Law Office of John
S. Xydakis, P.C.
Suite 3600
55 E. Washington St .
Chicago , Illinois 60602
(312) 727-1100
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
All motor and road accidents can be nasty, but motorcycle accidents can result in particularly nasty injuries. Motor accidents are the leading cause of death between 6-33 year olds in the United States, and when it comes to motorcycle accidents around 3,000 cyclists are killed each year. Many others are seriously injured and undergo serious life changes and disabilities due to motorcycle accidents. As far as statistics go, in most cases a motorcycle accident is not actually the fault of the motorcyclist but of the driver of the car, van, truck, or other vehicle – in a large percentage of cases the other driver was simply unable to see the motorbike; however, this does not excuse them from blame.
Motorcycle accidents often result in very serious injuries or death, and it is therefore important for those involved in a motorcycle accident to contact an experienced lawyer in order to recover costs for injury, distress, loss of wages, medical expenses, and other damages caused as a result of the motorcycle accident. It is also important to take certain steps immediately following the accident wherever possible. Of course, this may not always be possible, as the accident could result in too serious an injury on unconsciousness. However, you should try to:
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Remain at the scene of the accident .
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Call the police immediately or have someone call the police for you
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File a police report as soon as the officers arrive .
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Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think you are not injured. You may have injuries that will come to light later.
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Get the license number, personal and insurance details, and name of the other driver involved.
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Ask for the details of any witnesses present at the accident scene.
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See legal assistance as soon as possible.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can result in severe shock, so any injuries may not be immediately apparent. However, you should not let this apparent lack of injury put you off getting medical attention immediately, as this will be key to filing for compensation as a result of your accident. Likewise, wherever possible try and get witness statements, file your police report straight away, and get all of the relevant details from the other driver, as these will prove very useful when you claim for compensation for the injuries and damages that result from the motorcycle accident.
If you are the relative of someone that has been killed in a motorcycle accident it is also important to seek legal representation right away in the event that the fault was the other drivers. There are many lawyers that specialize in motorcycle accident claims, and it is best to seek assistance from a lawyer with expertise and a good deal of experience in this area. You can usually set up a free initial consultation to go through the various legal options open to you.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to evaluate all of the facts surrounding the accident in order to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible for your motorcycle accident injuries. The lawyer will be looking to get compensation for mental or physical injuries, damage, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and any other damages resulting from the motorcycle accident. A skilled and experienced lawyer in this field will be able to gather all of the relevant information and collate the necessary details to maximize your chances of a successful lawsuit as well as get you as much compensation as possible for the damage and expenses incurred as a result of the motorcycle accident.
Insurance Companies can make even a small case difficult for a person. It is well worth 5 minutes of your time to pick up a phone and call our 1-800-4-BIKERS number for advice and/or a FREE consultation.
However, if the injury is moderate to severe then an attorney is usually necessary because the average person doesn't know how to properly evaluate their claim and needs help to achieve the best result. On the other hand the insurance company knows everything. A motorcycle accident attorney can level the playing field.
The following items should be considered in determining case value.
Damage to my bike and personal items, (i.e.) helmet, gloves, pants, shirt, etc. Payment of all medical bills and consideration of any future medical bills. Payment of all lost of wages, including overtime, and other benefits plus consideration of future loss of earnings. Compensation for pain and suffering - this area of the claim doesn't follow a formula. It takes years of experience to determine a fair amount and only then all factors of the case are considered including scarring, residual symptoms and permanent disability.. This is the area where attorneys are most valuable. After we know the answers to all
the above questions then, and only then, can we put a value on a case. For example until we know how long you are going to be off work we can't assign a value for wage losses.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
I work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they charge you a percentage AFTER the case is settled. You NEVER pay anything out of your pocket. If the attorney doesn't win then you do not owe them anything. The fee percentages are reasonable and are subject to state bar rules and standards, and state laws.
Should I talk to Insurance Companies about my accident?
You should talk to YOUR insurance company because you have a contractual duty. However, before you talk to your insurance company you may want to consult with an attorney.
NEVER speak to the insurance company representing the other person if you intend to hire an attorney. Talk to your attorney first. To do otherwise could be a severe mistake.
How long will it take to settle my case?
Many cases settle quickly and others take longer. Hiring an attorney after a motorcycle accident doesn't prolong your case. Many times an attorney can make the process move faster.
Insurance Companies can make even a small case difficult for a person. It is well worth 5 minutes of your time to pick up a phone and get a free consultation. However, if the injury is moderate to severe then an attorney is usually necessary because the average person doesn't know how to properly evaluate their claim and needs help to achieve the best result. On the other hand the insurance company knows everything. A motorcycle accident attorney can level the playing field.
What damages can I obtain?
The following items should be considered in determining case value. Damage to my bike and personal items, (i.e.) helmet, gloves, pants, shirt, etc. Payment of all medical bills and consideration of any future medical bills. Payment of all lost of wages, including overtime, and other benefits plus consideration of future loss of earnings. Compensation for pain and suffering - this area of the claim doesn't follow a formula. It takes years of experience to determine a fair amount and only then all factors of the case are considered including scarring, residual symptoms and permanent disability.. This is the area where attorneys are most valuable. After we know the answers to all the above questions then, and only then, can we put a value on a case. For example until we know how long you are going to be off work we can't assign a value for wage losses.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they charge you a percentage AFTER the case is settled. You NEVER pay anything out of your pocket. If the attorney doesn't win then you do not owe them anything. The fee percentages are reasonable and are subject to state bar rules and standards, and state laws. Should I talk to Insurance Companies about my accident? You should talk to YOUR insurance company because you have a contractual duty. However, before you talk to your insurance company you may want to consult with an attorney.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, don't delay. There is a statute of limitations in which you need to file your case. If you want a free evaluation of your case, please fill out the form by clicking here: Chicago lawyer for products liability case.