Like other US states, Illinois has seen a significant increase in electric motorcycles on the road. This means an increase in accidents involving electric motorcycles, a relatively new phenomenon that may leave victims wondering where to start in navigating a claim.
The law treats electric motorcycles the way it treats motorized motorcycles. Still, there may be some subtle differences, so when navigating a claim, you will want to work with a lawyer with experience handling similar cases.
This guide looks into electric motorcycle accidents, from the leading causes to how to pick a lawyer when navigating a claim.
Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Electric motorcycles match conventional motorcycles in speed, power, and performance. As such, riders are exposed to similar risks when on the road. Poor visibility due to the motorcycle’s small size compared to cars is a leading cause of accidents.
“Riders can mitigate this risk by wearing brightly colored clothes during the day and having working lights when riding after sunset. Riding with your headlights on at all hours can also help you stay safe,” says Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer Ron Wittmeyer.
Speeding is also a significant contributor to electric motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, accidents at high speed have very high chances of causing severe injuries or even death. You can’t control the speeds of other road users, but you can make a huge difference in your safety by staying within the posted speed limit.
Other significant causes of electric motorcycle accidents include DUI, distracted driving and riding, bad weather, and poor road conditions. Also, the technology used in building batteries can, in some cases, cause accidents due to overheating.
Choosing An Electric Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Proving liability in a motorcycle accident claim can be pretty complicated, considering the negative stereotypes against riders.
So, you want to ensure you have the strongest cases possible, and working with a motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way.
Focus Area
Experience working motorcycle accidents should be the minimum, but you must look further than that to ensure the best outcomes.
First, pay attention to the years they have practiced law. Secondly, look for experience working similar cases.
Track Record
Settlements won for past clients are also critical. Most lawyers will display their best results on their website, so check if they have them posted. If not, feel free to ask.
However, past results are not guaranteed to be similar because the outcomes depend on your case’s circumstances.
Reputation
Past clients are an excellent source of information about a lawyer’s integrity and reputation, and the best place to get this information is on independent review sites, social media, etc.
If you love the traditional approach to diligence, you visit the local bar office to look up a lawyer’s history, including any cases of disciplinary actions against them.
Legal Fees
Finally, you will need to pay attention to their charges. Most lawyers charge anything between 25 to 40 percent of the settlement figure. This means you will not pay if they lose.
Choosing the cheapest lawyer is not the best, as low pricing can indicate poor outcomes. The best way to use pricing to pick a lawyer is after you have ruled out most options and you are left with the best, where you use the fairest price to make your pick.
You can visit as many offices as possible before hiring, so you may have quite a range of pricing and approximate damage valuation options.
