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Over 30 Years Protecting the Injured

Peoria Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Fighting for the Full Recovery You Are Owed

Many people automatically assume motorcyclists are to blame when a car or truck is involved in a collision resulting in injury or death. In fact, other motorists are often at fault—and then claim they "didn't see" the motorcycle. Failing to keep a lookout for traffic is negligent on the part of any motorist.

If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident and you believe another person’s negligence is to blame, Joel E. Brown, Attorney at Law can help. Our Peoria motorcycle accident attorney serves clients throughout Peoria and Tazewell Counties, offering skilled legal representation for victims of severe personal injury. We only accept select cases, allowing us to better provide the focused, personalized legal services our clients deserve.

To learn more about how we may be able to help you, contact us online or by phone at (309) 271-1118. We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees.

Recoverable Damages in Motorcycle Accidents

Unfortunately, motorcyclists generally suffer more serious injuries than occupants of other vehicles, simply because their bodies are not well-protected. Even if they wear helmets and protective clothing, a crash can mean broken bones, head injuries, back or spinal cord injuries, and more. Furthermore, motorcyclists often carry less insurance than drivers of cars or trucks do. This means it is critically important to pursue compensation from all available sources.

Every case is unique and the damages that you may be able to recover may differ from those listed here. That being said, most victims of motorcycle accidents are able to pursue compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income/wages
  • Ongoing treatment
  • Lost or reduced earning ability
  • Physical pain
  • Emotional distress

Furthermore, if your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to seek damages for medical treatment received prior to death, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.

Determining negligence on the part of other drivers or other parties (such as road maintenance and service operations) can make all the difference in the outcome of an injury claim or lawsuit on behalf of an injured motorcyclist or surviving family members after a fatality. Having an experienced Peoria motorcycle accident lawyer on your side is critical to your case.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois

According to the most recent statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation, motorcycle accidents in Illinois are most frequently caused by:

  • Speeding: Excessive speed is one of the most commonly reported factors leading to motorcycle accidents. Speeding was reported as being a factor in 13.2% of all crashes in Illinois in 2014.
  • Fixed objects: 12.4% of crashes involved collisions with fixed objects.
  • Left turns: 11.9% of motorcycle accidents in 2014 involved a crash between a motorcycle going straight and a vehicle making a left turn.
  • Driving under the influence: According to 2017 data, motorcycle operators accounted for 13.8% of motorcycle crash fatalities. Of these riders, 119 were tested and 50% tested positive for alcohol.

Illinois Helmet Laws

Illinois does not have a mandatory helmet law, even riders without helmets may still recover compensation for injuries that a negligent driver caused.

Most states have enacted mandatory helmet laws for riders under a certain age for safety reasons. In these states, failure to wear a helmet can sometimes result in the denial of a personal injury claim from an injured motorcyclist under the argument that the rider was negligent in his or her own health.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in Illinois?

Lane splitting, or the practice of passing vehicles between two lanes of traffic, is illegal in Illinois. If a motorcyclist passes too closely to other vehicles while lane splitting, the rider may be found at fault for a resulting collision.

Just like a car, a motorcycle needs plenty of room to travel, and riders should stay in the center of the lane to avoid cars trying to squeeze past in the same lane. In rare cases, however, the court may determine that other vehicles merging recklessly or otherwise acting unsafely contributed to the crash, allowing riders to claim partial negligence.

Contact our Peoria Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Overcoming the bias against motorcyclists is a large part of the challenge of a Peoria motorcycle accident lawyer. Law enforcement agents, insurance claims adjusters, judges, and juries may all bring their biases into a case.

A knowledgeable lawyer is essential. Joel E. Brown, Attorney at Law has more than 25 years of experience achieving successful outcomes for people injured through the negligence of others. Our Peoria motorcycle accident attorney's scientific background and in-depth medical knowledge help strengthen claims for clients of the firm. We recognize and respect the passion of bikers for their hobby or preferred commute. This law firm is prepared to fight for an injured biker's right to compensation.

Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case. Call (309) 271-1118 or send an online request for a prompt response.

 

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