Chicago Car and Motorcycle Accident Lawyers - Attorneys Handling Car Accidents and Motorcycle Crashes
Many people spend hours on the road each day, whether it be commuting to work or running errands. Unfortunately, every time we enter the roadway, we are placing our safety - and our lives - in the hands of other drivers who may be impaired, reckless, or distracted. When serious car and motorcycle accidents occur, the victims often face the cost of mounting medical bills, property damage, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Our Chicago car and motorcycle accident lawyers understand how devastating auto accidents can be, and our attorneys are dedicated to helping victims receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to under the law.
Learn more about motorcycle and car accidents in Chicago and its surrounding area from our motorcycle and car accident lawyers, below.
About Car Accidents in Chicago
Car accidents occur every day in and around Chicago, but many people do not know what to do if they are involved in an accident themselves. There are several steps victims of car accidents can take to ensure that they have a strong case, including:
- Document the name and address of the other driver(s), passengers, and witnesses to the accident. It is also helpful to get the names of the insurance companies and policy numbers.
- Note damages to the vehicles, how the accident occurred, and where the accident took place. It is also important to document injuries and take note of whether or not any of the drivers were under the influence.
- Perhaps most importantly, victims of car accidents should NEVER admit fault, even if they think they are responsible.
Victims of car accidents in Chicago or its surrounding area should contact the law firm of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish immediately after their accident. Retaining an attorney as soon as possible will help to ensure the validity of your claim. Our Chicago car accident lawyers can advise you of your rights and responsibilities, and help you build a solid case. Contact Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish today.
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Car Accident FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding car accidents. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Chicago car accident attorneys of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish. We will be happy to answer your questions and concerns.
Q: How many people are injured or killed in car accidents a year?
A: Car accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury and death each year in Chicago and throughout the United States. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42,196 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2001, and motor vehicle crashes were the 8th-leading cause of death in the United States among all ages that year. Broken down by age, auto accidents were the leading causes of death for 2-year-olds and then every age from 4 through 33.
Q: What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
A: Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are involved in a car accident with a driver who doesn’t have any insurance to pay for your injuries. Underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the other driver does not have enough insurance to pay for your injuries. In Illinois, drivers are required to have some uninsured motorist coverage, and insurance companies are required to offer a similar amount of underinsured motorist coverage. If you are involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist, our Chicago car accident attorneys can help you protect your rights.
Q: Do auto accident victims need to hire a lawyer to receive compensation?
A: No, you do not need to hire our Chicago car accident attorneys to receive compensation; however, without representation from an experienced lawyer, you may be offered less than what your car accident claim is worth. Our lawyers can:
- Help preserve evidence and interview witnesses
- Ensure you receive medical care
- Help you document your injuries
- Ensure that you receive the maximum compensation to which you are entitled
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About Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is the inability of car drivers to see motorcycle riders: approximately 75 percent of accidents between cars and motorcycles occur because the motorist did not see the motorcyclist. In addition, close to half of all motorcycle accidents take place at turns and corners. When a motorcycle accident occurs without the involvement of another motor vehicle, two out of three times it is a result of excessive speed.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish can help. Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can investigate the causes of the accident, gather and consolidate evidence and witness statements, and build a winning case for accident victims. Please contact Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish right away to begin fighting for the compensation you deserve.
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Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Following are some helpful answers to a sample of the many frequently asked questions heard by our Chicago motorcycle lawyers. The attorneys at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish have been committed to representing injury victims and their families since 1931 – that’s more than 70 years of aggressive legal work and compassionate support. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident – or have a loved one who has – please do not hesitate: contact us today.
Q: What are the most common injuries in a motorcycle accident?
A: Perhaps the two most common forms of injury sustained in a motorcycle accident are traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Because a motorcyclist’s body is essentially unprotected in a collision, being thrown off the bike upon impact occurs frequently. Even seemingly minor collisions can cause severe and lasting injuries, such as quadriplegia and paraplegia. Other common injuries include broken legs, arms, pelvis, and back.
To protect yourself from possible accidents, it is important to always wear a helmet and other necessary gear such as a heavy jacket and pants, gloves, and sunglasses or goggles. Always use a headlight and reflective material when riding to help other motorists know you’re there. And most importantly, make sure that other drivers can see you – always assume you are invisible, and take extra measures to guarantee your visibility.
Q: My husband was paralyzed after being struck by a reckless driver and now cannot work; what kind of compensation can we expect to receive?
A: Some of the possible damages received by motorcycle accident victims are coverage of present and future medical bills, lost wages and benefits, coverage of physical therapy, injury-related medications and equipment (e.g. wheelchair, specially designed vehicles), pain and suffering, and even punitive damages.
The amount of compensation can vary depending upon the circumstances and strength of your case. Please contact the Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish today. Our attorneys can provide a complimentary case review and will begin working on your case right away.
Q: I was recently in a motorcycle accident and sustained some minor but painful injuries; now the motorist’s insurance company is refusing to pay for my medical bills – what should I do?
A: After any type of motor vehicle accident, it is crucial to get as much official documentation about the accident as possible. This includes photographs of the incident, the damage to the involved vehicles, and any injuries sustained, if possible. Also, NEVER accept a check or give a signed statement to either your or the other motorist’s insurance company before speaking with one of our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers.
If you have been in an accident and the other motorist is refusing to compensate you for the damage and injuries you sustained, please contact Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish right away. Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys have worked on numerous successful accident cases and are experienced in recovering lost or withheld compensation for accident victims.
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