If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney from the Law Offices of Kass & Moses will fight to help you receive fair and just compensation. Our team of experienced lawyers understands that a Chicago motorcycle crash can be complex. We know the way that insurance companies operate and we will use our expertise to your advantage.
Think you might have a case? Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We strive to make your legal experience as easy and stress-free as possible so that you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries. We will work with you ever step of the way: from your first phone call with one of our experienced motorcycle lawyers until you receive a settlement check with your funds.
Remember: you will not pay a penny until we have settled your case. This means that you can focus on returning to health without worrying about the need to pay lawyer fees right away.
Chicago Motorcycle Crashes Cause Injury and Death
When motorcyclists are involved in traffic accidents, serious injuries and long-term disabilities are not uncommon. But too often, insurance companies quickly defend motorists who may be at fault in causing your collision. It is critical to have an experienced Chicago motorcycle attorney representing you. At The Law Offices of Kass & Moses, we have successfully represented hundreds of injured bikers. We have the resources necessary to guide you on the path towards financial recovery.
Our lawyers take a dynamic legal approach, handling your case in such a way as to maximize your compensation. We believe you shouldn’t be held responsible for costs associated with hospitalization, physical therapy, or rehabilitation services after a crash. We strive to resolve your case a minimal amount of stress, however we are always prepared for trial so that you achieve maximum compensation.
If you have been hurt in a Chicago motorcycle crash, reach out to Kass & Moses today. An attorney will speak with you to evaluate your case. This no-obligation phone call is free of charge. You only pay a fee if you receive compensation.
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Chicago Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accident injuries can often be severe, since bikers ride with little protection. Even if you wear a helmet when you ride, you are still at risk for head injuries in a crash. And for those not wearing a helmet, traumatic brain injuries are common. In their mildest forms, these injuries or concussions result in headaches, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and a feeling of dizziness. In more severe forms they can result in loss of consciousness, brain damage, and even death. All bikers who have been involved in a motorcycle crash should be assessed for head and bodily injuries.
Broken bones, road rash, and soft tissue injuries are also common after a motorcycle crash. These injuries are all painful and can result in time away from work as you recover. Few of us can go weeks without a paycheck, especially as we face mounting medical bills. That is why is truly pays to have an experienced team of motorcycle accident lawyers handling your case. We work to get you a settlement that is fair and just, and compensates for things like losses, time away from work, pain and suffering, and ongoing disability.
It is not uncommon to be contacted by a representative from the insurance company in the days following your crash. They may make you a low settlement offer, in an effort to get you to close your case. These settlement offers are often not even enough to cover your basic medical bills. They rarely cover associated losses like pain and suffering and lost wages. We understand that your losses in a motorcycle crash are significant.
When we consider a potential settlement, we think about more than the damage to your bike. We also assess your medical expenses. This includes all of your hospital and other associated expenses. It also includes other charges like the cost of the ambulance or physical therapy. In addition, we include your lost wages, both while you are recovering from your injuries and also in the future as you attend to further medical care. We do not ignore your pain and suffering, as we understand that no one wants to experience hurt and discomfort. We also consider any level of disability you may suffer from as the result of your motorcycle crash. We fight diligently in order to reach a settlement in your favor that is both fair and just, and represents compensation for each of these important facets of your loss.
Before you accept a settlement offer from your insurance company, it is important to speak to a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer. At the Law Firm of Kass & Moses, we have decades of experience handling cases involving injured bikers. We know when the insurance company is offering you an insulting offer, and we can advise you accordingly. We know the questions to ask to determine what amount of compensation is fair and reasonable in your case.
When we are on your side, you won’t go it alone. We have the knowledge base that is needed to represent you and your cause. We are in the metro Chicago area, and can come to you in order to make the process even easier. What more can you ask for? A free initial consultation? We provide that, as well!
Chicago Motorcycle Crash Statistics
Riding a motorcycle can put you at a higher risk for injury and even death if you are involved in an accident. Approximately 20 percent of people involved in automobile accidents face injury or death. For motorcyclists, the number is 80 percent. That’s right- you are four times more likely to be injured or die if you are involved in an accident on your motorcycle.
In fact, according to the NHTSA, you are 37 times more likely to die if you are involved in a motorcycle accident than if you are involved in a car accident. These statistics are alarming, and stress the importance of riding safely and using proper protective gear. But no matter how safe you are, motorcycle accidents in Chicago and around Illinois occur every day.
