Motorcycle Accident Attorney Hoffman Estates

Motorcyclists only account for a small fraction of vehicle-related accidents in Cook County each year. But these accidents are far more likely to result in death or serious injury due to the relative lack of protection afforded the motorcyclist. If you, or someone that you loved, has been hurt while riding their motorcycle and you believe another driver or third party’s negligence was to blame, SAM LAW OFFICE, LLC, can review your case and advise you of your options for seeking compensation. Our Hoffman Estates motorcycle accident lawyers can investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding your crash and help you identify all of the responsible parties.

The Causes and Consequences of Motorcycle Accidents in Cook County

According to the 2021 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics published by the State Department of Transportation, there were 2,544 motorcyclists injured in accidents in 2021. Sadly, there were also 174 reported motorcyclist fatalities.

And while motorcyclists are often perceived as reckless and dangerous, it is often another motorist’s negligence that is ultimately to blame for a motorcycle accident. Some common examples of this include:

• driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• distracted driving, e.g., drivers looking at their smartphones or talking to a passenger;
• excessive speed; and
• failure to keep a lookout for motorcycles, particularly when making a left-hand turn.

In some motorcycle accidents, the culprit may not be another driver but rather a defect in either the road or the motorcycle itself. Many roadway hazards that are no big deal for cars or trucks can prove disastrous for a motorcycle. If state or local officials were negligent in maintaining the road, the motorcyclist may have the right to demand compensation.

Similarly, a defect in the design or manufacture of a motorcycle–or any of its parts–can lead to a sudden failure while the motorcyclist is on the highway. If this is the case, the motorcyclist can take action against the manufacturer or distributor under Illinois product liability law.

Regardless of who is ultimately at fault, an injured motorcyclist can seek a wide range of monetary damages under Illinois law as compensation for their losses. Some of the more common types of damages include:

• past, present, and estimated future medical bills;
• lost wages and diminished future earning capacity;
• the costs of repairing or replacing the damaged motorcycle;
• compensation for pain and suffering; and
• compensation for the loss to family members if the motorcyclist was killed in the accident.

Our Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help You

Illinois imposes a two-year statute of limitations on all personal injury claims arising from motorcycle accidents. This means you do not have much time to fully investigate and take legal action against the parties responsible for your crash. The dedicated and experienced team at SAM LAW OFFICE, LLC, is ready to review your case and advise you of your options for seeking compensation following a serious motorcycle accident. So if you would like to speak with an attorney, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.