The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help you seek compensation if you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident. You should not have to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if another party’s negligence resulted in these losses. Let us hold them accountable for your injury-related expenses.
With a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, you do not have to worry about anything. While many law firms give blanket statements about their successes and services, our team has results that speak for themselves. Since we began serving injured people, we have secured millions of dollars in damages.
We want to get to work on your case. If you have questions and concerns, we can answer them–and take action for you. For instance:
Are you worried about dealing with an uncooperative insurance agent? We can talk to them for you.
Do you know the cost of your losses – both economic and non-economic? We can calculate the cost of your case.
We will start working on your claim for free, and on top of that, we offer all prospective clients free initial case reviews. To talk about your legal options at no cost or obligation, dial (312) 223-1700.
Instead of asking yourself whether it is worth hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer, ask yourself: Is it worth handling a motorcycle accident case on your own?
Handling a personal injury case comes with a host of obligations and potential complications. These could include the following:
Disagreement Regarding Fault
First, you will need to provide evidence to the insurance company that proves who was at fault and how much your damages cost. Yet, despite the evidence you provide, the insurance company may argue that you caused the accident or that your damages are not worth as much as you allege.
Communication Problems
Secondly, the insurer may neglect to answer your phone calls and emails. Your case may be shuffled around from claims adjuster to claims adjuster, all while your medical bills and other damages increase.
Only you can decide whether it is worth hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer. Yet, when making this decision, consider this: While healing from your injuries, would you rather manage a personal injury case with no help, or would you rather have someone do it for you? Your answer could determine whether legal representation could meet your needs.
Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Minor Accident?
There is no way to truly know if your motorcycle accident was minor until you have consulted with a healthcare provider. In the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident, adrenaline has a way of masking severe conditions, like nerve damage, internal bleeding, and other life-threatening ailments.
There are other circumstances that may make a “minor” motorcycle accident more severe than it initially seems.
Some of these elements may include:
The extent of your vehicle’s damage
The cost of your economic damages, such as time missed from work
Your diagnosis, expected recovery time, and whether you will be left with any long-term impairments
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC, it costs you nothing to consult with a member of our team. During our conversation, we will listen to the facts of your situation and determine whether your accident was, in fact, “minor.”
After talking to our team, you may find that working with a motorcycle accident lawyer could help you seek the best possible outcome for your case.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident settlements vary from one case to the next. Each insurer calculates damages in a different way, and motorcycle accidents themselves differ in severity. This means there is no average settlement value for a motorcycle accident case.
However, there are many factors that will determine the value of your case and how much you could recover.
Some of these things include:
The type, nature, and severity of your injuries
Whether you will be permanently disabled from the collision
Whether you lost a loved one
The cost of your property’s damage, your medical bills, and lost wages
A motorcycle accident lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC can calculate the cost of your injury-related expenses and explain how much your case is worth. We can even assign a monetary value to your non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, disfigurement, and impaired quality of life. We will work to include as many of your losses as possible in the value of your case.
What Damages Can I Collect for a Motorcycle Accident?
The damages you can collect for a motorcycle accident will ultimately depend on your situation. However, many successful motorcycle accident claimants are able to recover two types of damages for their injuries: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages Have Monetary Values
Your economic damages are losses that have financial costs. Some economic damages in your motorcycle accident case may include:
Medical bills. Surgery, hospitalization, medications, and physical therapy all constitute recoverable medical expenses.
Lost wages. Our legal team can consult with your employer to determine how much time you missed from work. We can also factor in the loss of promotional opportunities, bonuses, and benefits in your claim.
Loss of future earning capacity. The Kryder Law Group, LLC can work to determine how much income your injuries could cost you in the future. These damages may apply to you if your injuries prevent you from doing your job in the same capacity as you did before the accident.
Property damage expenses. Your motorcycle may have been damaged by the collision. Your bike may even have been totaled. We can include the value of your motorcycle or the cost of its repairs in your case’s value.
