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Motorcycle Accident

Passionately Advocating for Motorcycle Crash Victims in Chicago

If you’ve been injured in a crash, choosing the right Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer can significantly impact your case and compensation.

Motorcycle accidents happen almost every day in Chicago. While some people are fortunate enough to walk away with only relatively minor injuries, most motorcycle accidents result in significant injuries, property damages, and trauma. While Chicago has fewer motorcycle accident deaths than many other jurisdictions, they still happen – and even one is too many.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other damages. The best way to determine this is to consult our Chicago motorcycle accident law firm.

chicago motorcycle accident lawyer shares illinois stats on car involved crashes

Prevalence of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago

Chicago has had a relatively low motorcycle fatality rate of 6.05 per 100,000 residents in recent years. However, there was an 8.7% increase in motorcycle crashes between 2017 and 2020 compared to the previous four-year average. In Illinois, Cook County sees a significant percentage of motorcycle accidents – 32.5% of all Illinois motorcycle accidents occur in Cook County.

While Chicago may see fewer motorcycle accidents than many other regions, crashes still happen, so staying informed is important. If you’re a motorcycle accident victim, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.

Why Should You Hire a Motorcycle Crash Lawyer?

Speaking with an Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer can give you a clearer idea of your legal options and the compensation you might receive. A motorcycle wreck lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you’re not taken advantage of during settlement discussions.

Many firms, like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, offer a free consultation so you can have an initial call without any financial commitment. This lets you decide if pursuing a Chicago motorcycle accident claim is right for you, all while having no risk or fee for the initial discussion. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has decades of experience securing compensation for motorcycle accident victims in Chicago. Our law firm understands local laws, the common causes of these crashes, and how to seek the compensation you truly deserve after an accident. With 25 years of experience and hundreds of millions of dollars recovered, you can’t go wrong when you choose us to represent you.

We prioritize client communication, ensuring you get updates and answers when needed. Because we offer a free consultation, you can learn about your legal options without financial risk. Contact our law firm as soon as you’re ready to get started.

Notable Motorcycle Accident Settlements in Chicago

While every case is different, below are some notable motorcycle accident awards we’ve achieved from the at-fault party and their insurance providers.

$5,250,000: Policy limit recovery for a man who tragically lost his leg when struck by a turning car at a busy Chicago intersection in the Loop.

$2,800,000: Settlement for the family of a 20-year-old man from Chicago who hit a stalled truck on a poorly lit road near the Dan Ryan Expressway. The truck failed to display hazard lights or warning signs, leading to the accident.

$1,250,000: Policy limit wrongful death settlement for the family of a Chicago motorcyclist struck by a teenage driver on I-290.

$570,000: A 41-year-old motorcyclist suffered a peroneal nerve injury, resulting in a drop foot, after being hit by a car in a no-passing zone near Chicago. Despite the insurance company’s aggressive claims of a pre-existing condition, we achieved a favorable settlement.

$330,000: A Chicago motorcycle passenger was thrown from the bike when a car veered into their lane on Lake Shore Drive. Our legal team demonstrated that both party’s were somewhat responsible for the accident, ensuring justice for the injured passenger.

The Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are experienced in helping motorcyclists and their families.

Why Motorcycle Riders Face Higher Risks of Severe Accident Injuries

Motorcycle riders in Chicago often face greater risks for serious injuries than those traveling in cars or trucks. Below are several factors that contribute to this heightened vulnerability:

Lack of Structural Protection: Motorcyclists do not benefit from seatbelts, airbags, or sturdy frames that shield car or truck occupants. As a result, they are directly exposed in a collision, leading to serious injuries.

Illinois Helmet Law: Because Illinois does not require all riders to wear helmets, many choose not to, increasing the risk of traumatic brain injuries should a motorcycle accident occur.

Driver Negligence: Errors made by drivers, such as failing to check blind spots before changing lanes, can lead to severe motorcycle collisions.

When a motorcycle accident does happen, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for help with a motorcycle accident.

Chicago Motorcycle Wreck Statistics

Chicago motorcycle accidents are more complex than other types of auto accidents. Some key Chicago motorcycle accident statistics worth knowing include:

  • There are an average of 1,000 motorcycle wrecks and 40 fatal motorcycle crashes each year in Cook County, Illinois [1].
  • Due to the lack of motorcycle helmet laws in Illinois, the percentage of riders who wear helmets is just 36.5% [2].
  • In fatal motorcycle accidents in Illinois, riders who died were less likely to be wearing helmets at the time of their deaths [2].
  • Excessive speed is a contributing factor in 13.1% of motorcycle accidents in Illinois [2].
  • 32.5% of all Illinois accidents involving motorcycles occur in Cook County [2].
  • 30% of motorcycle accident injuries in Chicago are rated to have a “D” rating for severity of injuries, which is the most severe rating [3].
  • Approximately 3% of reported motorcycle accidents in Chicago had motorcycle accident fatalities [3].

