Getting around on a motorcycle can be thrilling, but a crash can turn your world upside down. Injuries often come with overwhelming medical bills and lost income that can place a heavy burden on an entire family. It can feel confusing to navigate insurance policies and court procedures on your own. Having the right legal help can make a meaningful difference when you’re trying to recover compensation for your losses. Let our team stand by your side from start to finish so you can focus on getting better. Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. today to schedule a free consultation with an Aurora motorcycle accident attorney.
Why Hire Feagans Law Group P.C. For Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
After a motorcycle accident, finding a lawyer who understands your situation and has real-world experience can make a huge difference in your recovery. Below are some of the reasons to choose Feagans Law Group P.C..
- Our Aurora car accident attorneys have worked for insurance companies and top law firms in downtown Chicago, giving us insight into the insurance side of personal injury cases. We know how to fight back against the tactics they use to try to devalue your claim.
- Over the years, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We will do everything we can to help you get the compensation you truly deserve.
- Our connections with medical providers, funding experts, and insurance adjusters let us help manage your bills, address lost wages, and pursue the damages you’re owed.
If you’re ready to get started with a legal team who truly cares about you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Meet Aurora Motorcycle Accident Attorney Joshua Feagans
Joshua Feagans and his wife Kathryn founded Feagans Law Group to provide concierge-level legal representation to injury victims in Aurora, Geneva, and the surrounding communities. Joshua’s goal is to make sure every client feels as though they and their case are valued and treated with the utmost precision and care. You can trust that Joshua and the legal team at Feagans Law Group will work tirelessly to secure justice on your behalf following a preventable motorcycle wreck caused by negligence.
In addition to having decades of legal experience, Joshua is an active member of the Aurora community. He is the current President of the Kane County Bar Association and Chairman of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is also a participant in CASA Kane County and youth sports in the Tri-Cities. Call or contact us online to schedule a free case consultation with Joshua or another member of our firm!
Awards & Associations
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Motorcycle Accident Case
When a motorcycle collision disrupts your routine, you need clear guidance on dealing with insurers, healthcare providers, and legal requirements. An Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer can help in the following ways:
- Their investigation often uncovers evidence like traffic camera footage or witness statements that strengthen your case and support the fact that you weren’t responsible for the accident or your injuries.
- They can handle calls and letters from insurance companies so you can keep your mind on recovery and not legal red tape.
- If they aren’t able to get you a fair settlement offer, they will fight for you at trial to help you get everything you’re entitled to.
With everything you’re already juggling, having a legal representative can simplify the process and give you space to heal.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash in Aurora, IL
Being in a motorcycle wreck is a scary experience, even for riders who have years of practice navigating the scenic roadways of Illinois. We’ve put together a brief guide on the steps you should take after being in a motorcycle crash, so you can simultaneously protect your wellbeing and legal rights.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen in unexpected ways, and the injuries that result are often serious and life-changing. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver inattention
- Dangerous road conditions
- Excessive speed,
- Turning without signaling
- Operating any vehicle while under the influence
- Cars failing to yield when turning left
It’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to help you get the damages you deserve.
Illinois Laws That Protect Injured Motorcycle Riders
Motorcyclists in Illinois have the same rights to the road as any other motorist. Several Illinois laws help protect injured riders and help them recover compensation after a crash.
Riders Are Entitled to the Full Road
Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/11-703) requires all drivers to share the road safely with motorcycles. Riders are entitled to a full lane of travel; drivers who crowd or fail to yield for motorcycles can be held liable for the crashes they cause. The state specifically prohibits motorists from following a motorcycle too closely. This law also prohibits lane splitting by motorcyclists.
Illinois’s Fault-Based Insurance System
Illinois protects riders through its fault-based insurance system. At-fault drivers are legally responsible for the collisions they cause. Illinois mandates insurance minimums under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/7-601) of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 per accident for property damage. An injured rider can pursue compensation directly from that driver’s insurance company.
Mandatory UM/UIM Coverage
Illinois law also requires motorcycle riders’ policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If you are struck by a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage can step in to pay for your injuries when no one else will.
The Daytime Headlight Requirement
Under 625 ILCS 5/12-201(a), Illinois requires motorcycles to operate with their headlights illuminated at all times, including during daylight hours. The rule exists to enhance rider visibility. A lit headlight makes a rider easier to see and helps prevent the left-turn collisions that occur when oncoming drivers fail to notice an approaching motorcycle. A driver who turns into a rider may bear full responsibility for the crash.
Product Liability Protections
If a crash occurs due to a sudden mechanical failure (e.g., defective brakes or tire blowouts), strict product liability laws protect riders. Motorcyclists have the right to sue the manufacturer or distributor without having to prove the company acted negligently. They only have to show that the component itself was inherently defective.
Expanded Rider Safety Training
Under recent bipartisan legislation, the state expanded its motorcycle safety program to offer affordable, standardized training courses statewide.
Injured? Our Aurora Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Motorcycle Accident?
Determining who is responsible for a motorcycle accident is straightforward in some cases and a bit more complicated in others. In many instances, more than one party shares responsibility for a crash.
