Orland Park Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents can result from various causes and factors, all sharing a common thread of posing significant consequences for riders. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, a lawyer can explain the legal avenues available to recover the assistance you require.

The experienced Orland Park motorcycle accident lawyers at Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer can help you. We’re ready to assess your case and guide you toward obtaining the vital compensation you need for your injuries.

We provide free consultations for motorcycle accident victims in Orland Park or the surrounding area. Contact us today to start the process.

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Orland Park Motorcycle Accident Guide

• How Our Team Can Help You After an Orland Park Motorcycle Accident
• What 7 Steps Should You Take After an Orland Park Motorcycle Accident?
• 6 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Orland Park
• Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents and Their Average Costs
• Legal Process After an Orland Park Motorcycle Accident
• Damages in an Orland Park Motorcycle Accident Claim
• Speak to a Skill Orland Park Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

How Our Team Can Help You After an Orland Park Motorcycle Accident

To fully understand the types of damages that may be recoverable in your specific case, it’s crucial to seek advice from our well-versed team in motorcycle accident claims.

Just having the right to file a claim might not be enough. Working with our experienced team is important to ensure you’re treated fairly. We’ll explore every possible way to support you, increasing your chances of getting your desired result.

Here’s how we typically approach these cases:

• Legal guidance – Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers knows the ins and outs of Illinois’ laws related to motorcycle accidents. We help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.
• Investigating the accident – We can thoroughly investigate the accident using our resources. This involves gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and reconstructing the accident scene to determine who is at fault.
• Collecting evidence – We assist in gathering crucial evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and any surveillance footage available. This evidence plays a vital role in building a strong case on your behalf.
• Communicating with the other side – Our team handles communication with insurance companies, other involved parties, and their legal representatives on your behalf. This ensures that your rights are protected and that you avoid unintentionally saying something that could negatively impact your case.
• Negotiating – When dealing with insurance claims or potential settlements, our seasoned lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What 7 Steps Should You Take After an Orland Park Motorcycle Accident?

The day after a motorcycle accident in Orland Park, you may feel overwhelmed, in pain, and uncertain about what to do next. Taking the right steps helps protect your health, well-being, and legal rights.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Continue following your medical treatment plan: If you received medical care immediately after the accident, follow through with any prescribed treatment, medication, or rehabilitation. If you didn’t seek medical attention, do so immediately, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Contact your insurance company: If you haven’t already, inform your insurance provider about the accident. Provide them with factual information about what happened, but refrain from admitting fault or discussing the details extensively.
3. Gather evidence: Collect all relevant documentation, including the police report, medical records, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene and your injuries. This evidence will be essential for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.
4. Keep a record of expenses: Start documenting all expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, motorcycle repair costs, and lost wages due to missed work. Keep all receipts and invoices.
5. Be cautious when communicating: If the other party’s insurance company contacts you, be careful about what you say. Consult an Orland Park motorcycle accident lawyer before making any statements or agreeing to a settlement.
6. Consider legal representation: Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Orland Park. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation for your losses.
7. Take care of yourself: Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Get plenty of rest, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, and seek support from family and friends during this challenging time.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult our legal team of experienced Orland Park motorcycle accident lawyers. We’re here to help you during this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve.

6 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Orland Park

Motorcycle accidents can happen for various reasons, but some causes are more common than others.

In Orland Park, the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that are not the fault of the motorcyclist include:

1. Distracted driving. Other drivers texting, making phone calls, or otherwise not paying attention to the road pose a significant threat to motorcyclists. Distracted drivers may fail to notice motorcycles in their vicinity, leading to a collision.
2. Speeding. Excessive speed by other drivers is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. When drivers travel at high speeds, they have less time to react to changing traffic conditions, increasing the risk of motorcycle accidents.
3. Failure to yield. Many motorcycle accidents occur when other vehicles fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists. This can happen at intersections, during lane changes, or when drivers make left turns, putting motorcyclists at risk even when following traffic laws.
4. Impaired driving. Other drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are a major cause of motorcycle accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles, putting motorcyclists at risk even when the riders themselves are sober and attentive.
5. Poor road conditions. Potholes, cracked pavement, and debris on the road can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists. These hazards, often caused by negligent road maintenance, can cause riders to lose control of their motorcycles, leading to accidents that are not the motorcyclist’s fault.
6. Driver inexperience. Inexperienced or unlicensed drivers may not know how to share the road properly with motorcyclists, leading to accidents. These drivers may not understand the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists or may not be aware of their responsibility to watch for and yield to motorcycles.

