At the law offices of Crosby & Crosby Law, we fully understand the desire of many of our fellow Illinoisans to ride motorcycles, enjoying the freedom of the open road and the scenery and local attractions of our state and neighboring states as well.
While we don’t want to put a damper on anyone’s pleasure, we’re also well aware of the potential dangers of motorcycling. That’s why our Rockford personal injury lawyers urge you to keep these sobering statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in mind.
- Since 2019, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in Illinois has increased by 10.1 percent.
- As of late August 2022, 88 fatal motorcycle accidents have occurred in the state this year.
- Most motorcycle accidents in the state occur on urban roads.
- Nationally, motorcyclists account for approximately 14 percent of traffic-related fatalities, although they represent only 3 percent of all registered vehicle owners in the U.S.
- NHTSA estimates that based on the number of miles traveled, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than passengers in cars and trucks.
Our experienced Rockford motorcycle accident attorneys want you to be safe when you drive on Illinois roads. If you do experience an accident, then we encourage you to follow the advice our experts have gathered below.
What Motorcycle Riders Should Do After An Accident
If you or a loved one is involved in any kind of motorcycle accident near Rockford, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help. We urge you to do the following:
- Get medical help as soon as possible, and after your initial care, be sure to follow up with any specialists you may need to see in case you have suffered a severe injury. Riders injured in a motorcycle crash often experience cuts, scrapes, road rash, or broken bones.
- Keep complete records. Make sure you have a copy of the police accident report, pictures of the accident scene, medical records, repair bills, and any letters you may have received from insurance companies. It’s important for you to keep track of the total amount of property damage caused to your vehicle and incurred medical expenses as a result of the accident. If you need to miss work due to a hospital stay or medical recovery, then you should also keep track of any lost wages.
- Say as little as possible about the accident. This advice is especially important if you’re contacted by the other party’s insurance company. Unfortunately, anything you might say to their insurer may be used to minimize the injuries and damages you’ve suffered or perhaps even deny your claim for compensation. Let your attorneys do the talking for you.
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney. The insurer of the other party involved in the accident may try to convince you that all issues can be resolved without legal representation, but you should ignore those assurances. Multiple studies have shown that accident victims represented by an attorney generally receive higher compensation than individuals who try to resolve their accident-related issues without legal representation.
Crosby & Crosby Law – Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Rockford, IL
Motor vehicle accidents can be serious, however, chances of you experiencing a significant personal injury significantly increase with a motorcycle crash.
If you or a member of your family has been injured or suffered damages in a motorcycle accident, we urge you to contact Crosby & Crosby, the aggressive personal injury law firm in Rockford, Illinois. We help motorcycle accident victims throughout the state, which is why our personal injury attorneys work hard to secure the compensation that you are entitled to.
Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation and case study, and let Crosby & Crosby’s personal injury lawyers provide you with exceptional legal advice.