Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Seeking Justice and Maximum Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims

Yes. If another driver’s carelessness caused your motorcycle crash, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Riders are sometimes blamed unfairly after a crash, so speaking with a lawyer early can help preserve evidence before the insurance company builds its version of events.

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, you don’t have to face the legal process by yourself. A trusted Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand what comes next and stand by you every step of the way.

Our firm is deeply rooted in the Chicago community, and we’re committed to helping injured riders seek accountability. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has recovered over $450 million for injury victims across Illinois. We help riders protect their rights and pursue compensation for their losses. Whether you call it a motorcycle crash, a motorcycle wreck, or a collision, we work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs and no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call (312) 313-0306 any time for a free consultation.

Settlements and Verdicts Recovered by Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Chicago

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is evaluated on its own facts.

Our firm has experience handling motorcycle accident claims in Chicago. The outcome of any case depends on the evidence, the injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the applicable law.

• $7,900,000 Settlement – James was riding his motorcycle near South Pulaski Road when a driver made a sudden left turn into his path. The crash resulted in a leg amputation. The life-changing nature of his injuries and extensive future medical needs played a significant role in securing this settlement.
• $570,000 Settlement – Carlos, a 41-year-old tech worker from the West Loop, was thrown from his bike after a car attempted to pass in a no-pass zone. He suffered nerve damage leading to drop foot. The insurance company claimed the condition was pre-existing, but expert medical evidence helped prove otherwise.
• $330,000 Settlement – Tanya was riding as a passenger when a car veered into their lane on I-55, causing a violent motorcycle crash. She suffered multiple injuries. Fault was shared between both drivers, but we successfully argued that Tanya deserved compensation regardless of who caused the collision.
• $250,000 Settlement – Marcus was the victim of a hit-and-run while riding his motorcycle on West Roosevelt Road. The crash left him with broken ribs and a lengthy recovery. Even though the driver fled, we used nearby camera footage and witness accounts to build a strong case on Marcus’s behalf.

Why Choose Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Choosing a motorcycle accident attorney involves more than comparing ratings. Riders should look for a legal team that understands bias against motorcyclists, knows how to preserve time-sensitive evidence, and can present a case in the Circuit Court of Cook County when needed.

• Experience evaluating rider bias and disputed fault.
• Promptly preserve crash-scene evidence, video, witness statements, and motorcycle gear.
• Trial readiness and a clear explanation of the legal process.
• A contingency fee arrangement and a free initial consultation.

Our firm reports recovering over $450 million for injury and wrongful death victims across Illinois. We can explain how our experience and approach may apply to your case.

Before publishing, verify the current Avvo rating and Super Lawyers recognition previously mentioned on this page. Remove the specific rating and recognition claims if they cannot be confirmed.

Types of Motorcycle Accident Cases We Handle

Motorcycle crashes can happen in many ways, and the cause often plays a key role in how a case is handled. We help injured riders evaluate claims involving single-bike crashes, collisions with other vehicles, dangerous turns, lane changes, and hit-and-run incidents.

• Rear-end motorcycle accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Left-turn motorcycle accidents
• Lane-change or sideswipe accidents
• Dooring accidents
• Intersection collisions
• Cornering or curve-loss accidents
• Low-side crashes
• High-side crashes
• Run-off-road motorcycle accidents
• Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents
• Collisions with fixed objects
• Motorcycle collisions with passenger cars
• Collisions with trucks or commercial vehicles
• Group riding accidents
• Fatal motorcycle accidents

What Are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Chicago?

Motorcycle crashes in Chicago can result from driver errors, hazardous road conditions, or mechanical problems. Identifying the cause helps establish how the collision happened and who may be responsible.

• Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone.
• Speeding and aggressive driving.
• Failure to yield the right of way or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Following too closely or stopping suddenly in traffic.
• Inexperienced or unlicensed riders losing control.
• Unsafe lane changes, sideswipes, and drivers failing to check blind spots.
• Left-turn collisions and other failures to see an approaching motorcycle.
• Lane splitting or weaving between vehicles, which can raise questions about fault. See our Chicago motorcycle laws page for more information.
• Poor road conditions, including potholes, loose gravel, and unmarked hazards.
• Adverse weather, including rain or fog, that reduces visibility or traction.
• Dooring incidents involving car doors opened into a rider’s path.
• Defective motorcycle parts, equipment failures, or poor maintenance.

What Are the Most Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accident injuries are often severe due to the lack of protection riders have compared to occupants in passenger vehicles. Some of the most common injuries include broken bones, road rash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and damage to joints or ligaments.

