Motorcycle accidents can have profound and lasting effects on riders and their families, impacting various aspects of their lives that range from financial, personal, physical, and psychological. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Belleville, Illinois, consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Belleville can help you understand your legal options and rights and give you a fighting chance at maximising your personal injury compensation. Understanding the impacts of a motorcycle accident on both riders and their loved ones is crucial, especially when pursuing a claim. Here is what you should know:
Physical Injuries and Disabilities
Motorcycle accidents are often more severe than other types of vehicle accidents. This is because of the rider’s lack of protection. Motorcycle accidents can result in all forms of injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and road rash.
These injuries can lead to long-term disabilities that require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation. It’s important to highlight that such injuries affect a rider's earning potential as they may no longer be able to work in their former environments, forcing them to rely on other means of earning.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Riders involved in motorcycle accidents may heal their physical injuries, but emotional or psychological effects may require even more time to heal. Certain conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can also come with other consequences, like episodes of anxiety, depression, or flashbacks.
Such psychological effects will affect a rider’s mental health and overall well-being. These consequences further extend and affect a rider’s interpersonal relationships.
Financial Consequences
Serious injuries often translate to greater medical expenses, and riders can face substantial costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. These costs can lead to financial strain, especially if the rider cannot return to work.
Riders who need time off work to recover may also face lost wages and financial instability.
Impact on Relationships
The physical and emotional toll of a motorcycle accident can strain a rider’s relationships with family and friends. Caregiving responsibilities may shift, leading to changes in household dynamics, which can carry further weight and unforeseen consequences.
Since injured riders will suffer physical limitations, they may withdraw from social activities. The pain and suffering associated with the injuries or treatment can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and other negative emotions that can also affect interpersonal relationships.
Changes in Lifestyle
Motorcycle accidents can lead to changes in lifestyle and interests. For example, some riders can be so affected by the incident that they may stop riding altogether or modify their riding habits.
This previously enjoyable hobby and lifestyle can become a burden. Some riders might avoid the route where the accident occurred, even if it's the fastest one.
Adjusting to life after an accident isn’t easy and may involve finding new interests or ways to engage in activities previously enjoyed. Injured riders need to find support from friends and family.
Legal and Insurance Complications
Riders involved in accidents can face challenges navigating insurance claims and legal processes, especially as motorcyclists often face a stereotype of being reckless on the road.
This prejudice can transcend into legal matters and affect a claim. Since the state of Illinois follows a modified comparative fault system, riders who wish to recover compensation must not be over 50% at fault—otherwise, they lose their ability to recover any compensation.
This can add further stress to an already difficult situation. In incidents where riders were severely injured, long-term care may be necessary, further complicating financial and legal matters.
Dealing With a Motorcycle Accident
Since riders face many challenges and consequences after an accident, the stress of pursuing a claim can seem like an added hassle to their already bad situation. However, pursuing a personal injury claim doesn’t have to be that way.
Injured riders can work alongside personal injury lawyers to have a better chance of receiving the compensation they deserve. When you work with a lawyer, they will handle all the paperwork and negotiations, letting you focus on rest and recovery.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, establish all the liable parties in your claim, negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies, and fight for a fair resolution.
However, it’s crucial to pursue a claim on time. In Illinois, you can pursue a motorcycle accident claim within two years from the date of the injury or accident. If you miss this legal deadline, your ability to sue might be denied unless special circumstances apply to your case. Speak to a lawyer to learn more.
Taking the Right Steps After a Motorcycle Accident
Since motorcycle accidents can have such devastating effects on a rider’s life, they must act accordingly after such an incident. Here are the steps you should take after a motorcycle accident to ensure that you can pursue a successful claim and recover compensation:
Seek Medical Attention
Whether you are in pain or not, seek medical attention and prioritise your health. Medical records can help you pursue a claim and correlate your injuries with the accident. Any injuries that may not be apparent from your symptoms will be discovered and treated, ensuring your good health.
Alert Authorities
In Illinois, you must report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500. The police record and investigation will also be helpful for your claim.
Gather Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, showing your injuries, damage to all vehicles, and road conditions. Write down the contact information of witnesses and the parties involved.
Notify Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can.
Consult with a Lawyer
Find a reputable motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you pursue a claim against the at-fault parties.
This article is part of the HealthManagement.org Point-of-View Programme.