Even the most cautious and skilled motorcyclists can be involved in accidents caused by negligent drivers or poor road conditions. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced Orland Park motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents and Their Average Costs

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering. The costs associated with these injuries can quickly add up, placing a significant financial burden on a motorcycle accident victim and their family.

Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents and their average costs:

Traumatic brain injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries are among the most severe consequences of motorcycle accidents. The average cost of treatment for a mild TBI is around $85,000, while severe TBIs can cost up to $3 million over a lifetime.

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The average cost of treating a spinal cord injury can range from $500,000 to over $1 million in the first year alone, with lifetime costs reaching up to $5 million.

Fractures and broken bones

Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs. The average cost of treating a broken arm or leg is around $2,500, while more severe fractures can cost up to $35,000 or more.

Road rash and skin abrasions

Road rash occurs when a rider’s skin comes into contact with the pavement, resulting in painful scrapes and abrasions. Treatment costs for road rash can range from a few hundred dollars for minor cases to over $10,000 for severe incidents requiring skin grafts.

Internal injuries

Blunt force trauma from motorcycle accidents can cause internal bleeding and organ damage. The cost of treating internal injuries varies widely depending on the severity and the specific organs affected, but can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Amputation

In some cases, severe motorcycle accidents can result in the loss of a limb. The average cost of an amputation is around $30,000, not including the ongoing costs of prosthetics and rehabilitation.

Emotional trauma

In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accident victims often suffer from emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The cost of mental health treatment can range from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000 in severe cases.

The actual expenses incurred can be much higher  depending on the severity of your injuries and the required duration of treatment.

Furthermore, these figures do not account for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages that may be recoverable in a motorcycle accident claim.

Legal Process After an Orland Park Motorcycle Accident

Being injured in a motorcycle accident gives you the legal right to file a claim against the party responsible for the incident. Most of the time, the first step in the process is figuring out liability.

LIABILITY

Similar to other accidents, the determining factor in liability is establishing negligence.

From a legal standpoint, negligence involves four key elements:

• Duty of care – The responsible party had a duty to act reasonably and safely.
• Breach of duty – The party breached this duty through negligent actions.
• Causation – The breach of duty directly led to the accident, resulting in injuries.
• Damages -There must be a provable link between the accident and the injuries or other damages.

Depending on the specifics of your particular accident, you could hold various parties liable, including the:

• The driver of the vehicle
• Third-party, like a pedestrian or another motorcyclist
• Motorcycle manufacturer
• Government agency responsible for road maintenance or sign maintenance

LEGAL PROCESS

Once liability is established, collaborating with our team can assist you in filing a claim for damages against the at-fault party or parties.

Generally, this involves initiating an insurance claim or proceeding with a lawsuit.

• Insurance claim – This typically marks the initial legal step involving the insurance company’s investigation and evaluation of the accident. Once it’s completed, they will present a settlement offer. At this point, you can choose to accept or, if the offer isn’t good enough, proceed with filing a lawsuit.
• Personal injury lawsuit – If needed, the next stage involves filing a personal injury lawsuit. This legal action allows you to seek financial support for your injuries and other damages. To do that, our team can file a complaint for you in civil court, exchange and present evidence, take depositions, mediate the case, and if necessary, go to trial.

The intricate and time-consuming process of filing a claim for damages underscores the importance of partnering with our experienced Orland Park motorcycle accident team. We can navigate the complexities and recover the compensation you deserve.

Additionally, you must file within Illinois’s statute of limitations for injury claims, which is currently set at two years from the date of the accident.

Damages in an Orland Park Motorcycle Accident Claim

Although every case is unique, the ultimate goal of filing a claim after an Orland Park motorcycle accident is to pursue your right to recover damages from the liable party that caused the accident in the first place.

In a typical motorcycle accident injury claim, you have the potential to recover:

• Medical treatment costs
• Physical therapy costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship

In certain situations, punitive damages may be granted if the responsible party’s actions were reckless or negligent.

Speak to a Skill Orland Park Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Navigating the complexities of the legal process can be daunting, underscoring the need for reputable personal injury law firm in Orland Park to safeguard your rights and secure fair compensation.

At Michael J. Brennan Accident & Injury Lawyer, we understand the difficulties associated with motorcycle accidents. We provide expert legal support to victims of motorcycle accidents in Orland Park. Don’t hesitate—contact us today to set up your free consultation at (708) 460-9300.

Michael J. Brennan Accident & Injury Lawyer – Orland Park Office

16521 S 106th Ct
Orland Park, IL 60467
P: (708) 809-2211