If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Evanston, you may be facing a difficult legal situation, in addition to painful and healing injuries. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries and can be more complicated than car accidents due to the unique nature of motorcycles and the biases that motorcyclists often face. When it comes to personal injury claims, these cases can be challenging, which is why it is imperative to have a knowledgeable and experienced Evanston motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand the many nuances of motorcycle accident cases and are dedicated to helping injured motorcyclists recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time.
Evanston Motorcycle Accident Guide
- Why Choose Abels & Annes, P.C.’s Evanston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
- Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Evanston
- Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- What are Motorcycle Accident Injuries Worth?
- Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Evanston?
- Fighting the Insurance Company After Sustaining Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
- Contact a Skilled Evanston Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Abels & Annes Today
Why Choose Abels & Annes, P.C.’s Evanston Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
When choosing a motorcycle accident lawyer in Evanston, consider the firm’s track record and reputation. Abels & Annes, P.C. is a trusted personal injury law firm with a team of dedicated attorneys who have extensive experience handling all types of motorcycle accident claims. We have a proven record of success in recovering significant compensation for our clients, and we are committed to advocating aggressively for their rights.
Here are some reasons to choose Abels & Annes, P.C. as your Evanston motorcycle accident lawyer:
- Extensive Experience: Our attorneys have handled numerous motorcycle accident cases and are well-versed in the complexities involved. We understand the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists and can effectively navigate through them to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Free Case Consultations: We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide you with personalized legal advice. This allows us to evaluate the merits of your claim and provide you with a clear understanding of the legal options available to you.
- Available 24/7: Our firm is available 24/7 to take your call and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We understand that accidents can happen at any time, and we are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs or fees. You only pay us if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This ensures that our interests are aligned with yours, and we are motivated to fight for maximum compensation.
- Prompt and Open Communication: We pride ourselves on our prompt and open communication with every personal injury client. We understand the importance of keeping you informed of the progress of your case and promptly responding to any inquiries or concerns you may have.
- Respectful and Personalized Service: At Abels & Annes, P.C., we treat our clients with respect and care, as if they are family. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a motorcycle accident can take on your life, and we are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized representation.
- Thorough and Professional Approach: Our attorneys are known for their professionalism and thoroughness in handling personal injury cases. We address all client questions and concerns, providing comprehensive explanations and guidance at every step of the legal process.
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Evanston
Motorcycle accidents can occur in various ways, and it’s essential to understand the common types of accidents that happen in Evanston to help determine liability for your accident. Here are some common types of motorcycle accidents in Evanston:
- Rear-End Collisions: This type of accident occurs when a vehicle crashes into the back of a motorcycle. It can happen when a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or fails to notice the motorcycle ahead.
- Left-Turn Accidents: Left-turn accidents happen when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, usually at intersections or driveways. These accidents often occur due to a driver’s failure to yield or misjudgment of the motorcycle’s speed.
- Lane Change Accidents: When drivers fail to check their blind spots or signal properly while changing lanes, they may collide with a motorcycle in the adjacent lane. These accidents can result in severe injuries for the motorcyclist.
- Intersection Accidents: Intersections are common sites for motorcycle accidents. When drivers fail to yield the right-of-way or run red lights, they can collide with motorcycles that have the right-of-way.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection that motorcycles offer compared to vehicles. The injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Some common motorcycle accident injuries include:
Head Injuries
Head injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries are prevalent in motorcycle accidents, even if the rider is wearing a helmet. These injuries can long-term affect cognitive abilities and overall quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Broken Bones
Fractured bones, including arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones, are common in motorcycle accidents due to the direct impact between the rider and other vehicles or objects.
Road Rash
Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin comes into contact with the road surface during an accident. It can range from minor abrasions to deep, painful lacerations that may require skin grafting and extensive medical treatment.
Internal Injuries
The force of a motorcycle accident can cause internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have severe consequences if left untreated.
Emotional Trauma
Motorcycle accidents can also result in emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety. These psychological injuries may require therapy or counseling to help the victim cope with the aftermath of the accident.
What are Motorcycle Accident Injuries Worth?