If you work with The Kryder Law Group, LLC, we can use employment records, invoices, and billing statements to determine the cost of these expenses.
Depending on your circumstances, you could have other types of economic damages not included here. If so, tell us about these costs. The Kryder Law Group, LLC does not want to overlook any expense that could be included in your claim.
Your Non-Economic Losses Do Not Have Monetary Values
These accident-related losses may have negatively impacted your life, but their dollar value may not be as clear. Your non-economic damages could consist of losses like:
Pain and suffering
Disability
Disfigurement
Loss of consortium
Impaired quality of life
As noted, The Kryder Law Group, LLC can calculate each of these losses. The value of your non-economic damages will depend on a variety of factors, especially the severity of your injuries.
You can learn more about the value of your non-economic damages by reaching out to our Chicago law firm. Dial (312) 223-1700 to begin your free case review.
Can I Sue Someone Personally After a Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, you may be able to sue someone personally after a motorcycle accident. However, the American Bar Association (ABA) notes that your case will probably not make it to that point since most motorcycle accident cases are resolved out of court.
However, this is not the case for everyone. In some situations, it is not possible to agree upon a fair settlement during negotiations with the insurance company. If securing compensation through a lawsuit is your only option, then our law firm can help you with this endeavor. We can file your lawsuit, gather evidence, and represent you at trial.
You Could Sue Someone if Their Insurance Company Refuses to Settle
Following a motorcycle accident in Illinois, you would typically file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s provider to recover compensation. Yet, this may not work out as planned.
The insurance representative may argue that you caused the accident, and therefore, they may claim that you cannot recover compensation. They may also say that the liable driver’s insurance policy does not cover the full extent of your losses.
In this case, if negotiations do not prove successful, you could file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In your case, this would be the motorist who caused your accident, not their insurance carrier.
You Could File a Lawsuit if the Other Party Is Uninsured
All motorists in Illinois are required to carry minimum amounts of insurance coverage, per the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI). However, the at-fault party in your case may not have adhered to this regulation, leaving you with few financial recovery options.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC will see if you have uninsured motorist protection coverage as part of your insurance policy. If not, however, you could file a lawsuit against the negligent driver and pursue compensation from them in court.
So, yes—you can sue someone personally if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. Yet, in the interest of time, effort, and money, your lawyer will do everything in their power to settle your case outside of the courtroom. They will do this by:
Negotiating a settlement with the liable insurer
Keeping you updated on the progress of negotiations
Advising you on when to accept an offer and when to take a case to court
Sometimes, insurance companies do not take claims seriously until an injured person has legal counsel. With a lawyer on your side, they can manage the claims process. You can call The Kryder Law Group, LLC to learn more.
Will My Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Deal with the Insurance Companies for Me?
Absolutely. Dealing with the insurance companies is just one of the many things that your lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC can do for you. You do not have to worry about taking calls from the insurer, responding to their emails, or negotiating a settlement. We will do all of this on your behalf.
Our Team Can Send Your Demand Letter
Your insurance claim starts with a demand letter––which our legal team can write for you. This document will contain the details of your collision, including the cause of your accident, the nature of your injuries, and the cost of your damages.
The insurance company’s response will dictate your legal team’s next course of action. If the insurance company agrees to pay you fairly, then your case could be resolved at that point. However, if they do not, then we can enter into the negotiation process.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC Can Negotiate a Settlement
Negotiating a settlement, in general, is not easy. However, your motorcycle accident lawyer can do it for you.
During the negotiation process, your legal team may:
Consult with your healthcare providers about the cost of your ongoing medical expenses
Demonstrate the cause of your collision by speaking with accident reconstruction specialists
Explain how another party’s negligence resulted in your injuries
Use traffic camera footage, the police report, and witness testimony to prove your case
The decision of whether you accept an offer is totally up to you. To accept an offer from the insurer, you will need to sign a settlement agreement. By accepting money, your case is over, and you will not be able to ask for additional compensation in the future. Your lawyer will explain whether a potential settlement could meet your financial needs.
Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Protect You Against Bad Faith Insurance Practices
In their advertising campaigns, many insurance companies say that they put their clients’ needs first. In fact, many insurance companies put their own needs first.
To save their company money and derail your claim, the insurance adjuster may:
Deny your claim without providing a written reason as to why
Contest the severity of your injuries with no justification
Refuse to answer your phone calls, emails, or text messages
Pass your claim around from adjuster to adjuster
Pressure you into accepting an unfair settlement offer
Say that you do not have coverage
Argue that you caused the accident––when it is clear that you did not
Request unnecessary pieces of information
Insurance companies employ these tactics so that injured claimants drop their cases. You do not need to worry about the insurance company taking advantage of you with us on your side.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC will handle all insurance-related obligations for you.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take to Settle?
The claims process is different for everyone. Some people settle their claims after submitting their initial demand letters. Others have to wait months to get the money they need.
With this in mind, there is no telling how long it will take for your motorcycle accident claim to settle. The progression of your case will depend on many different elements specific to your situation.
Your Case May Take Longer to Settle if Your Condition Is Still Evolving
Suppose that you suffered a broken arm due to your motorcycle accident. In this instance, you could make a full recovery within a matter of months with no long-term complications. As such, the cost of your medical bills may be fairly straightforward.
However, this may not be the case if you suffered a life-altering impairment, like a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this case, you could need weeks of physical therapy. You may even need to move into a specialized care facility. TBIs can involve months or even years of recovery time. In this case, your medical bills could increase for an indefinite period.
Accepting a settlement too early could be unwise. As your condition evolves, you could encounter additional injury-related expenses. This could increase the amount of time it takes for your case to settle. However, by waiting to assess the full picture of your injuries, you could seek the level of compensation that you could need over the long term.
Your Case May Involve an Array of Challenges
There are many challenges that could impede your case’s progression. For instance:
There may not be enough evidence to prove your claim, and an insurer could refuse to accept that their client’s negligence led to your injuries.
You may have neglected to seek prompt medical attention after your accident, giving the insurer the chance to say that you were injured elsewhere.
These are just two of the details that could affect how long it takes for your case to settle. There could be even more information that potentially poses a threat to the progression of your case.
However, you do not need to worry about any obstacles that prevent your case from moving forward as it should. Our team can address all of them. If there is not enough evidence to support your claim, then we will launch our own investigation. If the insurer contests the details of your injuries, then we will provide testimony from medical experts and your healthcare team.
Do not think that your case is too complicated for us to handle. We will address any challenges that prevent you from seeking the money you need. To learn more about how a motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can help you pursue fair compensation, call a member of our team today at (312) 223-1700.
Do You Have to Go to Court for a Motorcycle Accident?
You usually do not have to go to court for a motorcycle accident. Various details of your case will determine whether filing a lawsuit is necessary.
Typically, you only have to file a personal injury lawsuit if:
The other party was not carrying insurance.
The other party did not have enough insurance coverage to meet the cost of your losses.
The insurance company refuses to settle your case.
Your lawyer can manage all of the obligations that go into filing a successful motorcycle accident lawsuit.
We Can Manage the Process of Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The Kryder Law Group, LLC has years of courtroom experience. If we need to file a lawsuit to get you compensation for your accident-related losses, then we have no problem doing so.
We can advance your lawsuit by:
Filing your lawsuit in civil court
Managing the discovery phase of your lawsuit, where both parties exchange information
Communicating with the defendant’s legal counsel
Presenting evidence of fault, liability, negligence, and the cost of your damages
Strategizing the course of your lawsuit
While your case unfolds in civil court, your lawyer will continue negotiating with the insurer.
We Can Also Manage the State’s Statute of Limitations
According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you only have two years from the date of your accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Failing to do so could mean a lot of negative things for your case, including the following:
First, the courts may dismiss your case because you did not act within the appropriate timeline.
Second, even the insurer may dismiss your claim, citing similar reasons.
