Bikers are not nearly as protected as other motorists on the road who have benefited from the advancements in safety technology over the years. When a motorcyclist is involved in a collision, especially with a car, truck, or bus, unfortunately, the biker often suffers severe injuries.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, you might benefit from speaking with a Normal motorcycle accident lawyer. A dedicated personal injury attorney could help you pursue financial compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses following a wreck. The right legal counsel could help you seek a positive resolution to your situation and maximize your recovery.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Crashes
The force of being struck by another vehicle can cause grave injuries to a motorcycle rider. Some such examples of common harms in a motorcycle accident are:
- Broken spine, neck, and back
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Multiple fractures and crushed bones
- Lacerations, road rash, and scarring
- Death
A plaintiff should have an accurate description of the wounds they sustained following an accident. The best way to do this is by seeking medical attention immediately after a crash, where medical records discussing their injuries will be made. A Normal attorney can review these records, along with the account of the facts by the plaintiff, the police report, and other evidence, to begin assessing the motorcycle accident case.
Recoverable Damages in Normal Motorcycle Wrecks
When considering bringing a lawsuit for their losses, a plaintiff may be wondering how they can be compensated. Fortunately, the legal system seeks to compensate an injured claimant for physical, emotional, and financial losses. A Normal attorney could pursue economic, non-economic, and potentially punitive damages on behalf of the injured motorcyclist.
Economic Damages
Under 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes §5/2-1115.2, economic damages may be pursued in any case where the plaintiff has sustained bodily injury. This specific type of damages refers to the tangible financial loss that a plaintiff suffered as a result of the accident. This includes past and future medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, as defined by 735 I.L.C.S. §5/2-1115.2, refer to intangible financial burdens, which include damages for pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, loss of consortium, and loss of community. A Normal motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help a plaintiff calculate how much financial compensation to pursue for their psychological trauma.
Punitive Damages
Under 735 I.L.C.S. §5/2-1115.05, punitive damages may only be awarded when the defendant is shown to have acted recklessly or maliciously. The reason for this higher-standard than mere negligence is because punitive damages punish the defendant, rather than compensate the plaintiff. Punitive damages can only be awarded if economic damages have been given, and they are limited to three times the total amount of actual damages awarded.
Consult with a Normal Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Whether a minor collision or a severe accident, you should consult with a Normal motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. With the potential for significant physical and psychological trauma as a result of this incident, it is likely you could bear a substantial financial burden from this accident.
An experienced attorney may be able to seek a positive resolution to this situation. Seek the guidance of a skilled lawyer, schedule a consultation today.