Depending on how the accident happened, the following parties may be liable:
- Other drivers. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists who fail to see or yield to riders. Negligent drivers can be held accountable for the harm they cause.
- Government entities. Poorly maintained roads and unsafe construction zones contribute to many motorcycle crashes. When a government agency fails to keep roads reasonably safe, it may share liability for a resulting crash.
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers. When a defective motorcycle component causes a crash, the manufacturer may be liable through a product liability claim.
- Repair shops and mechanics. A mechanic who performs faulty repairs or overlooks a dangerous defect may bear responsibility for an accident.
Identifying every liable party increases the insurance coverage available for your injuries. An experienced Aurora injury attorney can investigate the crash and pursue every responsible party on your behalf.
Evidence Used to Prove Motorcycle Accident Claims
Proper evidence can be a powerful tool when you want to show what really happened in a motorcycle accident and why you deserve fair compensation. Below are some of the most important types your lawyer can help you collect:
Police Reports
These documents state the officer’s observations and may include details on fault or traffic violations. They often serve as a strong starting point for establishing what happened during the crash.
Photographs and Video Footage
Pictures of vehicle damage and accident scenes help show how events unfolded. Dashboard or security camera recordings can also capture critical moments that prove how the accident took place.
Statements from Witnesses
People who saw the collision firsthand may offer unbiased accounts of what happened. Their testimonies can make a big difference if there’s a dispute over who was at fault.
Medical Records and Bills
Hospitals and doctors track the care you receive, which helps measure the physical effects of the crash. These records tie your injuries to the accident and highlight the cost of your treatment.
Expert Opinions
Accident reconstruction experts or medical specialists may back up your story with professional insights. Their analysis can help explain how the collision occurred or how your injuries affect your life.
Gathering and preserving this kind of evidence right away can support your claim.
How Long Do You Have to File an Aurora Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Illinois has a time limit on how long you have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident in the state, known as a “statute of limitations.” In most cases, you have two years from the date of the collision to file a motorcycle accident claim. You should speak with an experienced Aurora motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after a collision to make sure you do not miss your opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Potential Damages Available After an Aurora Motorcycle Wreck
In most cases, you may be eligible to recover economic and non-economic damages after a motorcycle wreck caused by another party’s negligence. Punitive damages may also be assessed in some rare cases.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Aurora Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
At Feagans Law Group, we take motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You are not responsible for any upfront costs. Instead, your lawyer is only paid if they secure compensation for you via a settlement or trial verdict. Your attorney receives a pre-determined percentage of your award, which generally ranges from 33% to 40%. With a contingency fee arrangement, you can secure experienced legal representation without worrying about significant out-of-pocket expenses as the case proceeds. There are no surprise fees or extra costs tacked onto your payment arrangement.
Timeline of a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
Motorcycle accident cases can be particularly complex. Determining how and why a collision happened requires a thorough investigation of the crash scene and potential contributing factors. Depending on the severity of the crash, scale of injuries and property damage caused, and the negligence displayed by the liable party, a motorcycle accident claim can take months or even more than a year to resolve. Our knowledgable motorcycle accident lawyer in Aurora is prepared to discuss your case and legal options in greater detail during your free initial consultation.
We’ve Helped Countless Riders Just Like You.
Frequently Asked Questions After an Aurora Motorcycle Accident
Does Illinois require motorcyclists to wear helmets?
No. Illinois does not require motorcyclists or their passengers to wear helmets, regardless of age or experience. Illinois is one of only three states in the country with no universal or age-based helmet law.
However, Illinois law strictly requires riders and passengers to use eye protection, such as glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield. Eye protection is optional if the motorcycle is equipped with a functioning windshield.
The Illinois Department of Transportation strongly encourages riders to wear bright, DOT-approved helmets and additional protective gear, which significantly reduce the risk of severe injury in a crash.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your award will then be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 25% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $75,000. But if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any money.
If an insurance company is blaming you for an accident, you should contact an experienced attorney. Not all allegations of comparative fault are legitimate. Sometimes, they are merely negotiating tactics to try and reduce your compensation award. Your lawyer can determine whether you actually share liability and push back on attempts to blame you.
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in Aurora?
The steps you take after a crash can affect both your health and your injury claim later on. If you are able, you should:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first
- Photograph the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries
- Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver
- Gather names and contact details from any witnesses
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurer before speaking with an attorney
Even if you feel fine after a crash, see a doctor promptly. Prompt treatment creates a record linking your injuries to the accident. From there, speaking with an experienced Aurora motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and the legal options available for recovering compensation.
Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. To Schedule a Free Consultation
After a serious crash, you might feel overwhelmed by pain and the burden of what can feel like endless paperwork. Although no one can reverse the harm done, you have the choice to seek support as you rebuild your life. Our experienced motorcycle and truck accident lawyer in Aurora can coordinate with insurers and organize critical documents so you can focus on your healing. Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. today to schedule a free consultation with an Aurora motorcycle accident attorney.
Neighborhoods We Serve in Aurora, IL
We are are proud to serve residents of Aurora and the surrounding Illinois communities, including those in neighborhoods such as: