Palatine has a reputation for its love of motorcycles. However, riders here often face serious injuries caused by drivers who fail to pay attention on the road.
Fortunately, these drivers can be held accountable for their negligent actions. Our firm is dedicated to providing assistance to motorcyclists who have been injured through no fault of their own. While proving liability can be challenging, our team has a proven track record in getting justice for our clients. Do not let insurance companies and defense attorneys make you feel as if you were at fault simply because you enjoy riding. You have the same rights as other drivers in Palatine and deserve compensation when their mistakes result in your damages.
For a free case assessment with our motorcycle accident attorneys, call Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
How to Assess the Full Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Palatine, IL
Assessing the value of a lawsuit can be a complex process. One crucial element to consider is the concept of damages. Essentially, damages refer to monetary compensation that a person might be awarded to compensate for any loss or injury they have suffered. Fortunately, our motorcycle accident lawyers are extremely familiar with what compensation should be demanded. This includes both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages are tangible costs that the plaintiff has incurred because of the incident. These damages might include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, property damage, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. To calculate these damages, it is essential to gather all relevant documentation, such as medical records, repair estimates, and pay stubs.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are intangible losses that the plaintiff has suffered. These might include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are more subjective in nature and can be harder to quantify. The severity of the injuries, the impact on the daily life of the affected person, and the prognosis for recovery are all essential factors that contribute to the value of these damages.
If the injuries sustained in the incident require ongoing care or prevent the plaintiff from returning to work, the claim should also include future damages. Future damages can be challenging to calculate and often require the input of medical and other experts to ensure that they accurately reflect your future needs.
How to Get Witness Statements to Support Your Palatine, IL Motorcycle Accident Claim
Witnesses can provide valuable third-party perspectives on a motorcycle accident. Their statements can corroborate your account of events, identify other parties involved, and provide key details that might otherwise be overlooked. In some cases, a witness’s testimony could be the deciding factor in proving liability.
Various types of witnesses could be relevant to your case. Eyewitnesses are those who saw the accident happen. Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, can provide insights based on their specialized knowledge. Identifying potential witnesses requires careful consideration of the accident circumstances and the evidence needed to support your claim.
Once potential witnesses have been identified, the next step is to reach out to them. It is important to approach this process with sensitivity and respect, bearing in mind that witnesses might be traumatized by what they have seen. Be polite and clear about why you are contacting them, and reassure them that their assistance can make a significant difference in your case. In most cases, it is best to have our team handle this, as we have a great deal of experience speaking with potential witnesses.
If a witness is willing to provide a statement, it is crucial to record their account accurately and in detail. This could involve taking notes during a conversation, recording a verbal statement, or asking the witness to write down their account. Remember to ask open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses, and always confirm the accuracy of the statement with the witness.
Once gathered, witness statements can be used to strengthen your claim in several ways. They can help establish the facts of the accident, attribute fault, and provide a clearer picture of the accident’s impact on your life. Of course, we can advise you on how best to incorporate these statements into your case.
Those Who Should Be Held Liable for Causing a Motorcycle Accident in Palatine, IL
Determining who should be held liable for a motorcycle accident is what makes these cases so challenging. Like a web, liability can stem from the person who caused the initial accident to others who share the blame. This is not common knowledge, however, which is why it is important to work with a firm that understands how to get justice in these cases.
The Other Driver
The driver of the other vehicle involved is usually the first one to be assessed for fault. If it can be shown that their actions were negligent, reckless, or in violation of traffic laws, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to yield right-of-way, they can be held liable for the collision.
Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage can be utilized to establish liability. These sources of information can help determine who was at fault and the extent of each driver’s responsibility in the accident.
Commercial Drivers and Their Employers
Commercial drivers, such as truck or bus drivers, and their employers might also be held accountable. If it is found that the commercial driver is at fault, their employer could also be responsible under the legal principle of respondeat superior. This means that employers can be held accountable for the actions of their employees while they are performing their duties.
Moreover, if the employer has failed to provide proper training to the driver or maintain the vehicle as per the regulations, they could be directly liable. In such cases, both the driver and their employer might be held liable for the damages they caused in your motorcycle accident.
Government Entities
In some cases, a government entity could be held responsible for a motorcycle accident. This could occur if the accident was caused by a poorly maintained road, a malfunctioning traffic light, or inadequate signage. Suing a government entity can be difficult because of sovereign immunity laws, but not impossible if negligence can be proven.
Manufacturers and Designers of Motorcycles and Motorcycle Parts
Manufacturers and designers of motorcycles and motorcycle parts can be held liable if a defect in the motorcycle contributed to the accident. This could include flaws in the design, manufacturing errors, or failure to provide adequate warnings about potential risks. In these cases, you might have a product liability claim in addition to your accident claim.
Our Palatine, IL Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Support Your Claim and Provide the Help You Need
Call (312) 578-8502 to set up a free and private review of your case with our motorcycle accident attorneys at the Rhatigan Law Offices.
Resources