Motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common on Illinois roads, and the injuries that result can be catastrophic. Whether you’re cruising down Lake Shore Drive or navigating suburban traffic, a motorcycle collision can leave you physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelmed.
At Hale & Monico, LLC, our experienced Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you understand what steps to take immediately following an accident to protect your rights and secure your future.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, many injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal damage might not show symptoms right away.
- Call 911 and request emergency medical help.
- If you’re able, move to a safe area to avoid further injury.
- Keep your helmet and protective gear on until help arrives, unless medically necessary to remove them.
Step 2: Call the Police and File an Official Report
Under Illinois law, you must report a motorcycle accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500. A police report will serve as crucial evidence in your insurance and legal claims.
Ask the responding officer for:
- The accident report number
- Their badge number and department
- A copy of the official accident report when it becomes available
Step 3: Document the Scene
If you’re physically able, collect evidence while you’re still at the scene:
- Photographs of all vehicles, road conditions, weather, skid marks, and injuries
- Contact information for any witnesses
- License plate numbers, driver’s license info, and insurance details of all parties involved
Step 4: Do NOT Admit Fault
Illinois uses a comparative fault system, meaning any admission of guilt could reduce or eliminate your compensation. Stick to the facts when speaking to police or other drivers, and avoid speculation.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer promptly, but avoid providing a detailed recorded statement until you’ve consulted an attorney. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim.
Step 6: Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Illinois
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can include mounting medical bills, lost wages, and painful rehabilitation. The sooner you speak with a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney, the better your chances of securing maximum compensation.
Why Choose Hale & Monico, LLC?
- Decades of trial experience in Illinois personal injury law
- Proven success handling motorcycle injury claims involving negligent drivers, road hazards, and wrongful death
- We fight for compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
Contact Hale & Monico, LLC for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Let Hale & Monico, LLC advocate for your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process. Call us today or click to submit a case review.