The value of motorcycle accident injuries can vary depending on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and the degree of fault of the parties involved. While it’s impossible to determine an exact dollar amount without reviewing the specific details of a case, compensation for motorcycle accident injuries may include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, assistive devices, and any necessary surgeries or specialized treatment.
- Lost Income: If the injuries result in the victim being unable to work temporarily or permanently, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by motorcycle accident injuries.
- Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing the motorcycle and any other damaged property.
- Loss of Consortium: If the injuries have impacted the victim’s ability to maintain a normal relationship with their spouse or partner, compensation may be sought for loss of companionship and support.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where a motorcycle accident results in the death of the rider, the victim’s family may be eligible to pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium.
You will want to consult with one of our Evanston motorcycle accident lawyers to assess the potential value of your case and ensure you pursue all available avenues of compensation.
Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Evanston?
Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere in Evanston, but certain areas are more prone to these accidents, such as the following:
- Intersections: Intersections are high-risk areas for motorcycle accidents due to the potential for collisions with turning vehicles or drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way.
- High-Traffic Areas: Heavy traffic areas, such as downtown Evanston or congested roadways, can increase the likelihood of motorcycle accidents. The close proximity of vehicles and frequent lane changes create a higher risk of accidents.
- Major Roadways: Major roads, like Sheridan Road or Green Bay Road, often have higher speed limits. If a collision occurs, this can lead to more severe motorcycle accidents.
- Construction Zones: Construction zones present hazards for all drivers, but they can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists due to uneven surfaces, debris, and lane closures.
- Parking Lots: Collisions can occur in parking lots when drivers fail to look for motorcyclists or disregard their presence. Motorcyclists must remain alert and cautious when navigating parking lots.
Fighting the Insurance Company After Sustaining Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be challenging. Insurance companies often focus on minimizing payouts and protecting their interests. Here are some common tactics insurance companies may use to undervalue or deny your motorcycle accident claim that you should be mindful of:
Delaying Tactics
Insurance companies may deliberately delay the claims process, hoping you will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement offer. They may request unnecessary documentation or drag out the investigation phase.
Blaming the Victim
Insurance companies may attempt to shift the blame onto the motorcyclist, arguing that their negligence or recklessness caused the accident. They may use biased stereotypes against motorcyclists to downplay the severity of the injuries or question liability.
Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance companies may make initial settlement offers significantly lower than you deserve. They hope you will accept the offer out of desperation or lack of knowledge about the fair value of your claim.
Recorded Statements
Insurance companies may request recorded statements from you shortly after the accident. They may use your statements against you to twist your words or downplay the extent of your injuries. Be sure to consult an attorney before providing any recorded statements to the insurance company.
To level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected, hire a well-versed Evanston motorcycle accident lawyer from Abels & Annes to be on your side. They can handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company, building a solid case to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Should You Do After Being Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, there are several important steps to take. Acting promptly and following these steps can help protect your health, legal rights, and ability to seek compensation. Here’s what you should do after being injured in a motorcycle accident:
- Continue with necessary follow-up medical appointments: Seek immediate medical attention after the accident and follow through with any recommended follow-up appointments or treatments. Your health and well-being should be your top priority.
- Keep Detailed Records: Document all medical treatments, expenses related to the accident, and any impact on your daily life. Keep a record of any missed workdays, reduced earning capacity, or emotional distress experienced due to the accident. These records will be valuable when determining the value of your claim.
- Be aware of the Illinois personal injury statute of limitations- two years: In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is two years from the accident date. Failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
- Consult an Evanston motorcycle accident attorney: Contact a skilled Evanston motorcycle accident attorney at Abels & Annes today for a free consultation. An attorney can evaluate the merits of your case and guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
Contact a Skilled Evanston Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Abels & Annes Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in Evanston, don’t face the challenges of the legal system alone. At Abels & Annes, P.C., our dedicated team of motorcycle accident attorneys is here to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Contact us today at (224) 998-6007 for your free consultation with one of our seasoned Evanston personal injury attorneys. Let us handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery. Abels & Annes, P.C. is here to help you every step of the way.
Abels & Annes, P.C.
Address: 2822 Central St #300,
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: (855) 529-2442