Springfield Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Aggressively Seeking Justice for Injured Motorcyclists in Springfield, IL
In Illinois, thousands of motorcyclists are injured in collisions every year. At Haxel Law, we understand how painful and overwhelming it can be to navigate the aftermath of a serious injury. From affording life-saving healthcare to securing time off work, the last thing you need is additional stress. That’s why our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys are committed to pursuing justice on your behalf.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Springfield or Sangamon County, you deserve compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and more. Our firm has decades of experience and a reputation for achieving exceptional verdicts for our clients. When you partner with our lawyers, we can vigorously protect your rights while working diligently to recover maximum compensation, freeing you to focus on your health and well-being.
The road to recovery can be long and tedious after a motorcycle accident in Sangamon County, but you don’t have to fight alone. Call (217) 215-4166 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Illinois Motorcycle Laws
Illinois law treats motorcycles much like any other motor vehicle, with standard traffic rules applying—speed limits, signage, yielding, etc. Riders must hold a valid Illinois Class M (≥150 cc) or Class L (<150 cc) license/endorsement and carry minimum liability insurance ($25k per person, $50k per accident bodily injury; $20k property damage).
Motorcycles must meet equipment requirements, including at least one headlight (on at all times) visible 500 ft ahead, taillight, horn audible at 200 ft, brakes on both wheels, one mirror, muffler in compliance, footrests and seats for any passenger, handlebars no higher than shoulder height, and mandatory eye protection unless the bike has a windscreen.
Illinois does not require helmets for any riders. Additionally, lane splitting, weaving, and wheelies are prohibited, and riders must keep at least one hand on the handlebars. Operation under the influence (BAC ≥ 0.08% for adults; zero-tolerance for under‑21) results in severe penalties.
High-Risk Areas for Motorcycle Accidents in Springfield
While collisions can happen anywhere at any time, staying vigilant about common hotspots for motorcycle accidents can help riders stay safe on the road. Some of the most dangerous intersections for motorcyclists in Springfield include:
- Dirksen Pkwy and Peoria Rd
- Sangamon Ave and Dirksen Pkwy
- Walnut St and Lawrence Ave
- Sixth St and Hazel Dell Rd
- Veterans Pkwy and Lawrence Ave
- Veterans Pkwy and Washington St
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
Various factors can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Common causes include:
- Negligent drivers: Negligent driving is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, such as speeding or running red lights. When a driver fails to recognize motorcyclists or properly share the road, this can lead to devastating injuries.
- Roadway hazards: Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other motorists because they lack the protection of a car’s frame. Even small hazards on the road, such as potholes or debris, can be extremely dangerous and increase the risk of collisions.
- Intoxicated drivers: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a common contributing factor to motorcycle accidents. Impaired drivers have a diminished ability to drive safely and react to others on the road, especially hard-to-spot motorcyclists.
- Vehicle defects: Defective vehicle parts, such as faulty brakes, tires, and mechanical issues, can lead to serious motorcycle crashes.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Due to the lack of protection between motorcyclists and the surrounding road, motorcycle accidents can lead to a wide range of devastating injuries. Common injuries include:
- Road rash: This occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin scrapes against the pavement during skids or falls, leading to painful abrasions and potential infections.
- Amputation: Limb loss is a common injury resulting from severe impacts or when limbs become caught beneath the motorcycle during a collision.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI): These are caused by high-impact crashes or being thrown from the bike, potentially resulting in paralysis and permanent disabilities.
- Head and chest injuries: These result from direct impact with vehicles, the ground, or other obstacles, underscoring the importance of protective gear.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These can occur from blunt force trauma to the head, which is a risk even when wearing a helmet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who Is Liable for an Illinois Motorcycle Accident?
Establishing liability is essential to recover compensation after any wrongful injury. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to work with a trusted lawyer who can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Depending on the specifics of the case, various parties may be liable in a lawsuit. Other motorists are often liable in motorcycle accident lawsuits when their negligence contributes to the collision, such as failing to yield, checking blind spots before a turn, or coming to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs.
If a manufacturing defect or faulty part contributed to the motorcycle accident, the manufacturer may share liability for damages. Additionally, accidents caused by poorly maintained roadways can open the door to liability for local government entities that fail to address known hazards.
Regardless of what caused the motorcycle accident, securing experienced representation is paramount to seeking justice and recovering a fair settlement. With decades of experience and a winning record of results, you can trust our fierce attorneys to protect your rights while advocating for maximum compensation.
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What Compensation Is Available in a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
The type and amount of compensation in a motorcycle accident claim depends on the unique circumstances of the case. Recoverable damages may include:
- Economic damages: These cover direct financial losses, such as medical expenses, treatment costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: These cover indirect subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases involving extreme negligence, the court may also award punitive damages to penalize the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future.
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I Was Injured in a Motorcycle Accident on I-55. What Should I Do?
Interstate 55 is one of the most dangerous highways in Springfield. While no one plans on being involved in a collision, knowing what steps to take after a motorcycle accident is imperative to exercise your rights and pursue justice.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash on I-55, here are some critical steps to take:
- Seek medical attention immediatelyto address any underlying health complications and establish documentation of your injuries.
- Call 911 to report the accident and wait for emergency responders to arrive.
- Exchange contact and insurance information from other parties involved in the crash.
- Document the accident scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks on the road, and other evidence.
- Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur to corroborate your version of events.
- Refrain from discussing the accident with anyone other than the police and your attorney.
- Contact a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building a strong case.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Illinois?If you were wrongfully injured in a motorcycle accident, time is of the essence. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. Seeking sound counsel is a must to file your claim within the appropriate deadline and maintain eligibility for damages.
Importance of Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Wrongful injuries often come with tremendous physical, emotional, and financial burdens. While it may be tempting to cut costs by forgoing your right to legal representation, seeking sound counsel after a motorcycle accident is paramount to recovering compensation for your injuries.
Some key reasons to hire a motorcycle accident attorney include:
- Understanding Illinois Motorcycle Laws - Motorcycle laws can vary by state and even within different regions of the same state. At Haxel Law, our knowledgeable attorneys have an in-depth understanding of Illinois law to identify all liable parties and strengthen your case with compelling evidence, maximizing your chance of obtaining a fair settlement.
- Proving Fault - In a motorcycle accident claim, the victim (plaintiff) bears the burden of proof. This means that you are responsible for proving the at-fault party (defendant) directly caused your injuries. Our seasoned lawyers are well-versed in the legal intricacies of establishing liability in personal injury lawsuits to clearly demonstrate negligence and navigate any potential disputes that arise.
- Maximizing Compensation - Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is also critical to maximize the amount of compensation available to you. Your attorney can carefully calculate all of your losses and fight to recover damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, ongoing and future medical treatment, pain and suffering, and more.
The Challenges Injured Motorcyclists Face
Insurers often treat injured motorcyclists differently — and sometimes unfairly — when handling compensation claims after an accident. While motorcycle riders have the same legal rights to seek damages as any other motorist, the insurance claims process can be more difficult due to certain biases and tactics used by insurers.
Here are several ways insurers treat injured motorcyclists:
- Bias Against Motorcyclists: Insurers often assume that motorcyclists are inherently reckless or responsible for their own injuries, even if the evidence shows the other party was at fault.
- Fault Disputes: Insurance companies may aggressively dispute liability, trying to shift blame onto the motorcyclist, especially in states with comparative negligence rules where shared fault reduces compensation.
- Lowball Settlement Offers: Insurers may offer significantly less money to motorcyclists than the claim is worth, hoping they’ll accept a quick payout rather than fight for a fair settlement.
- Questioning Injuries: They might question the severity or legitimacy of the rider’s injuries, especially if protective gear wasn’t used or if there’s a gap in medical treatment.
- Delays in Claims Processing: Claims involving motorcycles often face unnecessary delays, with insurers asking for extensive documentation or independent medical exams (IMEs) to stall or reduce payouts.
- Coverage Limit Issues: If the at-fault driver has minimal insurance, the motorcyclist may have to rely on their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — and even then, their own insurer may resist paying full value.
Motorcyclists should be prepared for pushback and should gather strong evidence (photos, witness statements, police reports, medical records). Hiring a personal injury attorney who understands motorcycle accident claims can make a significant difference in maximizing compensation.
Protecting Your Rights in Sangamon County Since 2015
If you or a loved one was wrongfully injured in a motorcycle accident, turn to a firm with a proven track record of results to aggressively pursue justice. At Haxel Law, we understand the unique challenges that motorcyclists face on the road. With decades of legal experience, we never hesitate to stand up to large insurance companies if that’s what it takes to recover maximum compensation for our clients. When you partner with our firm, you can expect compassionate counsel and personalized representation from start to finish.
Injured in a motorcycle crash in Springfield, IL? Our attorneys can fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Contact us online to discuss your case.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I will definitely use Haxel Law again!"I’m so grateful for the legal assistance I received from Haxel Law. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and guided me throughout the process. I recommend Martin Haxel. He’s no nonsense and gets the job done. If needed I will definitely use Haxel Law again.- Sally B.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.