Many injured riders also suffer from long-term complications like chronic pain, limited mobility, or permanent disability. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Depending on the injury’s severity, a claim may include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future care, and other legally recoverable losses. Riders who sustain serious head injuries or life-altering injuries may also benefit from learning more about our brain injury legal services or catastrophic injury representation.

What Damages Can Chicago Motorcycle Accident Injury Victims Recover?

In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, injured people may seek economic and non-economic damages when supported by the evidence and applicable law.

Economic damages may include emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and future medical treatment. They can also include lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged motorcycle and riding gear.

Non-economic damages may address pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, and disfigurement. Wrongful death claims may allow eligible surviving family members to pursue damages recognized under Illinois law.

The damages available in an individual claim depend on the facts, evidence, applicable law, and any defenses raised.

What Is the Average Motorcycle Accident Case Worth in Chicago?

There is no single average settlement amount that reliably predicts what an individual motorcycle accident claim is worth. Reported verdicts and settlements can vary significantly and may not reflect the facts of another rider’s case. Remove the previously listed average, median, and case-value range unless the strategist confirms the source, methodology, and relevance of the figures.

The value of a claim may depend on several factors, including:

• The severity of the injuries
• Medical expenses and anticipated future care
• Whether the injuries cause permanent impairment or disability
• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• The evidence establishing fault
• The available insurance coverage
• Whether the case settles or proceeds to trial
• Expert testimony and the strength of the supporting documentation

Example Motorcycle Accident Cases Filed in Cook County

Strategist review required before publication. Preserve the case descriptions below unchanged until the firm confirms the case details, venue, outcome, and whether the firm represented a party. The Lockport case should not be described as a Cook County case without confirming the jurisdictional basis.

$14.5 Million Jury Award After Bus Turns in Front of Motorcycle

William Hickey Jr., a city worker, was riding his motorcycle when a Pace transit bus turned left in front of him in Lockport. Hickey struck the rear of the bus, was ejected, and suffered catastrophic injuries, including a shattered leg, compartment syndrome, multiple fractures, and, eventually, a below-knee amputation. He underwent over a dozen surgeries, required long-term care, and suffered from depression and PTSD. The defense claimed Hickey was speeding, but surveillance footage supported his case. A jury awarded $14.5 million, reduced to $8,010,000 due to 45% contributory negligence.

$8 Million Settlement for Couple Injured in Chain-Reaction Motorcycle Crash

Ronald and Margaret Furst were riding a motorcycle when a van rear-ended a stopped car in a four-way intersection, pushing it into their path. Both were airlifted and hospitalized. Ronald suffered fractures and a traumatic brain injury; Margaret sustained spinal fractures requiring a fusion. They both reported chronic pain and lasting limitations. The case settled during trial for $8,000,000, with Safelite paying $7.9 million and Tichawa’s insurance company contributing $100,000.

$2.5 Million Settlement for EMT Left Paralyzed in Chicago Crash

Oscar Moreno, a 29-year-old EMT, became paraplegic after a car turned left into his path on Western Avenue. Despite wearing a helmet, he sustained a spinal cord injury, skull fractures, broken ribs, and other catastrophic injuries. After extensive surgeries and months of inpatient rehab, he was permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Without filing a lawsuit, his attorneys secured a $2,500,000 settlement from the driver’s auto and homeowner’s insurance policies.

$750,000 Settlement for Shoulder Injury After Motorcycle Ejection

Edmund Pujol, a school teacher, was ejected from his motorcycle after a driver ran a stop sign on Kimball Avenue. He suffered a four-part fracture to his dominant right shoulder, underwent multiple surgeries, and endured long-term pain and limited mobility. He claimed loss of ability to ride and missed a year of work. Before trial, Hertz (the vehicle owner) agreed to a $750,000 settlement.

Why You Need a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accident claims can involve disputed liability, serious injuries, and insurance company arguments about a rider’s conduct. Riders may face assumptions that they were speeding or acting recklessly, even when the evidence does not support those claims.

Evidence such as photographs, witness statements, traffic or surveillance footage, medical records, and crash reconstruction findings can help establish what happened. Insurance companies may contact injured riders soon after a crash, so it is important to understand the potential consequences before providing a recorded statement or accepting an offer.

Knowing when to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your options and the steps involved in pursuing a claim.

How Bias Against Riders Can Affect Your Claim

Motorcyclists sometimes face assumptions that they were speeding, riding recklessly, or difficult for other drivers to see. Those assumptions do not establish legal fault. Liability should be evaluated using the facts, available evidence, and applicable Illinois law.

If you can do so safely, preserve photographs of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Keep your helmet, jacket, damaged riding gear, and motorcycle available as potential evidence. Do not repair or discard damaged items before considering whether they may be relevant to the claim.

Illinois does not generally require adult motorcyclists to wear helmets. However, an insurer may still raise arguments about whether a rider’s conduct contributed to particular injuries. The effect of any such argument depends on the evidence and applicable law.

Avoid guessing the cause of the crash or assuming fault when speaking with an insurer. A lawyer can help assess the evidence and explain how comparative fault may affect a claim.

How Common Are Motorcycle Crashes in Chicago?

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2023 Chicago crash summary, Chicago recorded 575 motorcycle crashes in 2023. The figures supplied for this page indicate that 8 were fatal and 323 resulted in injuries.

Confirm these figures and the citywide comparison with the original IDOT data before publication. Do not describe 203,594 as the number of total crashes unless the source confirms that figure represents crashes rather than vehicles involved. The motorcycle accident statistics page provides a related resource for readers seeking more information.

Where Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Motorcycle crashes can occur on busy streets, at intersections, near expressway entrances and exits, and along commuter routes where drivers change lanes or turn across traffic.

Chicago routes that riders may use include Lake Shore Drive, Western Avenue, Ashland Avenue, Cicero Avenue, and 95th Street. The Loop and the area around Union Station also have busy traffic and frequent interactions between vehicles, pedestrians, and other road users.

We also serve riders in nearby communities, including Chicago Heights, Evanston, Cicero, and Berwyn. The circumstances of each collision, rather than the location alone, determine whether another party may be legally responsible.

What Illinois Laws Govern Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Motorcycle accident claims may involve state traffic laws, local ordinances, insurance rules, and civil liability principles. The relevant provisions depend on how the crash occurred.

The Illinois Vehicle Code includes rules addressing vehicle operation, passing, signaling, and equipment. In fatal crashes, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act may allow eligible family members to pursue a claim. The Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act addresses contribution among parties found responsible for an injury.

Chicago Municipal Code provisions may also be relevant. Sections 9-48-080, 9-64-020, and 9-76-050 should be checked against their current text before describing their specific application to motorcycle operation, parking, or lighting.

Some claims involving government entities may have special notice requirements. For example, claims involving the Chicago Transit Authority may be subject to a shorter notice deadline under 70 ILCS 3605/41. The applicable deadline depends on the defendant and type of claim.

How Long Do Victims Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the general deadline for an Illinois personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date the claim accrued. Some cases may have different rules, exceptions, or notice requirements, including claims involving government entities.

For wrongful death claims, the deadline generally runs from the date of death, subject to the applicable law and circumstances. Don’t assume every motorcycle accident claim has the same deadline. Speaking with a lawyer promptly can help identify the rules that may apply and preserve relevant evidence.

Who Is Legally Liable for Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago?

Legal liability for motorcycle accidents in Chicago depends on the specific facts of the crash and who contributed to it.

In many cases, negligent drivers are held responsible for unsafe behaviors like speeding, failing to yield, or making improper left turns. Commercial drivers and their employers may be liable if a motorcycle collision involves a truck or delivery vehicle. Rideshare drivers can also be sued if the crash occurred while they were working.

In some situations, government entities may be responsible for poor road conditions, missing signs, or other roadway hazards. Liability may also fall on a motorcycle manufacturer if a defective part contributed to the accident. Our team carefully examines each case to determine who may be legally responsible and pursue available compensation.

Common Defenses Following Motorcycle Crashes

After a motorcycle collision, at-fault parties and their insurance carriers often use common defenses to avoid paying full and fair compensation.

One frequent claim is that the rider was speeding or driving recklessly. We counter this by analyzing crash scene evidence, surveillance footage, and expert analysis to show the rider’s actual behavior. Another common defense is that the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet.  In Illinois, helmet use isn’t legally required, and we argue that the lack of a helmet doesn’t excuse another driver’s negligence. Learn more about the Illinois motorcycle helmet law.

Defendants also claim the rider “came out of nowhere” or was in a blind spot, arguments we challenge with witness testimony, visibility studies, and crash reconstruction. Our approach focuses on evidence rather than assumptions about riders.

How to Strengthen Your Chicago Motorcycle Accident Claim

To strengthen your Chicago motorcycle accident claim, take immediate steps after the crash to protect your rights. Start by calling 911 and requesting a police report. Reporting requirements depend on the circumstances of the crash, so confirm the applicable requirements with the authorities. Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor, and follow all treatment plans.

Document the scene with photos, gather witness contact information, and keep detailed records of your injuries, expenses, and missed work. Avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company without legal guidance. Most importantly, contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and start building your claim the right way.

