or emotional you feel after an accident, never admit fault. If you think it, never say it out loud. If you do, someone will document your words and it could easily sabotage your claim someday.
When you have an accident, you must comply with the Illinois accident reporting requirements, ILCS 5 §5/11-406, Duty to report an accident. Police reports are mandatory when someone is injured. They are also required when property damage exceeds $1,500 or $500 if a driver doesn’t have insurance. An officer’s report serves several additional purposes.
If possible, document the accident scene while you can. From the moment a crash occurs, the scene begins to change. People move their vehicles. Witnesses leave and traffic pushes debris to the edge of the road. You must capture the details before any of this happens. If your smartphone is still working, it makes the perfect investigative tool. Use it to capture information and evidence. If you can’t perform these tasks, ask a friendly stranger to assist you.
When an ambulance arrives, go get the medical attention you need. Treatment is essential to your recovery. It also helps establish your claim as genuine. During treatment keep all medical appointments, and fill all prescriptions. Keep an injury journal to help your attorney evaluate your case. Maintain a chronological record of your doctor appointments, therapy, pain, impairments, problems at home and work, family issues, and emotional trauma.
When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to understand your legal rights. A motorcycle attorney understands the liability and damage issues that are specific to biker accidents. Your consultation gives you a chance to discuss your case without making a commitment to take action. When you schedule a consultation, it’s a complimentary appointment. Many attorneys will discuss your claim in person or remotely, via phone, video conferencing, or online chat.
Liability insurers require notice when you’re involved in an accident. They want to investigate any incident that might require them to make a payment. If you have collision, medical payments, uninsured motorist, or other applicable coverages, they need to assess the damage, set reserves, and pay your claims.
Even a mild vehicle impact can force a biker to lay down his motorcycle. A harder impact often ejects the rider to the pavement, causing severe or catastrophic injuries. Illinois 2019 Fatal Crash Data shows that of the 1,009 people who sustained fatal accident injuries in the state, 170 were riding motorcycles.
When the National Highway Transportation Administration studied motorcycle accident injuries, they found that lower extremity injuries occurred most frequently. If a biker sustains upper extremity and head injuries, they are often more severe and sometimes fatal.
When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to understand your legal rights. A Belleville motorcycle accident lawyer will understand the liability and damage particular to bikers. When you schedule a consultation, it’s a complimentary appointment, and you don’t have to make a commitment. It’s a good way to learn your options and decide your next move.
When an accident occurs, it’s not always clear who is responsible. That’s one of the primary reasons why you should never admit fault at an accident scene. In Illinois, insurance companies, courts, and others assess liability based on the state’s contributory fault statutes. They consider that more than one person can contribute to an accident.
Insurers, attorneys, and others investigate and evaluate the evidence. They determine legal responsibility based on each person’s negligence percentage. For example, if they decide that you are 20% at fault, you still receive 80% of your damages. If your negligence exceeds 51%, you no longer have the right to recover damages. Fault percentages and damage values are often based on one person’s opinion. They are usually negotiable.
Choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve is an important decision. The Law Office of Jason B Going is experienced and proven when it comes to motorcycle accidents and other personal injury cases, and they will give you the best chance at a favorable outcome in your case.
If you have been injured due to the negligent acts or omissions of someone else, we can help get you the compensation you truly deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We Can Help — Even If You Live Out of State.
The Law Office of Jason B. Going has years of experience providing excellent results helping clients just like you.
Through the years Jason has served as an advocate for numerous clients in matters before various Circuit Courts in Illinois and Missouri as well as before the Missouri Court of Appeals. He represents clients in various areas of law including personal injury, automobile accidents, workers' compensation, criminal defense, DUI/DWI defense, and traffic cases.. Jason is licensed in Illinois, Missouri, and Florida.
(618) 581-9772