Many collisions happen around busy intersections, in the Loop’s heavy traffic, and on Chicago highways like I-290 or Lake Shore Drive. Heavy congestion, reckless driving, and uneven roads often play a role in making these areas more dangerous for motorcyclists.

If you get into a crash in one of these spots and suffer injuries, contact our Chicago motorcycle accident attorney to explore your legal options.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Incidents

Motorcycle accidents in Chicago often happen unexpectedly and can result in serious motorcycle accident injuries, so understanding the most common causes can help keep you safer on the road. Some common causes of motorcycle collisions include:

Head-On Collisions

When drivers drift into oncoming traffic, riders are often caught off guard and faced with serious injuries. On busy routes like the Dan Ryan Expressway or Lake Shore Drive, a simple wrong turn or lane departure can lead to a severe crash.

Motorcycle Defects

Faulty brakes or other mechanical issues may leave you with no way to avoid an accident. If the motorcycle manufacturer or a parts supplier provided a defective product, you might have grounds for a personal injury claim to recover damages.

Road Hazards

Potholes and uneven pavement cause problems for riders every day, especially near the Loop and on older city roads. Even a small bump can lead to a dangerous accident if you’re riding at higher speeds.

Driving Under The Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Operating any vehicle while impaired reduces your ability to react in time, and this is especially risky on a motorcycle where you have limited protection. Additionally, if another driver on Interstate 290 or I-94 is impaired, you could face a collision through no fault of your own.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting can lead to collisions when drivers don’t expect you to pass between vehicles. During rush hour, riders might be tempted to weave through traffic on roads like the Dan Ryan Expressway, which can quickly turn dangerous.

Inexperienced Motorcycle Drivers

New riders might not be familiar with shifting lane patterns, the city’s busy intersections, or changing weather conditions around Chicago. This inexperience can result in accidents.

Speeding

High-speed travel on roadways like the Kennedy Expressway magnifies any mistakes by riders or drivers. The faster you’re going, the greater the chance of losing control and sustaining serious injuries.

Distracted Driving

Texting or making a phone call behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster when it comes to motorcycles, which are already harder to see. Even a momentary glance away from the road could cause you to be involved in a collision.

Car Driver Negligence

When other cars on the road fail to check blind spots or ignore right-of-way rules, it can lead to disastrous outcomes for motorcyclists.

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Chicago area, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.

causes of motorcycle accidents in Chicago

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Due to the inherent lack of physical protection and safety features during a crash, Chicago motorcycle accident victims tend to suffer from more catastrophic injuries. The common injuries reported usually require more time and medical treatment to recover. Some common and severe injuries include:

Broken Bones

Broken bones happen frequently when riders are thrown off their bikes or collide with other vehicles. Fractures to the arms, legs, or ribs can lead to surgery and physical therapy. Our Chicago broken bones lawyers can help you seek compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.

Amputations

In high-impact crashes, a rider’s arm or leg may be so severely damaged that it must be surgically amputated. Adjusting to life with a prosthetic often requires specialized rehabilitation and long-term support. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of this alone if you weren’t at fault.

Facial Injuries

Even when wearing motorcycle helmets, a rider’s face can suffer lacerations, fractures, or disfigurement. Reconstructive procedures may be needed to address ongoing pain and cosmetic concerns. Working with a personal injury lawyer in these complex motorcycle accident cases is essential.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or total paralysis, altering your everyday life. Our Chicago back injury lawyer can help you get compensated for extensive medical expenses, therapy, and reduced earning capacity as a result of these life-altering injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Impact to the head, even when wearing a helmet, may lead to cognitive impairment, memory problems, or other serious complications. Working with a Chicago brain injury lawyer can help you secure coverage for long-term rehabilitation costs, which can be extensive with any type of severe head injury.

Internal Injuries

Organs can be damaged by the force of a collision. This internal trauma might not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately and speak with legal counsel as soon as possible to deal with these serious motorcycle accident injuries.

Burns

Road rash, friction burns from sliding on asphalt, or burns from fires caused by an accident are often severe and painful. Treatment may require hospitalization, skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and physical therapy. Our personal injury lawyers can help you get what you’re entitled to for your motorcycle injuries and losses.

Death

A fatal motorcycle accident is devastating for families, who must navigate both the emotional toll and financial burdens. Families are eligible to file wrongful death claims to seek damages for funeral expenses and the loss of their loved one’s support. Let a Chicago motorcycle accident injury attorney from our team help you with your motorcycle accident claim.

Whether you’ve suffered spinal cord injuries, a head injury, or something else, we can help. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today to speak with a motorcycle crash lawyer about a possible personal injury case.

injuries sustained in Chicago motorcycle accidents

Under Illinois Law, What Are My Rights Following A Motorcycle Crash?

Under Illinois law, you have the right to file a personal injury claim if another driver’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident. In Illinois, you can even recover compensation if you’re partially at fault – as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the crash.

This is known as modified comparative negligence. As a result, your settlement or court award would be reduced based on your level of responsibility.

Working with a skilled Chicago motorcycle injury attorney is essential if you believe you played a role in the accident. We can help you get as much compensation as possible. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today.

How Long Do I Have To File A Motorcycle Wreck Injury Claim in Chicago, IL?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in Chicago is two years from the date of the accident. You will not be able to file a claim to pursue compensation after this time passes.

The sooner you get started, the better. Some forms of evidence, such as business video surveillance footage and witness testimony, become much more difficult to obtain with more time.

Even if you’re unsure about whether or not you want to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit yet, it is a good idea to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney so you can learn more about what legal options could be available to you.

Two years may seem like a lot of time. However, this time goes by quickly as you’re recovering from severe injuries. If you can, schedule a case review once you’re out of the hospital to preserve your legal options should you decide to move forward.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Chicago, IL, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This is true for both injury and wrongful death claims. However, there are different timelines for certain personal injury claims, like those against government entities. In these cases, you usually have less time to file, so it’s important to reach out to a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer right away.

The sooner you get started, the better. Some forms of evidence, such as business surveillance footage and witness testimony, become much more difficult to obtain as time passes.

Even if you’re unsure about whether or not you want to file a motorcycle accident case, it is a good idea to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago motorcycle wreck attorney so you can learn more about what legal options could be available to you.

Who Can Be Held Liable When Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Illinois?

When a motorcycle accident occurs in Illinois, you might have multiple parties who could be considered at fault. Another driver may bear responsibility if they were speeding or driving while distracted. If a commercial vehicle is involved, a trucking company might share liability with their driver, and a vehicle manufacturer can be held accountable for defective parts.

Even government entities may be considered an at-fault party if road hazards contributed to the accident or the vehicle that caused the crash was a government vehicle.

Determining who is at fault can be complicated, so it’s important to work with our experienced Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today.

How Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Prove Liability?

To prove liability and recover compensation in any motor vehicle accident, your Chicago motorcycle injury lawyer will need to show the at-fault parties owed you a duty of care that, when breached, caused your severe injuries and other losses. In a car accident, this process tends to be straightforward.

Other drivers have an obligation to follow the rules of the road. If they don’t, they can be held liable for their actions. For those involved in a car crash, working with a skilled Chicago car accident lawyer can help establish liability and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle injuries and losses.

How to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we strive to make filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit as straightforward as possible. You start with a free consultation with our motorcycle accident attorneys to see if your motorcycle accident claim is valid under Illinois law.

If you decide to proceed, we will gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and, if necessary, work with accident reconstruction specialists to build a strong case. We then negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement or fight for your compensation in court.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys will oversee and manage the entire process, from building your case to fighting for the compensation you’re entitled to.

Why Kind of Damages Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover?

Our Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers will work hard to advocate for you to receive maximum compensation for your serious injury. This includes economic damages, such as medical bills and lost income, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Specifically, you may be entitled to:

Medical Costs

In most motorcycle accidents, the motorcycle accident victim suffers catastrophic injuries, which result in staggering medical bills for recovery. You can seek compensation for your past and future medical expenses in your motorcycle accident claim. Your Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer will help you assess how much compensation to request so that it is enough to cover these medical bills.

Lost Wages

As you recover, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on working and your regular income. In your motorcycle accident lawsuit, you can recover compensation for lost wages.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering is the most common type of non-economic damage recovered in most motorcycle accidents. It isn’t based on your actual monetary losses. Instead, it is based on calculations of how many days you spent in physical pain and the severity of your pain.

Property Damage

You can also seek compensation for any property that was damaged in your motorcycle accident. This can include the full cost of replacing your bike, phone, and other property.

What is the Average Value of A Motorcycle Accident Claim in Chicago?

