Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating, but sharing the road with cars, trucks and other vehicles is risky. Collisions frequently cause catastrophic and fatal injuries for bikers. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident, Vaziri Law LLC can help.
Our firm provides motorcycle victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois with powerful representation when they need it most. We believe that motorcyclists have a right to be on the road and that motorists have a duty to avoid causing injuries to others. You can depend on us to hold the responsible parties accountable and to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
Causes of a Chicago Motorcycle Accident
Riding a motorcycle involves inherent risks. However, motorcycle accidents with other vehicles are frequently caused by driver errors, such as:
- Distracted driving
- Improper turning
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
Our firm knows how to hold negligent motorists accountable and works tirelessly to protect the rights of motorcycle accident victims. Another leading cause of motorcycle accidents is road defects, such as potholes, gravel, oil spills, uneven pavement, and debris. Under certain circumstances, an injury claim can be brought against the government agency responsible for maintaining a particular road or highway.
Finally, motorcycle accidents often result from mechanical defects, in which case a product liability lawsuit can be filed against the manufacturer or distributor. Regardless of the cause, it takes an aggressive motorcycle accident attorney to take the appropriate legal action and get you just compensation.
Illinois Motorcycle Safety Laws
Like other drivers, motorcyclists must obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals. Riders must be 18 or over and possess a valid license. While helmets are optional in Illinois, wearing one is highly recommended. State law does require motorcycle riders and passengers to either wear shatter-resistant eyewear or be protected by a windshield.
Other protective gear is optional, but also highly recommended, including:
- Leather jackets
- Heavy pants
- Motorcycle boots
- Gloves
Such protective gear can prevent more serious injuries by limiting the impact of contact with the road. Additionally, Illinois law requires motorcycles to have passenger seats and footrests for both the operator and the passenger. Motorcycles must also be equipped with the following safety features:
- Daytime running headlights
- At least one side-view mirror
- Turn signals
- Properly functioning brakes on both wheels
Finally, state law prohibits:
- Hand-grips above the operator’s head height
- Riding with no hands
- Riding on one wheel
Despite these safety requirements, motorcycle accidents caused by negligent motorists can result in serious injuries to riders and passengers, and that makes having a skilled Chicago motorcycle accident attorney essential.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Illinois
Motorcyclists are mandated by state law to insure their motorcycles at all times and carry the following minimum liability insurance coverage:
- $25, 000 for bodily injury per person in an accident
- $50,000 for more than one person in an accident
- $20,000 for property damage
However, motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries that result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and other losses exceeding these coverage amounts. You can depend on us to fight hard for every dollar you deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Because motorcycle riders are not protected by the cage of a vehicle, accidents can result in a wide array of injuries, such as:
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Wrongful death
In some cases, victims require ongoing medical and rehabilitative care, which can be a physical, emotional, and financial burden. Our firm has a proven history of helping accident victims and their families recover substantial compensation.
How Vaziri Law LLC Can Help
Our attorneys will provide you with aggressive representation and protect your rights. By conducting a thorough investigation, we will understand the circumstances related to your motorcycle accident, such as:
- The time of day (e.g. morning, dusk, night)
- Road and weather conditions
- Whether the driver violated any traffic laws
We will leverage our skills and experience to prove the other driver was responsible for the motorcycle accident and fight for past and future damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitative costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability, disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you have tragically lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit to obtain compensation for final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and the value of guidance and support your loved one would have provided. Being injured or losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is tragic. Trust us to right this wrong and get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Vaziri Law LLC know their way around the bargaining table and the courtroom. Rest assured, we will protect your rights in any forum – negotiation, arbitration, or litigation. Contact our office today so we can start working on your claim.