Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you need an experienced attorney who understands the unique challenges riders face. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or blame the motorcyclist. We fight to protect your rights and secure the full compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation. No fees unless we win your case.
Why Choose Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle accident cases require specialized knowledge. Unlike typical car accidents, motorcycle crashes often result in more severe injuries and face unfair bias from insurance adjusters and juries.
Experience with Motorcycle-Specific Cases
We’ve handled hundreds of motorcycle accident claims throughout Chicago and understand the technical aspects of two-wheeler accidents. From lane-splitting disputes to visibility issues, we know how to counter common defenses used against riders.
No-Win-No-Fee Guarantee
You pay nothing upfront. We only collect our fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. This contingency fee structure means you can afford quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Deep Knowledge of Illinois Motorcycle Laws
Our attorneys thoroughly understand Illinois comparative negligence laws, Chicago traffic ordinances, and motorcycle-specific regulations. This local expertise helps us build stronger cases and negotiate better settlements.
Personalized Attention to Your Case
You’re not just a case number. We take time to understand your injuries, how the accident has affected your life, and your long-term needs. This personal approach helps us fight for maximum compensation.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Chicago
The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
Immediate Steps at the Scene
- Check for injuries – Your health comes first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety – If possible, move yourself and your motorcycle out of traffic.
- Call the police – Always file an official police report, even for minor accidents.
- Document everything – Take photos of your bike, other vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries.
- Exchange information – Get names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers from all parties involved.
- Gather witness contacts – Collect names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the accident.
- Don’t admit fault – Avoid making statements about who caused the accident.
When to Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, ideally before speaking with any insurance company. Early legal representation helps because:
- Evidence can disappear quickly (skid marks fade, surveillance footage gets erased)
- Insurance adjusters may try to get recorded statements to use against you
- Medical documentation needs proper coordination with your legal claim
- Illinois has strict deadlines for filing claims
Important: You have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Understanding Motorcycle Accident Liability in Chicago
Determining who’s legally responsible for a motorcycle accident involves examining multiple factors.
How Fault is Determined
Liability depends on proving another party was negligent. Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Chicago include:
- Driver negligence – Failure to check blind spots, improper lane changes, turning left in front of motorcyclists
- Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or other activities that take attention from the road
- Speeding and reckless driving – Excessive speed or aggressive maneuvers
- Road hazards – Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, or poor road maintenance
- Defective motorcycle parts – Faulty brakes, tires, or other mechanical failures
We conduct thorough accident investigations, including police report analysis, witness interviews, and often accident reconstruction to establish clear liability.
Illinois Comparative Negligence Laws
Illinois follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means:
- You can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
- You cannot recover if you’re 50% or more responsible for the accident
Example: If you suffered $100,000 in damages but were found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a motorcyclist’s fault to reduce their payout. We aggressively challenge unfair fault assignments.
Common Defenses Against Motorcyclists
Be prepared for insurance companies to claim:
- You were speeding or driving recklessly
- You weren’t wearing a helmet (even though Illinois only requires helmets for riders under 18 with instructional permits)
- You were “hard to see”
- You were lane-splitting (which is illegal in Illinois)
We know how to counter these tactics with evidence and expert testimony.
Types of Compensation Available in Motorcycle Accident Cases
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries. You deserve compensation for all your losses.
Medical Expenses
You can recover costs for:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital stays and surgeries
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetics)
- Future medical care and procedures
We work with medical experts to document your current treatment and estimate future medical needs.
Lost Wages and Income
If your injuries prevented you from working, you can claim:
- Wages lost during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
- Lost business opportunities
- Benefits you would have earned (vacation time, bonuses, retirement contributions)
For severe injuries causing permanent disability, economists can help calculate your lifetime income loss.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond financial losses, you can seek compensation for:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once loved
These “non-economic” damages often represent a significant portion of your total compensation.
Permanent Disability and Disfigurement
Serious motorcycle accidents can cause:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe scarring and disfigurement
- Chronic pain conditions
These life-changing injuries warrant substantial compensation that accounts for long-term impacts.
Loss of Consortium
Spouses of injured motorcyclists may have their own claim for loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving extreme recklessness (like drunk driving), Illinois courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Find Out What Your Case Is Worth
Chicago Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Common Causes
Understanding local accident patterns helps us build stronger cases.
Motorcycle Safety in Chicago
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, motorcycle accidents represent a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities despite motorcycles making up a small percentage of vehicles on the road. Motorcyclists are significantly more vulnerable to serious injury than car occupants.
