Most motorcycle crashes happen due to the negligence of other drivers who refuse to safely share the road with smaller vehicles and more vulnerable motorcyclists. However, the law provides injured motorcyclists with certain rights when someone else causes their injuries.
Reach out and speak with one of the experienced Marion motorcycle accident lawyers from Lawler Brown Law Firm today. You can learn more about how having a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side from the beginning will not only reduce your stress but also maximize the damages that you collect for your injuries and losses.
Risks for Motorcyclists in Marion
Both Williamson County and neighboring Jackson County in Illinois can have traffic and risky driving patterns and behavior. Having SIU nearby means there can be relatively inexperienced drivers from the University driving around - drivers who might also drive under the influence given the culture of a college town.
The shopping, eating, and winery attractions in Williamson County are also a source of traffic congestion in the area, and aggressive driving can also be a problem. For the motorcyclists on the road of Marion, this means they should exercise extra caution - but even the most careful riding and the greatest level of caution cannot protect against the negligent conduct of other drivers.
In one recent year, Illinois roads saw 2,758 reported motorcycle crashes, many of which resulted in serious injuries or tragic fatalities.
In general, the most significant risk to motorcyclists is the inattentiveness of other drivers. Distracted driving is an increasingly serious issue on the roads of the United States, with one in eight deaths on our roads caused by distracted drivers. Being mindful of other drivers on the road can be difficult given the high level of focus you need to safely operate your motorcycle, and when an inattentive driver causes a crash, they are liable for your damages.
Serious Injuries to Motorcyclists
When it comes to motor vehicle crashes and collisions, motorcycle drivers face the highest level of danger. In fact, motorcyclists are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes, with 5,014 motorcyclists dying in crashes on American roads in one recent year alone. Motorcycle drivers are 29 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than passenger vehicle occupants and are also four times more likely to suffer injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles.
To reduce fatalities of motorcyclists on the road, the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHTSA) notes that both safe riding practices and also cooperation from all users of the road are essential. Unfortunately, drivers are often negligent and do not take proper care around motorcyclists to avoid crashes and injuries.
When motorcycle crashes do happen, many common injuries can result, including:
- Neck and back injury
- Concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Skull fractures
- Spinal cord injury
- Nerve damage
- Bone fractures
How a Marion Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
The purpose of a motorcycle accident attorney is advocacy and experience with the injury claim process. That advocacy means your motorcycle accident attorney handles all calls and negotiations with the insurance companies throughout the process. This removes the stress from your life so that you can focus on your medical care without worrying about making a mistake during the legal process.
Additionally, your Marion motorcycle accident attorney will have the experience and network you need to accurately assess the long-term impact of your injury. To understand how your injury will affect your health and your ability to work in the long term, expert opinions from medical and occupational experts might be essential.
A medical expert considers what future treatment and care you might need, and an occupational expert assesses the implications of your injury on your ability to continue working or to return to a position that pays as much as your prior work.
Local attorneys work with these professionals all the time and can refer you to the best around in your area. Your Marion motorcycle attorney can accurately measure the real implications of your injury and their actual costs and ensure that this amount is included in your settlement so that you are made whole after your crash and not lagging behind.
Marion Motorcycle Crash FAQs
How soon after my motorcycle crash should I contact a Marion motorcycle accident lawyer?
You should consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after you receive the necessary emergency medical attention. Reaching out to a local motorcycle accident attorney right away after your crash will enable them to conduct the necessary investigation and begin collecting evidence to support your claim.
The longer you wait to get a lawyer on board, the more it might jeopardize your case. That said, even if you feel you waited too long, you should still contact a law firm in Marion that handles motorcycle crash cases to see what your options are.
How much can I recover financially for my motorcycle crash injuries?
The amount that you can recover will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of the crash and also the implications of your injury on your health and ability to work. The cost of medical care and lost earnings are usually the main factors considered, but there are other types of losses, and your motorcycle accident lawyer can explain what they are and help you collect the most on your claim.
How much is a motorcycle accident attorney?
Many people fail to call a motorcycle accident lawyer because they believe they cannot afford to hire one, but you likely will not have to pay anything out of pocket. This is because most motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only receive fees if they win your case. You pay nothing upfront and can benefit from legal representation without paying a huge retainer.
Connect With a Marion Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Handle Your Case Today
Having a motorcycle accident attorney on your side as soon as possible after the crash will ensure that they can begin protecting your rights immediately. To explore how to make the most of your case and recover the most compensation available for your injuries, call (618) 993-2222 or write to us using our contact page for your free consultation with Lawler Brown Law Firm today.