Edwardsville, IL Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
The lawyers at Walton Telken Bragee do not recommend you deal with the insurance company on your own. An insurance company, like many other companies, is a business first and foremost. Their primary focus is serving their shareholders by paying close attention to their bottom line. An insurance adjuster may press for a speedy settlement, and the recovery may be too low to cover all of your accident-related expenses. Fortunately, you have rights and options.
You can contact us for a free initial consultation in our Edwardsville or St. Louis office. You will meet with a qualified personal injury attorney who can answer your questions and help you determine what actions would be in your best interest.
Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers in Edwardsville, IL.
Free Case Evaluation Today.
Pursuing Justice Throughout Southwestern and Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri
Experienced Edwardsville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Gets Results
Our attorneys have recovered more than $31 million for clients. Some of our notable case results include:
- $31 million recovered from a Medical Malpractice.
- $7 million recovered from a Product Liability.
- $5.7 million recovered from a Product Liability.
- $3.2 million recovered from a Helicopter Crash.
- $3 million recovered from a Coal Mining Accident.
Our team of Walton Telken Bragee motorcycle lawyers in Edwardsville has a proven track record of success representing injured motorcyclists and other motorists. We combine local legal experience, skilled insurance negotiation, and strong courtroom advocacy to fight for your rightful compensation. We understand the unique challenges you face and offer personalized, committed representation.
We Offer Extensive Litigation Experience
Our attorneys are skilled in building a strong case for compensation with the following motorcycle accident injuries:
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident caused by someone’s negligence, we can help the family recover full and fair money damages in Missouri or Illinois.
When you retain a lawyer from Walton Telken Bragee, you are also gaining the support of experienced accident investigators, medical experts and financial specialists.
We Work on Contingency
We understand that unpaid medical bills and job loss expenses are huge stressors to you and your family. Our motorcycle accident attorneys choose to work on contingency. We don’t get paid unless you win compensation.
Please call us before you talk to the insurance company representative. We can help make sure your rights to full and fair compensation in case of injury or fatality are protected. Call toll-free 618-272-2284.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment in our Edwardsville, or St. Louis law office. We serve motorcycle accident clients in Missouri and Illinois.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Edwardsville
Motorcycle Maintenance and Equipment Failure in Edwardsville
Sometimes, accidents happen because of problems with the motorcycle itself:
- Brake failure: If the brakes develop a fault, the rider might fail to stop in time.
- Tire blowouts: A sudden motorcycle tire blowout can cause the rider to lose control.
- Chain breaks: chain breaks while riding can lock up the rear wheel and cause a crash.
- Faulty lights: lights that don’t work properly can prevent other drivers from seeing the motorcycle.
Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems. If an accident is caused by a faulty part, the manufacturer might be responsible.
Driver Error and Negligence in Edwardsville, Illinois
Many motorcycle accidents in Edwardsville are caused by mistakes made by car drivers:
- Failing to see motorcycles: Cars often turn left ahead of motorcycles because they don’t see them.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who text or are not paying attention may fail to notice motorcycles.
- Speeding: Drivers going too fast may fail to stop in time to avoid hitting a motorcycle.
- Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is more likely to cause accidents.
- Following too closely: Cars that follow motorcycles too closely may fail to stop in time if the motorcycle has to brake suddenly.
If a car driver’s mistake caused your accident, they might be responsible for your injuries.
Importance of Motorcycle Safety in Edwardsville, Illinois
Staying safe on a motorcycle is really important. Here are some safety tips:
- Always wear a helmet, as they can save your life in an accident.
- Wearing protective gear, such as leather jackets, gloves, and boots, can protect you from road rash.
- Be as visible as possible, by wearing bright colors and using reflective tape to help cars see you.
- Always follow traffic laws, obey speed limits and traffic signals.
- Never ride under the influence, don’t ride after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
- Take a safety course and learn advanced riding skills to help you stay safe.
Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers in Edwardsville, IL.
Free Case Evaluation Today.
Pursuing Justice Throughout Southwestern and Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri
Proving Liability in Edwardsville Motorcycle Accident Cases
Liability is about figuring out the responsible party or entity for the accident. To prove liability, you need to show:
- The other driver had a duty to be careful (all drivers have this duty).
- They failed to fulfill this duty (for example, they were texting while driving).
- Their failure caused the accident.
- You were hurt because of the accident.
Proving liability can be tricky, especially because some people are unfairly biased against motorcycle riders. That’s why having a good lawyer is so important.
The Role of an Edwardsville, Illinois Motorcycle Accident Attorney
A good motorcycle accident lawyer in Edwardsville can help you in many ways, such as:
- Investigate the accident by gathering evidence and talking to witnesses to figure out what happened.
- Deal with insurers by handling all communication with them so you don’t have to.
- Calculate damages to figure out how much money to ask for, including future expenses.
- Negotiate a settlement by trying to get you a fair amount without going to court.
- Go to trial if needed if the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount.
- Handle the paperwork in accident cases and make sure everything is filed correctly and on time.
- Provide advice through the whole process and help you make important decisions about your case.
Gathering Evidence and Documenting the Motorcycle Accident
Good evidence is essential for strengthening your case and increasing the likelihood of winning.
Here’s what to do right after an accident:
- Call the police. Ensure there is an official accident report filed, as this will be vital for documenting the incident and proving what happened.
- Take pictures. If possible, get clear photos of the accident scene, including your injuries, the motorcycle damage, and any surrounding conditions like road signs or weather that may have contributed to the crash.
- Get contact info. Collect names, phone numbers, and addresses of any people who saw the accident, as their statements can support your version of events.
- See a doctor. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor for a professional medical evaluation. Some injuries, like internal damage or concussions, may not show symptoms at the time of the accident.
- Keep records. Keep all the relevant documents, such as medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with your insurance company, as these will be important evidence.
- Write down what happened. As soon as possible, write a detailed account of the accident while your memory is fresh. Include everything you can remember leading up to and during the event.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys can advise you on steps to take and handle the entire legal process for you.
Troy E. Walton
In his two decades of practice, Troy E. Walton has successfully resolved several plaintiff’s personal injury cases resulting in significant recoveries to his clients. Troy’s compassionate client advocacy has also resulted in major successes against powerful entities such awaltons the U.S. Army and the Illinois State Troopers. In recognition of these results and others, Troy was inducted into the Million Dollar Advocate’s Forum – an organization whose members include many of the top trial lawyers in the United States.
Years of experience: Over 25 years
Bar Admissions: Illinois, 2001 and Missouri, 2000
Location: Edwardsville, IL.
Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle:
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Edwardsville Motorcycle Accident FAQs
If you’re in a motorcycle accident, follow these steps:
- If you can, move to a safe spot away from traffic.
- Always call the police after a motorcycle accident to make an official report, which is very important for your case.
- Even if you feel okay, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show up right away.
- If you can, write down the names and contact info of anyone involved in the accident and any witnesses. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle.
- Even if you think you might have caused the accident, don’t say so. Sometimes, we don’t know all the facts right away.
- Don’t talk to insurers. The other driver’s insurance company may attempt contact. Don’t give them any statements without consulting a lawyer first.
Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can protect your rights and help you get fair compensation.
Motorcycle accidents can happen for many reasons:
- Lane changing. Cars and larger vehicles might change lanes without seeing a motorcycle in their blind spot.
- Road hazards. Things like potholes, gravel, or wet roads can be especially dangerous for motorcycles.
- Dooring. When a car driver opens their door without looking, a motorcyclist might crash into it.
- Motorcycle defects. Sometimes, problems with the motorcycle itself (like brake failures or tire blowouts) can cause accidents.
If you win your case, you might be able to get money for:
- Medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, and any future medical care you might need.
- Lost wages if the accident made you miss work. You can ask for that money back. If you can’t return to work, you might also get money for lost future earnings and earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional distress you got from the accident.
- Property damage, this is money to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other property damaged in the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries prevent you from doing activities you used to enjoy, you might get compensation for this.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement. Also, if your scars or injuries last, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
The amount of money you can get depends on how bad the accident was and how much it affected your life. Motorcycle accidents often cause more serious injuries than car accidents, so the compensation might be higher.
In Illinois, you generally have up to two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting until the last minute can seriously hurt your chances of success.
Starting your case as soon as possible is important for various reasons, such as the following:
- Evidence can fade or disappear. Physical evidence, such as accident debris or surveillance footage, may no longer be available after some time.
- Witnesses’ memories may fade. As time passes, witnesses might forget critical details that could support your case.
- You may miss important deadlines. Insurance companies have their own deadlines that could affect your ability to recover compensation.
- Your attorney needs time. Building a solid case requires thorough investigation and preparation, which takes time.
If you miss the two-year deadline, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit entirely. It’s essential to consult with a lawyer immediately after your accident to protect your rights.