When a Motorcycle Accident Turns Deadly
The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that an estimated 88,000 motorcyclists sustained injuries in crashes in 2015. While dealing with a serious injury can be challenging, NHTSA reports that 4,976 motorcyclists were not so lucky, as they did not survive their injuries in crashes that same year.
With almost 5,000 motorcycle fatalities on an annual basis, it is only natural to wonder—what happens when a motorcycle accident turns deadly? One thing is for certain: family members of a deceased motorcycle accident victim are left with a sudden and tragic loss and are seeking answers regarding their rights and options. It is important to know that the wrongful death lawyers of Abels & Annes regularly help families who have suffered such a loss.
Wrongful Death Actions in Chicago
Similar to a personal injury claim when a motorcyclist is injured by another’s actions, a wrongful death claim can be filed if a family’s loved one was killed due to another party’s negligence. Some examples of negligence by others that may lead to a fatal motorcycle accident include the following:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Changing lanes dangerously
- Speeding excessively
- Tailgating motorcycles
- Running motorcycles off the road
- Running red lights
- Failing to yield
Proving negligence in a wrongful death suit is complicated and can, in certain situations, require a substantial amount of investigation and input by experts. Our law firm has the resources to prove when another party caused your loved one’s fatal injuries and we will do everything in our power to help you recover what you deserve.
Under
Illinois law, family members themselves do not pursue the wrongful death suit. Instead, the suit is filed by the individual appointed as the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate—who may or may not be a family member. However, any compensation recovered in a case will be for the benefit of family members, including a surviving spouse, children, or other next of kin.
Compensation can be sought for various losses of the family, including:
- Loss of companionship and care
- Grief and sorrow
- Mental and emotional suffering
- Loss of financial support
In the end, the law gives a jury the right to award an amount that is fair and reasonable, with all of the family’s losses in mind.
A wrongful death lawsuit is anything but easy—especially given that families are simultaneously trying to emotionally process their tragic loss. It is important to have a law firm who will provide all of the support and assistance necessary throughout the legal process so your family can focus on healing.
Our Chicago Wrongful Death Lawyers Are Here to Help You
The law firm of
Abels & Annes has represented many clients in and around Chicago who have suffered the loss of a loved one in a
motorcycle accident due to another person’s negligence.
If you would like information about your rights after an unexpected loss, please discuss what happened with a Chicago wrongful death attorney by calling our office at 312-924-7575 or contacting us online.
David Abels
Partner
David Abels has carved a niche for himself in the personal injury law sector, dedicating a substantial part of his career since 1997 to representing victims of various accidents. With a law practice that spans over two decades, his expertise has been consistently recognized within the legal community.
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