Monetary Damages After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

 Posted on February 17, 2023 in Wrongful Death

For most motorcyclists, riding a motorcycle is much more than a means of transportation - it is a lifestyle. Motorcyclists love to enjoy the winding Waukegan roads on their bikes. Sadly, some motorcycle trips end in tragedy.

In the event of a fatal motorcycle accident, mourning family members may be entitled to monetary damages based on their loved one's death. While money cannot replace the life lost, it can help cover expenses related to medical care and funeral costs that have been incurred due to the accident. Additionally, those eligible may also be able to receive financial compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the accident, lost wages, and loss of companionship.

Motorcyclists Are Especially Vulnerable to Crashes Caused by Negligent Drivers

Unlike a passenger vehicle, a motorcycle does not offer any protection to the rider in the event of a crash. Helmets and protective gear can help to a certain degree, but a motorcyclist is still much more likely to suffer serious injuries or even death compared to occupants in an automobile. When negligent drivers cause fatal crashes involving motorcycles, they should be held accountable and liable for the tragic losses suffered by victims' families.

If your loved one died because another driver was speeding, driving under the influence, texting and driving, or engaging in other reckless behaviors that caused the crash, you can take legal action on his or her behalf. Just as an injured person has a right to file a personal injury claim and pursue financial compensation, a deceased person's family member may file a wrongful death claim on his or her behalf.

Compensation for a Fatal Motorcycle Crash

A human being's life cannot be measured in dollars and cents. However, the law does recognize the financial losses associated with the passing of a family member. Compensation for a fatal motorcycle crash is generally broken down into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are intended to reimburse families for financial losses such as medical costs incurred before death, funeral expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, and other related costs. Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for emotional losses such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of companionship.

Contact Our Waukegan Wrongful Death Lawyer

If a negligent driver caused the fatal crash that took your family member's life, contact our Lake County motorcycle accident lawyers for help. We know that you are grieving the tragic loss of your loved one and that the last thing you need to worry about is a complicated legal claim. We can file a wrongful death claim on your behalf, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies and other parties, and fight to get your family compensation. Call our office at 847-662-3303 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2059&ChapterID=57