Common Accident Causes in Chicago
Based on our experience handling cases throughout the city:
Left-turn collisions – The most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers often fail to judge the motorcycle’s speed or simply don’t see the rider.
Lane change accidents – Drivers merge into lanes without checking blind spots where motorcyclists are traveling.
Rear-end collisions – Distracted or following drivers crash into stopped or slowing motorcycles.
Door accidents – Parked car occupants open doors into the path of passing motorcyclists, especially common in busy urban areas.
Road hazards – Chicago’s roads can be challenging, with potholes, construction zones, uneven pavement, and debris creating serious hazards for two-wheeled vehicles.
High-Risk Areas and Times
Motorcycle accidents are more likely:
- During evening rush hour (4-7 PM)
- At busy intersections throughout the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods
- During spring and fall when drivers aren’t accustomed to seeing motorcycles
- On highways where high speeds increase injury severity
- In construction zones with changing traffic patterns
This local knowledge helps us investigate your accident and identify liable parties, including potentially the City of Chicago for road maintenance failures.
Our Motorcycle Accident Representation Process
We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery.
1. Free Consultation
Your case evaluation costs nothing. We’ll:
- Listen to your story
- Review any documentation you have (police reports, medical records, photos)
- Explain your legal options
- Answer your questions
- Determine if we can help
There’s no obligation, and any information you share is confidential.
2. Thorough Investigation
If you hire us, we immediately begin gathering evidence:
- Obtaining the official police report
- Photographing the accident scene
- Interviewing witnesses
- Securing surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts when needed
- Reviewing your medical records and bills
- Examining your motorcycle for mechanical issues
Early investigation is critical because evidence can disappear quickly.
3. Insurance Claim Filing
We handle all communication with insurance companies:
- Submitting your claim with complete documentation
- Responding to insurance company requests
- Protecting you from tactics designed to reduce your compensation
- Dealing with multiple insurers when necessary (your insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance, underinsured motorist coverage)
Never give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.
4. Settlement Negotiation
Most motorcycle accident cases settle without going to trial. We:
- Calculate the full value of your claim (including future costs)
- Present a compelling demand package
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
- Keep you informed throughout the process
- Advise whether settlement offers are fair
We won’t pressure you to accept a low offer. The decision to settle is always yours.
5. Litigation and Trial (If Necessary)
If insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to court:
- Filing your complaint in the appropriate Illinois court
- Conducting discovery (exchanging evidence with the other side)
- Deposing witnesses
- Working with expert witnesses
- Preparing for trial
- Presenting your case to a judge or jury
Our trial experience often motivates insurance companies to make better settlement offers.
6. Recovery of Your Compensation
Once we secure a settlement or verdict:
- We handle all paperwork
- Resolve outstanding medical liens
- Ensure you receive your compensation promptly
- Explain the distribution of funds
FAQs
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fees are a percentage of your settlement or award, typically 33-40% depending on case complexity. You’ll never receive a bill for our time, and we advance all case expenses. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
Seek medical attention first, even if you think you’re not seriously injured. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Call police to file a report, document the scene with photos, exchange information with other parties, and contact a lawyer before speaking to insurance companies. Don’t post about your accident on social media.
Most cases settle within 6-12 months. Complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take 1-3 years, especially if litigation is necessary. We’ll provide a timeline estimate after reviewing your specific circumstances. Remember, it’s more important to get full compensation than to settle quickly for less than your case is worth.
Yes. Illinois follows comparative negligence rules, allowing you to recover damages even if you’re partially responsible, as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% at fault, you’ll receive 70% of your total damages.
You may recover medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and in rare cases punitive damages if the other party acted recklessly. We calculate the full value of your claim, including long-term impacts.
Illinois requires minimum liability coverage ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for injuries, $20,000 for property damage), but these minimums often don’t cover serious motorcycle accident injuries. Your own policy may include underinsured motorist coverage that provides additional compensation when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance. We examine all available insurance policies to maximize your recovery.
Most motorcycle accident cases settle without going to trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to court, which often leads to better settlement offers. If your case does go to trial, we’ll guide you through the process and represent you in court.
Illinois requires auto insurance, but some drivers operate vehicles illegally without coverage. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) or by pursuing the at-fault driver’s personal assets. We explore all available options.
