Our Mt. Vernon personal injury lawyers can investigate what happened, determine who is at fault, and fight for compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Let us serve as your representative and help you get compensation for your bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Motorcycle Accidents Cause More Harm
There’s no question that riders suffer worse injuries and a higher fatality rate in crashes than people in other vehicles. There’s simply less protection between you and the environment. This means that you may be owed more compensation than the other driver.
However, to get it, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. The insurance companies will try to pin the blame on you if they can, or point to actions you could have done to reduce your injuries.
Morelli Law is your defense against these accusations. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Mount Vernon, IL, know the laws and know how the insurance companies can be countered. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence, no matter what your choice of transportation is.
Have You Been Injured In An Accident? Contact Morelli Law
877-751-9800Who Is Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
We must prove that someone else was responsible for your accident for you to recover compensation for your injuries. There are many parties that could hold some responsibility, but we must prove these through evidence.
The most common is another driver. If a driver breaks traffic laws or drives recklessly and causes a crash, their negligence makes them responsible for your accident. Our investigation, plus the investigation by the police about what happened, can determine if this is the case.
Other causes of liability could include the mechanic that worked on your motorcycle, a manufacturer of a motorcycle or a part used in it, and even the municipality that maintains the roads you ride on. There is also the possibility that you share some of the responsibility, which will change how much compensation you can receive.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
After an accident, you’ll face bills for your medical care and vehicle repairs. These, among other costs, are called damages. Depending on what you’ve experienced after your crash, you can receive damages for:
- All medical costs, including rehabilitation and medications
- Estimated costs of future medical care
- Lost wages
- Lost potential income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Keep all bills and receipts you’ve had to pay regarding your accident, and keep notes of lifestyle changes you’ve had to make after your accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Mt. Vernon can use these to calculate the value of your damages.
Non-economic damages are harder to calculate, but we can use prior case experience, your record of experiences, and speak with experts to estimate the value of these damages. They may be worth much more than your economic damages.
Contact our Mt. Vernon Personal Injury Lawyers today
877-751-9800Can I Claim Punitive Damages in My Claim?
Punitive damages are only recoverable in trial and only if a judge and jury agree to give them to you. These are a special financial punishment given to defendants for gross negligence or causing harm to you on purpose.
The purpose of these is to discourage the defendant and the rest of society from doing something similar in the future. We can argue whether you deserve these and how much they should be if your case needs to go to trial to reach a fair settlement.
That said, only a small percentage of cases go all the way to trial. Most settle out of court. Trial will also make your case take longer to resolve. Morelli Law is one of the most experienced personal injury trial lawyers in the country, so we can advise you about whether it’s in your best interest to take your case to trial.
What’s an Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
There is no average payout for any kind of personal injury claim because every case is unique. There are some things that will raise or lower your potential compensation though. One of the most important is to work with a Mt. Vernon motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Starting early gives us the best opportunity to preserve evidence needed in your case, and gives us the most time to build a strong case and negotiate before we must file a claim. There is a deadline for your case to start called the statute of limitations. If we do not file before that point, you cannot receive compensation.
Other factors that affect settlement amounts include the number of people responsible for your accident, the severity of your injuries, whether you shared responsibility in your accident, and many more. We can explain these factors to you and give a preliminary estimate during your consultation.
Are Helmets Required in Illinois?
An insurance company may argue that you’re to blame for your injuries because you weren’t wearing a helmet and they’ll point to the law to prove their point. However, that’s a weak argument in Illinois because helmets are not required in this state. Illinois requires all riders to have some sort of eye protection, but a windshield is enough.
That said, the data shows that riding without a helmet raises the risk of fatal accidents. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute, the percentage of fatal motorcycle accidents are almost twice as high than tractor-trailer accidents.
If an insurer argues they shouldn’t pay you because your safety gear was inadequate, call Morelli Law. We’ll examine the evidence in your case and the relevant laws and see if the insurance company’s claims are valid or just an attempt to get you to accept less money.
Call Morelli Law Today
If you need help with a motorcycle accident in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, then Morelli Law can give you legal support. Let us handle the details of your case while you recover from your injuries. Call or email us through our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our motorcycle accident attorneys.
Call or text 877-751-9800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
