Motorcycle wrecks can create complex claims because they often result in severe damages for the people involved. If you suffered significant injuries in a motorbike accident, do not allow the complexities of a case stop you from pursuing the compensation you deserve.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney has the experience needed to guide you through the process of obtaining a motorcycle accident settlement. A Champaign motorcycle accident lawyer help you maximize the value of your claim, minimize your medical bills and liens, and make the process much easier for you so you can focus on your recovery, your health, and getting your life back.
Common Motorbike Collision Injuries
Motorcyclists do not have safety equipment like airbags and seat belts, so they are especially vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. Tragically, when a motorcycle rider crashes with another vehicle, they may be thrown off of their bike and become severely injured or even die. Along with scrapes and other minor injuries, there are common significant injuries motorcycle collisions could include:
- Burns
- Severe road rash
- Disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death
Following a wreck, it is critical to get immediate medical attention for any injuries you received. A skilled Champaign motorcycle crash attorney could help ease the burden of a severe collision while you work to recover from your injuries.
Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Wreck
The amount a claim may be worth depends on the elements in the accident and the extent of damages in it. Typically, plaintiffs may seek economic and non-economic losses following a motorbike collision. In some cases, the injured person may recover punitive awards from the responsible party. An experienced motorcycle collision attorney in Champaign could help seek all damages you may be entitled to under Illinois law.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Economic awards involve calculable losses such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic compensation is for harder to value, more subjective losses like pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, disfigurement, disability, and mental anguish. Compensation for non-economic damages typically requires evidence of how your injuries affected your life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be available to a motorcycle rider in circumstances where the at-fault party was extremely careless, caused intentional harm, or the misconduct of the at-fault party was particularly egregious. For example, in a case where the at fault driver was heavily intoxicated, caused serious injuries, and fled the scene instead of obtaining aid, a lawyer may be able to recover punitive damages to further punish the at-fault party. Unfortunately, punitive damages are generally not covered by insurance carriers, so the ability to collect money damages from a defendant may be a consideration when considering pursuing punitive damages.
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Who is Responsible in Champaign Motorbike Crashes?
Drivers owe a duty to operate their vehicles safely to everyone on the roadway. If a vehicle operator breaches their responsibility to a motorcyclist and causes a wreck, they should be held responsible for the resulting damages.
Another driver may not be the only party responsible for a motorcycle accident. Oftentimes, several factors contribute to a motorbike wreck. If more than one party causes your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation from all responsible parties. A knowledgeable Illinois motorbike injury attorney understands the many potential causes of crashes and could identify the responsible party.
It is also of vital importance that you consider all potential sources of recovery. Given the seriousness of injuries involved in motorcycle accidents, you may wish to consult with an experienced Champaign motorcycle accident lawyer to help identify all of the potential sources of insurance coverage available to you. In addition to the at fault driver’s liability insurance coverage, that driver may have an umbrella insurance policy, they may have been driving for work and commercial liability insurance may be available, and the injured party may have additional medical payment coverage on their policy and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on their own policy, or even the policies of relatives the injured party resides with, depending on the circumstances. Failing to identify a potential source of insurance can be an extremely costly mistake, and a resourceful Champaign personal injury lawyer can help make sure you identify every potential source of recovery available to you.
Contact a Champaign Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
A vehicle collision could leave a motorcyclist with life-changing injuries or even cause death. If you face mounting healthcare bills and are recovering from serious injuries, you may feel overwhelmed. A Champaign motorcycle accident lawyer knows the physical and emotional pain a crash can cause and can guide you through the difficult process of pursuing a settlement to compensate you for your losses, so you can focus on your recovery. Schedule your free case consultation today.