Why Choose Walner Law for Your Chicago Motorcycle Accident Claim

After a motorcycle accident, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Recovery may involve extensive medical treatments, missed work, and emotional struggles that require long-term healing. Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. At Walner Law, we’re proud to have been a trusted name in personal injury law in Chicago since 1961. Here’s how we stand out:

• Unmatched Experience: For over 60 years, our firm has fought for clients across Chicago, recovering substantial settlements and verdicts for injury victims. From a $45 million settlement for a near-fatal crash to over $20 million for spinal cord injuries, we know how to achieve results.
• Compassionate Representation: We don’t see you as just another case number. At Walner Law, our lawyers treat every client like family, offering moral support and compassionate guidance through some of life’s darkest moments.
• Community Focus: We understand the unique needs of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. Whether your accident happened in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, or Pilsen, we bring deep local knowledge to your case.
• Fighting Insurance Tactics: Insurance companies don’t always play fair, but we’re prepared to counter their strategies. You can count on us to ensure your rights are protected.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Walner Law is here to carry that burden for you, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your recovery and well-being. We’ll handle everything from negotiating with insurance companies to building a strong case designed for success. You deserve an experienced advocate who won’t rest until justice is served.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago

Motorcycle drivers and passengers suffer serious personal injury in 4 out of 5 crashes. Despite the stereotype, a majority of motorcycle crashes are not caused by speeding, drinking, or other illegal activity. The number one cause of a motorcycle accident is when the driver of another vehicle pulls out into an intersection or turns left into the motorcyclist’s right of way.

Other causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Poor road conditions
• Defective roadways
• Traffic congestion
• Defective automobiles
• Driver fatigue
• Motorcycle defects

Due to simple physics and a lack of protection, motorcyclists are at greater risk of catastrophic injuries such as:

• Broken bones
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Severe burns, road rash, and lacerations
• Amputation
• Paralysis
• Brain injuries
• Internal injuries

If a negligent driver caused your motorcycle crash, you deserve to hold the at-fault party accountable and recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses.

The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?

After your motorcycle accident, you might receive a quick settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company. While it may be tempting to accept, especially if you’re facing mounting medical bills or time off work, it’s crucial to think twice before doing so. Here’s why it’s often a mistake to take the first offer:

• Insurance Companies Protect Their Bottom Line: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts whenever possible. Their goal is to settle your claim for the lowest amount they think you’ll accept, even if it doesn’t fully cover your damages.
• You Might Not Know the Full Extent of Your Injuries Yet: After an accident, some injuries—like spinal damage or traumatic brain injuries—might take time to fully diagnose. Accepting an offer too early could leave you without enough money to cover ongoing care.
• You May Be Entitled to More Compensation: The first offer rarely accounts for all the damages you may be owed, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, or diminished quality of life.

Before accepting any settlement, it’s vital to consult with an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer. At Walner Law, we’ll review the offer, assess your case, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you truly deserve. Don’t leave money on the table—reach out for guidance before signing anything.

Do I Have a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, one of your first questions might be, “Do I have a valid claim?” The answer lies in understanding negligence, which serves as the foundation for most personal injury cases.

Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. For example, a driver who speeds through a red light or doesn’t check their blind spots for motorcyclists could be considered negligent. To establish a successful motorcycle accident claim, you’ll need to prove the following four elements of negligence:

1. Duty of Care: The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. For motor vehicle drivers, this means following traffic laws and driving safely to prevent harm to others.
2. Breach of Duty: The at-fault party breached their duty. Examples might include distracted driving, failing to yield, or aggressive behavior like tailgating.
3. Causation: The other person’s breach of duty directly caused your accident. It isn’t enough that they acted irresponsibly—you must show that their actions led to your injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered damages as a result of the accident. This can include physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional pain.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Prove Negligence

Building a strong case for negligence requires thorough evidence, legal knowledge, and tenacious representation. This is where Walner Law truly shines. Our team will:

• Collect evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and photos from the scene.
• Work with experts like accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals to establish the facts.
• Handle all legal paperwork, negotiations, and trial preparation so you don’t have to face the process alone.

When you’ve been through a motorcycle accident, the last thing you need is more stress. By entrusting your case to Walner Law, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing that dedicated professionals are fighting for your rights. We’ll go above and beyond to demonstrate the at-fault party’s negligence and secure maximum compensation for your losses.