Certain aspects of your case could extend this deadline, however. For instance, if the other party fled the state or hid their identity, the state could give you more than two years to take action.
Yet, you do not want to assume anything about your financial recovery options. Let The Kryder Law Group, LLC evaluate your case and determine how Illinois’s statute of limitations applies to you.
What Happens if the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Insurance?
You could still have legal options, even if the other party doesn’t have insurance. We can determine which of the following measures could help you pursue compensation.
You May Have Uninsured Motorist Protection Coverage
You may not fully understand the benefits offered under your insurance policy. You may have uninsured motorist protection coverage. In this case, you could file a claim with your own insurance carrier to recover the cost of your damages.
Your lawyer can review the details of your insurance policy to see if you have options. If so, you could recover compensation through this avenue.
You Could File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver
While the idea of filing a lawsuit may be among one of the things that hold you back from taking legal action, ultimately, doing so could help you recover compensation. In this instance, you would need to prove that you were harmed by the defendant’s negligence.
By using the information in your case, you would need to show:
The defendant had a duty of care toward you and other road users.
The defendant did not uphold their duty of care because they employed unsafe driving practices.
You were harmed due to the defendant’s breach of their duty of care.
Your motorcycle accident resulted in financial losses, like lost wages and property damage costs.
Your lawsuit could be successful if we can prove all four of these elements exist in your case. You could secure financial recovery even if the other party is uninsured.
The subject of your lawsuit will depend on the facts of your case, including who or what caused the accident. In some cases, you could name multiple defendants in your lawsuit.
Your lawyer can determine who holds liability and fault for your accident, and from there, determine the defendant in your personal injury case.
You Could Sue a Negligent Driver
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that most motor vehicle accidents are the result of driver error. This means that a driver’s errors are often more at fault for causing an accident than other outside factors, such as weather or road conditions.
It is likely that your collision was the result of another driver’s negligence. In this case, you could sue the driver who caused your accident. Your case would usually only reach this point if they were uninsured or their insurer did not offer enough money to cover your expenses.
You Could Sue a Government Department
Your motorcycle accident may not have been caused by another driver’s negligence, but instead, poor roadway conditions. For instance, if you lost control of your bike because of an unevenly paved street, you could sue the government municipality responsible for overseeing the roadway. These cases can be more complicated, however, and could be subject to certain restrictions. We can help you understand what it would take to sue a municipality.
Additionally, you may have a limited time to file your lawsuit if you are planning on suing the government. Your motorcycle accident lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC can provide more insight into this matter.
You Could Sue the At-Fault Driver’s Employer
If you were hit by a driver who was on the job at the time, you could sue their employer and recover compensation. You could allege that because the organization hired a negligent driver, they could be financially accountable for your damages.
You could hold other parties responsible for your losses beyond those listed here. Again, the subject of your lawsuit will depend on the facts of your situation.
What Should I Do in the Days Following a Motorcycle Accident?
In the days following your motorcycle accident, you may want to:
Follow through with medical care
Refrain from giving a recorded statement to an insurance company
Consider how The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help you recover compensation
The days following your collision could determine your case’s final outcome. These measures could help you pursue your case in a satisfactory manner:
You Should Follow Through with Medical Care
The other party and their insurer will look for any reason to avoid paying for your losses. This could involve contesting the nature of your impairments. They may say that you were not injured from the motorcycle accident, and they should not have to pay for your losses.
To protect your legal rights, you should:
Seek medical care. As noted, seeking medical care could help your personal injury case. It can also serve to diagnose and treat your condition.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations. If you stop taking your medication, going to physical therapy, or visiting your doctor, you could be accused of making your injuries worse.
A representative from The Kryder Law Group, LLC can go into more detail when you call our firm today.
You Should Not Give a Recorded Statement
While your bills pile up and your injuries heal, you may want to share your side of the story. When the insurer contacts you and asks for a recorded statement, you may think that this is your chance. However, this could actually work against you.