Alcohol and other substances that impair the senses have been shown to play a role in a large percentage of accidents, especially accidents that involve fatalities. Most of us know better than to ride if we have been drinking. But remember, also, to pay attention to the medications that you take. Some medications, like pain medicine, can impair your ability to ride safely. It is never worth it to take chances with your life and the lives of others.
When motorists travel on busy roadways, they are protected by a steel shell as well as airbags. In the event of a crash, many car drivers and riders escape unscathed or with only minor injuries. Motorcycle riders, however, are rarely so lucky. It makes sense when you consider the fact that bikers are largely unprotected when they ride. Gear has come a long way and can help prevent some head injuries and road rash, but fractures, brain injuries, internal damages, and paralysis still occur often.
Having represented bikers involved in Chicago motorcycle crashes for decades, we have worked with hundreds of injured motorcyclists. When we represent these bikers, we become involved in their life situations. We see that the moment of impact of the crash is just the beginning of their problems.
Injuries often result in major life changes. First, there is usually a period of healing and recovery. This can mean multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term medical care. While attending to your injuries, you may not be able to work. Even after recovery, some bikers will not be able to return to their previous work. Motorcycle injuries can and often are life-altering.
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Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash
When you ride a motorcycle, it is not a matter of if but when you will be involved in a crash. And when you are in a crash, it pays to be prepared. First, exercise caution when you ride. Ideally, motorists would put aside their cell phones and conversations and focus on those that share the road with them. Sadly, this is often not the case. Ride defensively and never assume that a motorist sees you, even if they seem to make eye contact with you.
All bikers should know the steps to take when involved in a motorcycle crash. If you are in a crash, even if it seems relatively minor or the motorist does not stop, contact the police immediately. This helps preserve the right for you to seek compensation for your claim. In addition, seek medical attention. Few of us enjoy going to the doctor or hospital, but injuries should be taken seriously.
Sometimes injuries are not noticed in the minutes and even hours following a motorcycle crash. This is because the endorphins our bodies produce when involved in a traumatic situation can mask pain and other signs of injury. Head injuries are especially easy to overlook. This is troubling, as these injuries can result in long-term damage if not treated appropriately.
If you are awake and aware after your motorcycle crash, be sure to record the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Take photographs at the scene of your bike, the other vehicle involved, any any areas of damage or skid marks. These can be immensely helpful when it comes time to recreate the accident.
Never accept the blame for the crash, even if you feel you were partly at fault. Accidents, by their very nature, occur suddenly, and it can take weeks to determine exactly who was at fault. Taking the blame for the motorcycle accident may lower your ability to recover financially in the future. Also, your view of what happened might be obscured due to the extreme amount of trauma you have experienced or any potential head injuries.
When speaking with the police officer, try to remain calm and state your side of things concisely. You need to state only the facts. Remember that your words can be twisted and might make it appear you were responsible for the crash. State simply the basic facts of the accident, based on your point of view.
No one expects to become involved in a motorcycle crash. No family expects to have to bury their loved one, or arrange for ongoing medical care. But these things do occur. Frankly, many people struggle to handle the stress of it all. That is one of the reasons it truly pays to have an experienced Chicago motorcycle lawyer team on your side.
We have represented hundreds of injured bikers and helped them get justice in their cases. We can help you, too. Remember, you do not pay a penny until your case is settled. We never ask for any money upfront. Contact 1-800-MOTORCYCLE today to learn more about how we can help.
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Head Injuries in Cook County Motorcycle Accidents
One of the most common motorcycle crash injuries is also potentially one of the most devastating. Head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries are all serious. Any biker who has experienced a head injury, no matter how minor, should be assessed for a concussion or brain injury by a medical provider. Mild concussions can easily be overlooked, but symptoms may linger without appropriate medical treatment.
Signs of a concussion after a motorcycle accident include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Rapid mood changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Inability to concentrate
- Visual disturbances
If you notice any of these signs of head injury, you need to be screened for a concussion. Mild concussions usually do not result in a lapse of consciousness. In fact, many people do not realize they have had a concussion until they realize they are troubled by lingering headache and other troubling symptoms.
More serious brain injuries can result in permanent brain damage. This can affect the speed of mental processing, the ability to concentrate, and even the ability to perform activities of daily living. But even minor concussions have been linked to an increased risk in suicide and can have a lasting impact on the brain. All head injuries should be taken seriously.
