Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience. However, it also comes with considerable dangers, and getting hurt in a crash can turn your life upside down in one split second. However, if someone else is responsible for your accident, you should not have to carry the burden alone. 

That’s where Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers come in. We understand the complexities of motorcycle accident cases and can help you recover damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our Belleville, IL motorcycle accident lawyers want to help. Contact us now and tell us what happened in a free case review.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Belleville

Knowing what to do at the motorcycle accident scene and in the following days can safeguard your health and legal rights. Here are your next best steps:

Stay at the Scene

According to Illinois law, leaving the scene of an accident is an offense. Always stay at the accident scene and wait for law enforcement. Try to remain calm and assist any injured individuals, if possible. If you’re seriously injured, don’t try to move, as you could exacerbate your injury. Dial 911 for medical assistance and law enforcement.

Document the Motorcycle Accident

If you’re physically able, start gathering evidence at the accident scene. Use your phone to take pictures of the area, damage to your motorcycle and other vehicles, and your injuries. Such photos can serve as crucial evidence in a legal claim. 

Gather Information

Collect as many details as possible from the driver(s) involved in your motorcycle accident. This includes their name, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details (registration, make, model, color, etc.). If there are any eyewitnesses, ask them for their contact information. Witness statements can be essential for proving fault, whether in a legal case or for an insurance claim.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can. Provide them with all the details of the incident, but avoid speculating about who was at fault. Remember, anything you say could be used against you in the claims process. Consider letting your attorney communicate and negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company. They can protect you from manipulative attempts to reduce or deny your claim.

Seek Medical Help

If you didn’t receive medical care at the accident scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately but can have severe consequences if left untreated. You will also need a medical report detailing your accident-related injuries to prove an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Consult a Belleville, IL Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Speaking to a lawyer can be essential to protect your rights and understand your legal options. Don’t accept a quick settlement offer from an insurance company without letting your attorney scrutinize the details and terms. Early settlement offers are typically low and may result in leaving money on the table – money that you later need to pay your medical bills and other accident expenses. 

A personal injury lawyer can review the details of your case, advise you on your rights, and help ensure you receive fair compensation. 

What Causes Most Belleville Motorcycle Accidents? 

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 160 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents in the state in 2023 alone. Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists aren’t protected by a steel cage or as visible as a passenger car, making them prone to accidents and injuries. Here are some common causes of motorcycle accidents in Belleville:

  • Driving under the influence: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says alcohol is a factor in roughly 43 percent of motorcycle crashes. Drunk drivers may fail to see a motorcycle or misjudge its speed, potentially leading to collisions. 
  • Speeding: Speeding not only results in drivers having less time to react, but higher speed also leads to worse impacts in crashes. Motorcycle riders are especially prone to life-changing injuries in high-speed crashes. 
  • Slamming on brakes: When car drivers brake abruptly and violently, motorcyclists may slam into the back of cars and get thrown off their bikes. 
  • Unsafe lane changes: Drivers changing lanes without checking blind spots and ensuring their path is clear may side-swipe a motorcycle. This could lead to devastating crashes and injuries.
  • Improper turns: Illegal and improper turns can occur if a driver ignores traffic signs and signals, such as red lights, or fails to ensure the road is clear to proceed.  

If your motorcycle accident occurred due to another driver’s recklessness or negligence, a Belleville, IL motorcycle accident lawyer at Bradley Law can help you get justice and compensation. 

How a Belleville, IL Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You 

Not all law firms are equal. When you’re severely hurt in a motorcycle accident, you need a strong advocate who has the experience, tenacity, and resources to fight your case all the way to trial if necessary. Our attorneys can: 

Determine Your Legal Options 

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be confusing and exhausting. Our attorneys can assess your case and determine all options for recovering compensation. Steps we can take:

  • Analyzing your accident
  • Calculating your economic and non-economic damages
  • Determining all at-fault parties in your crash

Build a Strong Case

Proving the at-fault party’s liability can be challenging. However, it is a necessary step for receiving an insurance payout or lawsuit compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Belleville, IL can gather crucial evidence to prove fault and build a solid case, such as:  

  • Police reports
  • Traffic and dash camera footage
  • Medical records
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Expert witness opinions 

Deal with Insurance Companies

Insurers are not on your side. An insurance company may deny or delay your claim, hoping you’ll give up or accept a lowball settlement offer. However, while getting what you deserve can be tricky, having an experienced Belleville, IL motorcycle accident lawyer by your side can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. 

Moreover, if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, we can take them to court, present your case strongly, and fight for what you deserve at trial. 

Provide a Shoulder to Lean On

We know that being involved in a motorcycle accident is not only a physically painful experience but can also leave you emotionally and financially drained. Our lawyers want you to get back to normal as soon as possible and can offer the assistance you need during one of the most challenging times of your life. We can handle all legal aspects and paperwork of your case, leaving you free to concentrate on your health and recovery.

Compensation Motorcycle Accident Victims Could Recover

Depending on the specifics of your crash, such as the scope of your injuries, you could qualify for various awards, including:  

  • Healthcare expenses and future medical costs
  • Repair or replacement of your motorcycle
  • Wage losses and future loss of income
  • Physical and emotional anguish
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement 
  • Reduced quality of life 

If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash caused by another, you could have a legal claim and file a wrongful death lawsuit. While no compensation can heal the pain of losing a loved one unexpectedly, it can help with the financial turmoil in the aftermath of a death. Compensation you could recover may include medical expenses, loss of income, funeral costs, and more. A Belleville, IL motorcycle accident lawyer can help you move forward with a wrongful death claim. 

FAQs

Should I hire an attorney for a motorcycle crash in Belleville? 

If you were involved in a minor accident without injuries, hiring an attorney may not be necessary. However, hiring an experienced Belleville, IL motorcycle accident lawyer can be essential in the following scenarios: 

  • A loved one died in a motorcycle crash
  • You suffered catastrophic or disabling injuries
  • The accident is complex and involves several at-fault parties
  • You have steep medical expenses, wage losses, and other damages
  • The responsible party either denies fault or blames you for the crash
  •  An insurance company denies or minimizes your claim
  • You share some fault for the accident

Seeking legal advice can help you understand your rights and obligations under Illinois law. Handling a complex lawsuit alone may not only be stressful and frustrating, but it could also lead to losing out on the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are here to advise you, pursue your best interests in settlement negotiations, and represent you in court if necessary.

How much does a Belleville, IL motorcycle accident lawyer charge? 

Many personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they work on your case without charging you upfront attorney’s fees. Your lawyer receives payment, typically a percentage of your settlement, when you recover compensation. However, before hiring a motorcycle accident attorney, ask about fees. Some law firms charge clients upfront for legal expenses, such as court filing costs, expert witness fees, and others. 

Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers never charge you upfront. We only get paid when you get paid. We know you have enough on your plate after an accident. When hiring us, you don’t have any hidden fees or expenses to worry about. 

Contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today for Help and Advice 

Don’t let an insurance company cheat you out of the settlement you deserve. We regularly secure multi-million-dollar recoveries for our clients and could help you, too. Remember, the time to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally limited to two years in Illinois. The sooner you start the legal process, the sooner you can receive your due. 

Get in touch today to determine your next best steps in a free, no-obligation consultation.