In addition to accidents involving other vehicles, riders of motorcycles and bicycles are frequently injured because of the activities of animals, most often dogs, on or near the road. Illinois has a broadly worded strict liability statute concerning the owners and keepers of animals. 510 ILCS 5/16 provides:
If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable for the full amount of the injured party’s damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and compensations for pain and suffering.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Not only is the owner of the animal liable, so too is anyone who “keeps” or “harbors” the animal or has the animal in his “care” or who acts as the animal’s “custodian.” The Illinois Animal Control Act applies when the animal is in or near the road and causes a wreck. For example, a dog owner is liable under the Act when a rider is injured from a fall while being chased by the owner’s dog.
Attorneys Jim Ginzkey and Chase Molchin can assist an injured motorcycle or bicycle rider recover compensation for the following elements of damages:
- Loss of a normal life (the diminished ability to enjoy life, including a person’s inability to pursue the pleasurable aspects of life);
- Disfigurement;
- Past and future pain suffering;
- The reasonable expense of necessary medical care and treatment; and
- The value of earnings lost.
Your rights should be protected by an experienced Illinois bicycle injury lawyer. If you have been the victim of a dog attack or the negligence of another driver while on your motorcycle or bicycle, Ginzkey & Molchin, LLC can help.
Contact Our Bloomington Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Before you call a motorcycle accident attorney in Illinois, seek medical assistance immediately. Explain, in great detail, everything you can remember from the accident. The information you provide in those first few moments plays a big role throughout the entirety of your case.
We serve Bloomington, Pekin, Peoria, Morris, Normal, Chicago, Champaign and other cities in Central Illinois.