There are an unusually high number of concussions and brain injuries associated with Chicago motorcycle crashes as Illinois is one of the few remaining states without a motorcycle helmet law. As Cook County motorcycle lawyers, we have handled hundreds of cases in which bikers faced head injuries. We ride, too, and appreciate that bikers are free to choose whether to wear a helmet or not. Still, we advise all bikers to use appropriate protection when they ride and wear a helmet.
The potential for disaster is always there. Even if you are the best, most defensive motorcycle rider, you are still vulnerable to the actions of others while on the road. It’s simply not worth taking the change of a lifetime dealing with brain injury or worse, death. Your health and wellbeing is valuable. Helmets are cheap, medical bills are not.
Chicago Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Unlike many other areas in the United States, motorcyclists in Chicago and Illinois are not required to wear a helmet when operating their bike. As Chicago area motorcycle attorneys, we highly recommend that every biker do wear a helmet, even though it is not mandated. The statistics are clear: bikers who wear a helmet are three times less likely to die from head injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident.
Helmets provide more than just head protection. In the event of a crash, a motorcycle helmet helps protect the neck as well as the sensitive tissue on the face. Road rash on the face can be especially painful, and can often result in scars. And neck injuries, when they occur, can result in injuries to the spinal column, including paralysis. Simply put, it’s worth it to wear a helmet.
When shopping for a motorcycle helmet, ensure that you have a proper fit. The helmet should be snug, but should not cause discomfort, even with extended wear. There should be a minimal level of play or movement when the head is maneuvered from side to side, and the helmet should stay secure, even if it is quickly jarred from the underside. After all, there is little point in wearing a helmet if it comes off in a crash.
Finally, remember that helmets do not last forever. If you are involved in a crash, no matter how small, it is important to replace your helmet. Also, avoid dropping or tossing your helmet around. Sure, the exterior may hold up to wear and tear, but damage can occur to the internal structures that are designed to absorb and protect from a single impact only.
Road Rash Caused by Motorcycle Crashes
One of the most common injuries that we see in Chicago area motorcycle accidents is road rash. Although a relatively mild injury, road rash can lead to infections and scars. Although mild road rash can usually be treated at home with first aid remedies, more significant road rash needs to be treated by a physician. Any degree of road rash on the hands or the face warrants a visit to a doctor.
Road rash can be especially painful, as it strips off a layer of the skin. This exposes the nerves and also leaves the area prone to infection. Areas of road rash will appear pink or red, may bleed or ooze clear fluid, and are usually quite painful.
When treating a minor road rash at home:
- Wash your hands before you begin treating the injured area.
- Clean the road rash thoroughly with clean water or saline.
- Use tweezers, if necessary, to remove any gravel, dirt, or foreign debris.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. You can purchase Neosporin with pain relievers, and I highly recommend this specific formulation for road rash.
- Cover the affected area with a non-stick sterile pad and adhere to the unaffected areas of the skin.
- Change the bandage twice a day, and reapply Neosporin or other antibiotic ointment each time.
- For road rash pain relief, take Acetaminophen or Advil.
- If you notice increasing redness and swelling, pus or bleeding, or develop a fever, see a physician right away as you may have an infection.
Although road rash can represent a minor injury, any areas larger than the palm of your hand or on sensitive areas of the body (including the hands and the face) warrant a trip to your physician. Such injuries can rapidly develop infections and may result in scarring. In addition, your physician can suggest other techniques to treat the associated pain involved with road rash.
Chicago Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycle laws vary based on location, so it’s important to be aware of the laws in your area. The team at The Law Firm of Kass & Moses can help you understand the specifics regarding Chicago motorcycle laws. Here are a few motorcycle laws every Chicago rider should know:
· All motorcycles in Chicago must have insurance. To learn more about shopping for motorcycle insurance and how you can get the best deal, check out our blog.
· In order to apply for a Class L or M instructional permit, you must be 18 or older. To learn more about proper licensing to ride a motorcycle in Illinois, read through the Illinois Motorcycle Operators Manual.
· Illinois motorcycle law does not require helmet use for motorcyclists.
Chicago Motorcycle Organizations:
There are a number of fantastic motorcycle organizations in the Chicago area. If you would like your organization to appear on this page, contact wendy@kassandmoses.com with a link to your website.
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
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