By giving a recorded statement, you risk:
Admitting fault for the accident
Revealing something that could hurt your case
Downplaying the severity of your condition
Giving the insurer the chance to edit the recording
Your lawyer can answer any questions that the insurer has for you. Do not agree to give a recorded statement, as this could complicate your case.
You Should Consider How a Lawyer Could Help You
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients throughout the state of Illinois. A motorcycle accident lawyer from our team is committed to seeing your case through to the end.
Throughout the financial recovery process, we can:
Give you updates on your case
Collect evidence to prove your allegations
Consult with experts regarding your accident
Determine the cost of your financial and non-financial damages
Explain your legal options
Negotiate a settlement
File your insurance claim and/or lawsuit
Today, you can begin a free case evaluation with a member of our law firm. Not only does this serve as an opportunity for you to ask us questions about your case, but you can also learn more about your financial recovery options.
To connect with a representative from The Kryder Law Group, LLC, call (312) 223-1700.
What Should I Do at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident?
What you should do at the scene of a motorcycle accident ultimately depends on your circumstances. For example, if you were severely injured due to the crash, you should accept medical attention at the accident scene. If the paramedics suggest that you go to the hospital in an ambulance, you should heed their advice.
However, if you are physically able, the following measures could set the foundation for your personal injury case:
Take Photos of the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
Your personal injury case will be as strong as the evidence that supports it. From the moment you are hurt, you will gain access to various pieces of information that could help you.
Here are some things that you should document using your smartphone or digital camera:
The accident scene. Skid marks, broken glass, and other debris could establish the severity of your accident. If an external condition (like a pothole) caused or contributed to your accident, you should take a picture of this factor, as well.
Your injuries. Photographs of your external injuries—like cuts, bruises, and scratches—could prove the severity of your condition. Afterward, once you speak to a medical professional, obtain copies of your ultrasounds, x-rays, and other imaging scans that document the full range of your injuries.
We can tell you more about what other photographs and forms of evidence could build your case.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
If you were harmed by another driver, both parties must stay at the scene until dismissed by law enforcement, per 625 ILCS 5/11-402. Otherwise, if anyone leaves, they could face penalties.
Although you should refrain from talking about the accident with the other party, you are still required to exchange certain pieces of information with them. This exchange includes your name, phone number, and insurance information. Doing so could help the claims process move smoothly in the future.
These are only two things that could help you recover compensation for your losses. Calling the police and taking down the contact information of any eyewitnesses could also protect your interests.
What Can I Do to Protect My Rights After a Motorcycle Accident?
To protect your rights after a motorcycle accident, you should file a police report, document the extent of your losses, and consider prompt legal action. All three of these measures could address any potential complications that could hinder your case.
You Should File a Police Report and Ensure Its Accuracy
According to 625 ILCS 5/11-406, you are required to file a police report if a collision results in injuries, fatalities, or property damage of more than $1,500.
Additionally, you are required by the State of Illinois to file an accident report. You have 10 days to report the incident, and you may do so either through a paper form or through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
While this may seem intimidating, the police report could serve as an important piece of evidence for your case. Fault for the accident, the location of the crash, and other crucial details could be detailed in this document.
You should also request a copy of the police report and check it for accuracy. If anything is wrong––like the names of the involved parties or the nature of the crash––you should have those details amended. Even the smallest incorrect detail could hurt your case.
You Should Keep Track of Your Accident-Related Losses
When your case concludes, you do not want to be left with any out-of-pocket expenses—especially if they were caused by another party’s negligence. While The Kryder Law Group, LLC can calculate the cost of your losses, they will need adequate documentation to do so.
Some ways that you could keep track of your accident-related expenses include:
Keeping all invoices, billing statements, and pay stubs in a centralized location
Documenting your pain levels and impairments in a journal
Writing down the contact information of your mechanic, who can then speak to your lawyer about your bike’s damage
These pieces of information could go a long way in determining the true value of your motorcycle accident claim.
