A Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at Abels & Annes was able to secure compensation for a biker’s injuries after negotiating a settlement for the full policy limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance, as well as additional payments from an under-insured motorist claim and a medical benefits claim.
On August 27, 2010, the victim was riding his Honda motorcycle northbound on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago when he approached the intersection with Paulina Street. As he proceeded through the intersection, a man driving a 1998 Chevy Blazer southbound on Milwaukee initiated a left turn onto Paulina without adequately checking if he had a safe path to travel and T-boned the victim.
The front driver’s side of the negligent motorist’s vehicle hit the left side of the victim’s motorcycle, striking the rider’s left leg in the process. The force of the impact ejected the victim from his motorcycle, causing him to land on his back and skid 20 feet across the pavement. The Chicago Police Department arrived at the scene and ticketed the driver of the Chevy for failing to yield when making a left turn, which he was found guilty of at trial.
The paramedics brought the victim to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where doctors began treating him for the multiple injures sustained in the accident. He had numerous lacerations on his left thigh and left shin which required saline irrigation and sutures to close. He also suffered abrasions to his shoulders, arms, and hands, as well as a left ankle sprain. The doctors prescribed the victim medication for his pain and to prevent infection, issued crutches to help with his limited mobility, and instructed him to seek follow up care.
The victim was forced to return to the emergency room at the hospital about a week later because of increasing pain in his right ribs, left leg, and left flank. He was diagnosed with a hematoma of the left abdominal wall, and what they suspected was a right rib contusion. He was told to seek follow up care, which he did three days later. After an examination of the victim, the doctor diagnosed him with lumbar spine injury, bilateral shoulder injuries, bilateral elbow injuries, left leg injuries, and a left knee injury. For treatment, the doctor placed the victim on total temporary disability for 45 days and instructed him to begin physiotherapy and chiropractic manipulation.
The follow up physician examined the victim once again and started him on a course of physical therapy and chiropractic treatment consisting of manipulative therapy, myofascial release, interferential therapy, traction, heat/cold therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic exercise. He completed 11 full sessions before finishing his therapy on November 12, 2010.
After completing his therapy, the victim still had significant pain that made it hard to engage in the activities he enjoyed before the accident. Even simple daily tasks like putting on shoes, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and any other activity that required standing for an extended period of time were difficult. Moreover, the victim was left with numerous permanent scars and disfigurements on his left leg, shoulders, and arms.
The lawyers at Abels & Annes were able to negotiate a settlement for the at-fault driver’s full policy limit of $20,000. In addition, they were able to secure another $5,000 payment from the victim’s own insurance provider in an underinsured-motorist claim, and $5,000 in medical benefit payments.
If you have been injured because of the negligence of others, Abels & Annes will consult with you about your case free of charge. If our lawyers take your case, you pay nothing unless you win. Contact us online or call (866) 99-ABELS to speak directly to a lawyer now.