Compensation Available to Chicago Motorcycle Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand the types of compensation that may be available to you. At Walner Law, we fight to secure comprehensive compensation for all the damages you’ve suffered. This can include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and any future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Reimbursement for time lost at work and compensation if your injuries prevent you from working in the same capacity in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: Financial recovery for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
• Property Damage: Compensation to repair or replace your damaged motorcycle and any personal belongings.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the ways the accident has affected your ability to enjoy activities you once loved.
• Wrongful Death Compensation: If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may also pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.

Every case is unique, so it’s essential to work with a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer who can assess your specific situation and fight for the maximum compensation available.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

Determining liability in a motorcycle accident case is not always straightforward. Many parties may bear responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash. These parties can include:

• Negligent Drivers: If a car or truck driver failed to yield, was distracted, or broke traffic laws, they could be held liable for causing the accident.
• Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, lack of signage, or dangerous road conditions may lead to government agencies being held accountable.
• Motorcycle or Vehicle Manufacturers: If a defect in the motorcycle or another vehicle caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer might be responsible.
• Employers: If the accident involved a commercial vehicle or a driver operating within the scope of employment, their employer might also share liability.

At Walner Law, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all parties that may be held accountable. Holding the correct party responsible is critical for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Accident?

It’s entirely possible to recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

• You can still recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.
• However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded compensation but found to be 30% at fault, you would only receive 70% of your damages.

Insurance companies often try to unfairly assign blame to reduce the amount they have to pay. An experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at Walner Law can help ensure fault is accurately assessed and fight for the compensation you deserve, even if you share some of the blame.

Chicago Motorcycle Accident Claims FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding Chicago motorcycle accident claims:

What are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents?

The leading cause of motorcycle accidents is negligence on behalf of another driver. Other motor vehicle drivers often fail to see motorcyclists and violate their right of way, causing a collision. Limited visibility due to parked vehicles, inclement weather conditions, motorcycle defects, and roadway hazards also frequently causes motorcycle accidents.

What kills motorcyclists?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common cause of death in a motorcycle accident is when a motorcyclist strikes a fixed object off the roadway. However, about 40% of these deaths were preceded by “braking and steering maneuvers immediately prior to the accident.” Therefore, a number of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents can be traced back to the interaction of the motorcycle with another hazard on the roadway that causes the motorcyclist to lose control and be thrown from their bikes, such as another vehicle or pedestrian.

If I was not wearing a helmet when the accident happened, can I file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?

Yes. If you suffered a serious injury, and if your accident was caused by another driver’s negligent or reckless behavior, you can still file a claim regardless of whether you were wearing a helmet. While data shows that wearing a helmet can save lives, Illinois is one of a few states that does not require motorcycle riders to wear them.

Who can file a lawsuit in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident?

Whoever was injured as the result of another driver’s negligence can file a lawsuit. For example, if a car driver was swerving recklessly and disobeying the rules of the road, and a motorcyclist became injured, the motorcycle rider can file a personal injury claim. On the contrary, if a motorcyclist was not following the driving laws or disregarded the safety of other drivers on the road and caused a motor vehicle accident with a car or truck, the driver of the other vehicle can file an injury claim if he or she was hurt.

How much can I receive for my motorcycle accident lawsuit?

The amount of compensation varies from case to case. Some motorcycle accident cases are worth more than others, but the final settlement amount will depend on the individual factors involved. You may be able to collect compensation for your medical bills (past and future), lost wages and the inability to earn future income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Maximum compensation is achievable so long as you have the evidence and the best Chicago motorcycle accident attorney on your side.

Why should I choose Walner Law to represent my motorcycle accident claim?

The auto accident attorneys at Walner Law® have over 75 years of experience litigating personal injury cases. We are dedicated to providing our clients with a high degree of personalized attention. When you call us, we will call you back no matter what. Our attorneys care about winning your motorcycle accident claim, but we also care about you. We want you to recover quickly from your serious injuries without worrying about escalating medical bills and lost income.

Contact the Trusted Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Walner Law Today

The weeks and months after a motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer at Walner Law provides compassionate legal support and help you pursue justice. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Investigate your accident to determine liability.
• Build a compelling case to prove negligence and maximize compensation.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court if your case goes to trial.
• Provide moral support and guidance at every stage of the process.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to take action. Contact Walner Law today at (312) 410-8496 or through our online form for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you rebuild your life and secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out online or by phone to get started—your brighter future begins now.