How Our Law Firm Can Help You File a Personal Injury Claim

When working with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers, we handle every step of your personal injury claim so you can focus on healing. We begin by investigating the crash, gathering key evidence such as the accident report, medical records, and witness statements. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts to clarify how the collision occurred and who’s at fault.

Our team also manages all communication with the insurance company, pushing back against lowball offers and delays. We calculate your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs, and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to take responsibility, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.

From start to finish, we stand with you and fight for your recovery.

FAQs

How much does a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney cost?

Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, so our fee comes only if we recover compensation for you. Ask us about any case-related costs and how they are handled.

Who can file a motorcycle accident claim in Illinois?

Injured riders, passengers, or surviving family members of a deceased rider can file a claim if someone else’s negligence caused the crash.

Can injured motorcycle passengers file a motorcycle accident claim?

Yes, injured passengers can file a claim against the negligent party, whether it was the motorcyclist or another vehicle involved in the crash.

How is negligence proven in Chicago motorcycle accident cases?

Negligence is established by proving four legal elements:

• Duty – the defendant had a legal obligation to act safely,
• Breach – they violated that duty,
• Causation – the breach directly caused the accident,
• Damages – the rider suffered harm, such as injuries, medical bills, or lost wages.

We gather evidence to support each element in your motorcycle accident case.

How are motorcycle crash cases different than those involving passenger cars?

Motorcycle and car accidents differ in impact and complexity. Motorcyclists often suffer more serious injuries and face bias from insurance companies, making it harder to prove fault and secure fair compensation.

What if the motorcycle rider was partially responsible for the accident?

Yes, you can still recover compensation if you were at fault by 50% or less. Your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages under Illinois’s modified comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). Read more about an at-fault motorcycle accident and how fault may affect a claim.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

You can still bring a claim. Illinois does not require adult riders to wear helmets, and not wearing one doesn’t excuse another driver’s carelessness. Read more about the Illinois motorcycle helmet law.

Does lane splitting hurt my claim?

It can raise questions about fault, and an insurer may use it to blame you. The facts of your crash matter, and our Chicago motorcycle laws page explains more.

What if the driver who hit me ran away?

You may still have options. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may help when the driver cannot be found, depending on your policy and the circumstances. Learn more about uninsured motorist claims or our information on hit-and-run accidents.

What should I do with my helmet and gear after a crash?

Keep them in their post-crash condition. Do not clean, repair, or throw them away, because they may be important evidence of how the crash happened and the injuries you sustained.

Do Illinois victims have to report accidents even if there are no serious injuries involved?

Yes. Reporting obligations depend on the circumstances, including whether the crash caused injury, death, or qualifying property damage. Check the applicable Illinois requirements rather than assuming every crash has the same reporting rule.

How long do motorcycle accident cases take to resolve?

Each case is different. The timeline depends on injury severity, medical treatment, disputes over fault, and the available insurance coverage. Some claims resolve through settlement, while others require litigation and take longer.

What are the motorcycle accident insurance requirements in Illinois?

Motorcycle insurance requirements in Illinois include minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage to cover injuries and damages you may cause. See our Illinois motorcycle insurance requirements page for details.

What if the at-fault party has no insurance?

You can still pursue compensation by filing an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance policy if the at-fault driver lacks valid coverage.  Depending on your policy and the circumstances, underinsured motorist coverage may also be relevant. Learn more about uninsured motorist claims and underinsured motorist claims.

Do you handle motorcycle crash, wreck, and injury cases?

Yes. Whether you call it a motorcycle crash, a motorcycle wreck, or a motorcycle injury case, we handle it, including left-turn, lane-change, dooring, intersection, and hit-and-run collisions throughout Chicago. If you need a motorcycle crash lawyer, we offer free consultations 24/7.

Is the first consultation free, with no upfront fees?

Yes. Consultations are free and we work on contingency, so you pay no upfront fees and owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Consult a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near You!

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Our team can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you understand the steps to pursue compensation. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win for you.

Let us take the pressure off your shoulders while you focus on healing. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a trusted motorcycle accident attorney near you. We’re ready when you are.

Legally Reviewed By
Attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld

Content legally reviewed by Jonathan Rosenfeld This page has been reviewed for legal accuracy by Jonathan Rosenfeld, a Chicago personal injury attorney with nearly 25 years of experience representing people injured in car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, and rideshare accidents. Jonathan has recovered more than $450 million in settlements and verdicts for injured clients and families in Chicago. He holds a 10/10 rating on Avvo, is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and has been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers. Jonathan leads the firm’s approach to holding insurance carriers and corporate defendants accountable for serious traffic injuries.

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