Chicago Motorcycle Crash Attorneys
The motorcycle accident attorneys of Passen & Powell have decades of experience representing motorcyclists and families of those who have been severely injured or killed by the negligence of others.
We understand that motorcycle accidents are different than the typical motor vehicle crash — and we approach these cases differently.
Why are Motorcycle Cases Different?
Motorcyclists are 50% more likely to be involved in an accident than other drivers. Why? Largely because motor vehicle drivers are often oblivious to the bikers around them.
Because bikers are completely exposed, and yet are able to travel at high speeds, when they are involved in a crash with another vehicle — even at low speeds — the physical injuries can be catastrophic. It is not uncommon for motorcyclists involved in crashes to sustain traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, whereas the driver of the other vehicle involved suffers no serious injury.
Common Motorcycle Accidents
The most common type of motorcycle accident is the “left turn accident.” In these cases, an automobile turning left at an intersection fails to notice or avoid a motorcycle going straight, striking the cyclist or turning directly into the cyclist’s path.
Other common types of motorcycle accidents are caused by automobile drivers making unsafe lane changes, rear ending motorcyclists, pulling into the path of motorcyclists causing broadside collisions, running red lights or stop signs, speeding, or driving drunk. In spite of the fact that in most cases the automobile driver is obviously both legally and factually at fault, these cases can be problematic in the wrong hands.
Biker Bias
Injured motorcyclists often face an uphill battle, both with insurance companies and in court. Even if the other driver, who caused the accident and the motorcyclist’s injuries, was clearly in the wrong, juries and insurance companies tend to blame the cyclist. Relying on the prevailing prejudice against cyclists, insurance companies can and do argue that cyclists were at least partly to blame in nearly every motorcycle accident. The reasons given can encompass everything from stating that biker with the right of way still should have stopped for a vehicle, to arguing that a biker should have worn more brightly-colored clothing.
This effect, sometimes called “biker bias,” can be overcome by an experienced lawyer who knows how to counteract it. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys do exactly that. We know how to investigate motorcycle cases and guide our clients through the process, from the initial conversations with their own and the other driver’s insurance companies up to an eventual civil trial, if necessary.
We Get Results in Motorcycle Cases
Our three decades of experience allow us to get the best possible results for our motorcycle accident clients. We thoroughly investigate each case to ensure that our clients receive what they deserve. We take on the most complicated and serious cases, and have the skills, resources and passion to get the best results for our clients. For a free consultation with an attorney, call us at (312) 527-4500.