Calumet City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a motorcycle accident may affect your life physically, emotionally, and financially. Fortunately, a skilled Calumet City motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash caused by the negligent actions of another person, an experienced personal injury attorney could work with you to hold the responsible party legally accountable for their reckless actions. It is best to speak to a knowledgeable attorney to learn about all your legal options. En Español.

Parties Bearing Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

No matter how safely a motorcyclist drives, there could many reckless actions another motorist could take that may cause a wreck. Common causes of motorcycle crashes include but are not limited to:

  • Distracted or inattentive driving
  • Speeding
  • Door accidents
  • Traffic violations, such as failure to stop or yield
  • Hazardous road conditions
  • Low visibility
  • Changing lanes

However, when a motorcycle collision occurs, the drivers involved are not always the only potentially liable parties. There are many parties who could possibly bear liability for causing a motorcycle accident in Calumet City, such as:

  • A commercial parent company
  • A municipal entity responsible for maintaining safe roadways, especially during poor weather conditions
  • The manufacturer of the vehicle or motorcycle involved
  • A third-party driver, motorcyclist, or pedestrian who contributed to causing the accident

An experienced Calumet City motorcycle accident lawyer could help investigate the circumstances of a specific accident and identify those who may be liable.

Comparative Negligence Rules in Calumet City

Unlike many other states, Illinois state law does not require that all motorcyclists wear helmets on the road. However, whether or not an injured individual wore a helmet could still be crucial in a personal injury case, as this simple action could affect whether a court believes the injured individual’s own negligence contributed to their injuries.

This principle is the centerpiece of the modified comparative negligence system that Illinois courts uphold. This system establishes that an injured party may not receive compensation if they are deemed more at fault for their accident and ensuing injuries than the defendant in their case. Even if a motorcyclist is partially liable for injuries stemming from a motorcycle crash—whether for failing to wear a helmet or some other reason—it does not automatically mean they would be unable to recover compensation. So long as a plaintiff is not deemed responsible for 51 percent or more of the total fault in their accident, they could still seek at least some financial recovery.

However, injured motorcyclists who bear some degree of fault would have their total recoverable damages reduced by their percentage of fault. Furthermore, in an attempt to reduce their own liability, a potentially liable defendant may contend that the injured individual contributed to the accident more than they did. It is usually best to get help a proactive lawyer in Calumet City to help combat claims of contributory negligence.

Let a Calumet City Motorcycle Accident Attorney Assist

Regardless of the circumstances of your motorcycle accident, an experienced lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries. While a financial award cannot entirely make up for the pain you suffered or the damage to your health and well-being, it could be an important step forward in receiving justice for the actions of a negligent driver. Let a Calumet City motorcycle accident lawyer help your case. Call today to schedule a consultation.