Determining an exact average value for a motorcycle accident case in Chicago is difficult because every situation is different. However, experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can thoroughly look into your crash and pursue recovery for hospital bills, missed earnings, emotional distress, reduced enjoyment of life, and even punitive damages in instances of severe negligence.

If you’ve been hurt while riding in the city, get in touch with skilled Chicago personal injury lawyers.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Chicago

After a motorcycle crash, it can be difficult to know what to do. Here are some steps to take after your motorcycle accident:

Seek Medical Treatment

It’s critical to seek immediate medical treatment after a motorcycle accident, even if you don’t think you have been injured. Many injuries aren’t obvious right away and require tests or a doctor to diagnose. If you need to initiate a personal injury claim, the medical records can be used as crucial evidence in your case.

Report to the Police

In Illinois, you must legally report an auto accident that causes an injury, death, or property damage of $1,500 or more. However, since injuries may not be evident, it is a good idea to report any accident to the Chicago Police Department so they can document it and generate a police report.

In the event you file a Chicago motorcycle accident case, your experienced motorcycle crash attorney can use the police report as evidence.

Call Your Insurance Company

While each policy has different insurance coverage, you will need to report the accident to your insurance company per its specific protocol for reporting. If the company offers you a settlement, do not accept it until you have your Chicago motorcycle accident attorney review it.

Your Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer can let you know if it’s a fair offer or negotiate for more compensation on your behalf.

Collect Evidence

Collect evidence at the accident scene. This includes gathering the contact information of any witnesses and the other parties involved in the accident. You should also make sure you get a copy of your medical records and the police report. Your Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers will take the lead in finding evidence. However, the more evidence you can preserve and provide them, the stronger your case can be.

Document Damages

Be sure to document the damages from your accident, including the accident scene and any resulting injuries that you notice. You can take pictures of your injuries throughout the healing and recovery process as well.

Speak To Attorney Now About Your Chicago Motorcycle Accident Claim

After your motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Beyond reporting the accident to the police and seeking medical attention, contact an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.

Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, even when the evidence is clear. Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers understand their tactics and have a proven track record of negotiating fair settlements – or taking cases to trial when necessary.

For families who have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle crash, we are here to help you pursue a wrongful death claim and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is dedicated to representing motorcyclists and their families throughout Chicago, Cook County, and across Illinois. Call us now at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.

Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Riding a motorcycle in Chicago can be exciting, but other drivers often fail to watch out for riders. If you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries on your bike, you deserve legal help so you can seek fair compensation for medical bills and other losses. Here, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys address some of the questions we commonly hear from riders in the Chicago area.

How Much Does a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?

The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You do not need to pay anything upfront for our services. After your free consultation, we only get paid if you do. If we are unable to recover compensation through a settlement or jury award for your lawsuit, you owe us nothing.

Am I Required to Carry Motorcycle Accident Insurance in Illinois?

Motorcycle riders are required to obtain and carry motorcycle accident insurance in the state of Illinois [6]. You will not be able to register or ride your motorcycle without it. At a minimum, they must have motorcycle insurance that meets these minimum liability coverage limits:

$25,000 in bodily injury per person

$50,000 in bodily injury per accident

$20,000 in property damage coverage per accident

$25,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury per person

$50,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury per accident

It is important to know that these are just the minimums required by law. Many auto insurance policies have higher thresholds for claims, and they vary by carrier and specific policy coverage that the at-fault party selects during enrollment.

Are Motorcyclists Required to Wear Helmets in Chicago?

Wearing motorcycle helmets is currently optional under Illinois state law. While it might increase your personal safety and reduce motorcycle accident fatalities to wear protective gear, not wearing a helmet should not have an impact on the outcome of personal injury or wrongful death cases.

How Long Will It Take to Receive Compensation for My Injuries?

All motorcycle accident cases are different, and the time it takes to settle each case varies. Most motorcycle accidents take longer than six months to go through the court system. However, settlements that can be negotiated directly with insurance companies could take less time.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

Chicago Neighborhoods Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serve Include:

Albany Park | Austin | Belmont Cragin | Bridgeport | Chatham | Englewood | Humboldt Park | Hyde Park | Irving Park | Lake View | Lincoln Park | Logan Square | Near North Side | Near West Side | Roseland | South Lawndale | South Shore | Uptown | West Ridge | West Town

Resources: [1] IDOT, [2] IDOT, [3] IDOT, [4] Progressive

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.

Client Reviews

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident...

Ethan A.

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of...

Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case...

Daniel K.

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