Illinois only requires helmets for riders under 18 with instructional permits. Adult riders can legally ride without helmets. Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, you can still pursue compensation. However, insurance companies may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to your injuries. We counter these arguments with medical evidence showing which injuries resulted from the accident itself.
You have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. If you miss this deadline, you’ll lose your right to compensation. Some exceptions exist, but don’t risk losing your claim—contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Understanding Your Rights Under Illinois Law
Illinois Vehicle Code and Motorcycle Regulations
Illinois law grants motorcyclists the same rights as other vehicle operators. Key provisions include:
- Lane usage – Motorcycles are entitled to full use of a traffic lane; lane-splitting (riding between lanes) is illegal in Illinois
- Following distance – Other drivers must maintain safe following distances behind motorcycles
- Turning and signaling – Drivers must signal turns and check for motorcycles before changing lanes
- Right-of-way – Motorcyclists have the same right-of-way as other vehicles
When drivers violate these laws and cause accidents, they can be held liable for resulting injuries and damages.
Chicago Traffic Ordinances
Chicago has additional local regulations affecting motorcycle safety. Violations of city ordinances that contribute to accidents strengthen your claim by demonstrating clear negligence.
Insurance Requirements
Illinois law requires all motor vehicle operators, including motorcyclists, to carry minimum liability insurance. Understanding insurance coverage limits and how multiple policies interact is essential for recovering full compensation.
According to the Illinois Department of Insurance, understanding your policy’s coverage limits and optional coverages like underinsured motorist protection can significantly impact your financial recovery after an accident.
Why Motorcycle Accident Cases Require Specialized Legal Knowledge
Overcoming Bias Against Motorcyclists
Unfortunately, motorcyclists often face unfair stereotypes. Insurance adjusters and juries may have preconceived notions about riders being reckless or risk-takers. We counter this bias by:
- Presenting you as a responsible, safety-conscious rider
- Highlighting the other driver’s negligence with clear evidence
- Using expert testimony to explain motorcycle operation and visibility issues
- Demonstrating that you followed all traffic laws
Technical Aspects of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident cases involve unique technical considerations:
- Physics of two-wheeled vehicles – How motorcycles handle differently than cars
- Visibility challenges – Why drivers often claim they “didn’t see” the motorcycle
- Injury patterns – Why motorcycle accidents typically cause more severe injuries
- Protective gear – How helmets and other equipment affect injury severity
We work with experts who understand these technical aspects and can explain them convincingly to insurance companies and juries.
Medical Complexity
Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe and complex:
- Traumatic brain injuries requiring neurological experts
- Spinal injuries needing testimony from orthopedic surgeons
- Road rash and scarring requiring plastic surgery evaluation
- Psychological trauma needing mental health professional documentation
We coordinate with medical specialists to fully document your injuries and future treatment needs.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Motorcycle accidents can change your life in an instant. Medical bills pile up. You can’t work. You’re in pain. Meanwhile, insurance companies are trying to pay you as little as possible.
You don’t have to face this alone.
Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for your rights. We’ve helped countless injured riders secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
What Sets Us Apart
We understand motorcycles. We’re not general practice attorneys handling any case that comes through the door. We have specific experience with motorcycle accident cases and understand the unique challenges riders face.
We have the resources to take on big insurance companies. We can afford to hire the best experts, conduct thorough investigations, and take cases to trial when necessary.
We treat you with respect. You’re not a stereotype or a case number. We listen to your story, understand your goals, and fight to achieve the best possible outcome.
We’ve recovered millions for injured clients. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our ability to secure substantial compensation.
Take the First Step Today
Your free consultation costs nothing and creates no obligation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions. If we take your case, you’ll pay nothing unless we win.
The insurance company has lawyers protecting their interests. You need someone protecting yours.
Call us now or fill out our online form to schedule your free case review.
Call Now for Your Free Consultation
Authoritative Sources and Additional Resources
Understanding your rights and the legal process helps you make informed decisions about your case. Here are trusted resources:
- Illinois Department of Transportation – Motorcycle safety information and accident statistics
- Illinois Secretary of State – Rules of the road and motorcycle licensing requirements
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Federal motorcycle safety standards and research
- Illinois Courts – Information about the legal process and court procedures
- Illinois Department of Insurance – Understanding insurance coverage and filing complaints
We stay current with all relevant laws, regulations, and safety standards to provide you with the most effective representation possible.
Don’t wait. Call today for your free consultation with an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer.
The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.