You Should Consider Working with Our Illinois Law Firm
Our team will do everything in its power to protect your legal rights following a motorcycle accident. By securing prompt legal representation, you can take the first step toward seeking compensation for your damages.
We have handled many cases similar to yours before. For instance, we recovered $2.2 million for a man who was injured in a motor vehicle collision. In a similar situation, we secured a $2 million settlement for a man who was hit by a speeding car.
We are not afraid to get to work for you and your loved ones. From the moment you partner with us, you can rest assured that we will protect your legal rights.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
The Kryder Law Group, LLC works on a contingency-fee basis––meaning that you could hire a lawyer at no cost to you. We understand that a motorcycle accident can come with a host of unexpected expenses, and we do not want legal aid to be one of them.
We manage personal injury cases based on their details, not on our clients’ ability to pay for our services. You only owe us our attorney’s fees if we can recoup compensation for your losses. If not, then you do not pay us anything.
By working with our team on a contingency-fee basis, you could get the following services for no upfront cost:
Our Investigative Skills
You do not need to worry about gathering documentation when our team is on your side.
To gather evidence, your motorcycle accident lawyer can:
Subpoena traffic camera footage
Interview witnesses
Take testimony from third-party consultants, like healthcare providers
Request a copy of the police report
We can also use your medical records to show that you were harmed by the accident.
Our Network of Legal Resources
As noted, your legal team will consult with a variety of experts regarding your case. Their testimony could provide useful insight into the severity of your injuries, the cost of your damages, and the circumstances of the collision.
Some experts that we could work with include:
Medical professionals who can attest to the nature of your condition and the cost of your healthcare expenses
Accident reconstruction specialists who can determine how your accident happened and who was responsible
Economists who can provide information about the cost of your anticipated financial losses
We can consult with other experts not included here.
Our Negotiating Skills
We are committed to your case’s success. Earlier, we talked about how we will negotiate with the liable insurer on your behalf. Not only do we recognize bad faith insurance practices, but we also know what negotiating skills could resolve your case.
Some of these skills include presenting decisive pieces of evidence, using witness testimony, and addressing any possible derailments. If none of these strategies work out, then we can file a lawsuit.
By partnering with us and seeking our legal services on a contingency-fee basis, you could get legal help at no cost to you or your family. To find out more about working with a motorcycle accident lawyer, call a team member from The Kryder Law Group, LLC at (312) 223-1700.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident?
You generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in civil court. The ABA says that if you neglect to file your case in accordance with Illinois’s deadline, you could be unable to seek compensation.
However, this two-year period does not apply to everyone.
You could be granted more time to file your lawsuit if any of the following statements apply to your situation:
Your accident caused you to be disabled, either physically or cognitively. You would be given two years from the date that your disability was alleviated to file a lawsuit, per 735 ILCS 5/13-211.
You were injured as someone who was under the age of 18. In this case, you would be given two years from the date of your eighteenth birthday to file a lawsuit, also explained under 735 ILCS 5/13-211.
The other party left the state before your lawsuit could be filed. In this instance, the courts would likely give you more time to take legal action, according to 735 ILCS 5/13-208.
Right now, you might not be sure if these exceptions apply to you. A motorcycle accident lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC can evaluate your case and determine whether you could be granted more than two years to take legal action.
We Can Seek Compensation for Your Motorcycle Accident-Related Losses
If you have any questions about how our team can help you pursue compensation for your damages, do not hesitate to call The Kryder Law Group, LLC. Our team can address any inquiry or concern about your case at no charge.
While not discussed on this page, some of the questions that we can answer during your free case review include:
When can I expect to be paid for my damages?
What damages can I recover if I lost a loved one?
What happens if I am partially responsible for what happened?
Am I eligible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit?
What happens if the insurer refuses to acknowledge my claim?
We can answer all of these questions – and more – when you reach out to our team. Feel free to ask us what your motorcycle accident lawyer can accomplish for you.
March 1st, 2021
(312) 223-1700