Springfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle riders face extreme risks on the road. Dangerous weather conditions, distracted drivers, and poor road maintenance can all cause a life-threatening accident, and the lack of protection makes this scenario even worse. Fifty-two motorcycles were involved in crashes in 2022 in Sangamon County [1].

If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. Read on to find out why our team should be one of your first calls if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Springfield.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Springfield, IL

A car accident is particularly dangerous for a motorcycle rider. To take care of your physical health and your financial future, it is important to follow these steps after a crash.

• Check for injuries – A quick self-evaluation for injuries should be your first action so you can inform emergency responders of your condition
• Call emergency services – Getting medical professionals and the police on the scene is crucial, first to seek medical care and also to initiate a formal accident investigation
• Exchange information – If you are able, exchange license and insurance company information with any other drivers involved in the collision
• Gather evidence – Evidence will make or break your injury claim prospects, so consider taking photos of the accident scene, collecting witness statements, and asking for a copy of the police report
• Contact a Springfield motorcycle accident lawyer – The sooner you get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer, the easier it will be to build a strong case against the at-fault party to recover compensation for damages.

Financial Compensation a Springfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover

All motorcycle accident claims are unique, so there is no go-to settlement amount that will accurately predict your compensation package. Various factors will impact the total amount you can receive. Nevertheless, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a strong history of winning settlements for clients. Here are a few examples of specific cases:

• $14.1 million for the family of a fatally injured motorcyclist hit by a speeding truck making a left turn without looking;
• $5.25 million for an injured rider who was hit by an older driver in another vehicle;
• $1.25 million for a motorcycle passenger who was injured because of an abrupt stop;
• $350,000 for a motorcyclist who suffered a knee injury requiring orthopedic surgery after an accident.

Factors Affecting Motorcycle Crash Settlement Amounts

Some circumstances affecting your settlement amount include the total cost of your losses, the extent of your serious injuries, the coverage available from the defendant’s insurance company, and the strength of your evidence. Comparative fault can also affect how much compensation you can receive.

Common Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents

Injuries from motorcycle collisions tend to be far more severe than other types of motor vehicle accidents. Since there is no protection for the rider and passenger, they are more likely to suffer severe injuries during and after the collision. Common motorcycle accident injuries include:

• Road rash
• Lacerations
• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Soft tissue damage
• Muscle damage

You Have a Limited Time to File a Springfield, IL Motorcycle Claim

The statute of limitations in Illinois affects how long you have to file a claim after the accident. For most categories of personal injury, you have two years from the date of the accident to file the claim.

If injuries were not discovered until days or weeks after the collision, then the discovery rule could apply and the two-year time limit would begin when you found out about the injuries. This timeframe can also be pushed back if the defendant is unresponsive or they leave the state.

Liability in Motorcycle Accident Cases in Springfield, IL

Liability is a primary component of personal injury claims after motorcycle accidents. You must be able to show another party behaved negligently and caused your injuries. Parties that may be liable for a motorcycle crash include:

• The driver of another vehicle who was not paying attention
• The manufacturer of the motorcycle if a design flaw causes a malfunction
• A trucking or shipping company if their employee causes a crash
• A repair shop that completed an imperfect repair on a vehicle involved in the collision
• A government agency for failing to maintain safe roads
• A passenger for acting disruptively and causing the accident

Proving Fault in a Motorcycle Crash Case

With the help of an experienced Springfield personal injury lawyer, you can prove fault in your claim by collecting strong evidence. Evidence can include medical bills, accident footage, analysis from accident reconstructionists, witness accounts, and doctor’s reports.

Illinois is a comparative fault state. This means motorcycle accident victims must be less than 50% responsible for the collision to seek compensation. The comparative fault percentage will also dictate the size of the settlement.

Types of Cases Our Springfield Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Handle

• Rear-end collisions
• Lane-splitting accidents
• Dooring accidents
• Left-turn collisions
• Driving under the influence
• Head-on crashes
• Sideswipe accidents
• Speeding or loss of control crashes

The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Springfield, IL

Your motorcycle accident may have been caused by numerous circumstances. Motorcyclists often have to pay more attention, especially at busy intersections. With the help of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, determining the cause of your crash will play an important role in proving fault. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Turning vehicles, especially those making left turns
• Slippery roads due to weather conditions
• Poorly maintained roads
• Lack of blind spot awareness

Filing a Motorcycle Crash Claim With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

After years of serving clients in the Springfield, IL area, our law firm has developed a thorough process for filing claims. This process will be followed to give you the best chance of winning compensation.

• Free consultation – A no-obligation conversation to discuss the merits of your case and your legal options
• Case investigation – A deep dive into the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine its viability under federal and local laws
• Gathering evidence – Building a strong claim by collecting evidence to support your claim, including police reports, eyewitness testimonies, proof of medical costs, and more
• Consulting experts – Professionals like accident reconstructionists can fill in the gaps of how the accident happened to strengthen your case
• Negotiating with insurance companies – Insurers will do what it takes to avoid higher settlements, so we will bring negotiating leverage to the table so you receive fair compensation
• Preparing for trial – When a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to court where we will represent you if needed

Damages a Springfield Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover

There are four types of damages you can include in your claim; economic, non-economic, punitive, and wrongful death. Economic damages include lost wages, costs for medical treatment, and property damage. Non-economic damages include physical pain, emotional suffering, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive damages are awarded in rare circumstances when the defendant behaved with particular malice or intent. Wrongful death damages can include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

How Long Does Settling a Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Case Take?

The legal process after an accident can take at least six months, though it could be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances of your case. The timeline could change based on factors like the defendant’s responsiveness, the complexity of the accident, the availability of evidence, the negotiation phase, and whether or not the case goes to court.

The sooner you hire an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer serving Springfield, the easier it will be to build a compelling case to increase your chances of winning.

The Cost of Hiring an Experienced Springfield Motorcycle Accident Law Firm

Our Springfield motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid by winning your case, and that payment is deducted from the final settlement only if we help you win your case. There are no upfront costs for you to worry about and the financial incentive ensures your attorney will work as hard as possible to achieve success.

Contact a Springfield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!

A motorcycle accident attorney serving Springfield can be the solution you need to win your case. If you are struggling due to lost wages, constant bills from medical attention, and the emotional trauma of the accident, the legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you overcome financial challenges with a successful injury claim.

Get in touch with us today for your free consultation by calling 888-424-5757 or filling out a contact form.

Resources: [1] IDOT County Crash Facts: Sangamon,

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.