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Motorcycle Accident Injuries
The most common motorcycle accident injuries include head and brain injuries, broken bones, spinal and neck injuries, road rash, and injuries to the arms and legs. Because riders have limited physical protection, a crash can cause serious injuries even at lower speeds, so prompt medical care matters.
Motorcycle accident injuries can affect a person’s health, work, daily activities, and recovery. We work with injured motorcyclists and families across Chicago who may be facing physical pain, financial stress, and uncertainty after a crash. As Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers, we help injured riders understand their legal options while they focus on healing.
Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcycle riders have limited physical protection from other vehicles, the road surface, and surrounding hazards. Depending on the circumstances, a crash may cause injuries that require immediate medical attention, ongoing treatment, or surgery. Our team helps riders document their injuries, understand the claims process, and consider the legal options available to them.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle crashes can cause injuries ranging from road rash and soft tissue damage to fractures and traumatic injuries. The type and severity of an injury depend on the circumstances of the collision and the person’s condition. The sections below explain several types of motorcycle accident injuries and their potential effects.
Below are some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries we see among injured riders in Chicago.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the serious injuries that can occur in motorcycle crashes. They may include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. A head injury can occur even when a rider wears a helmet, although helmets can reduce the risk of certain injuries. Head injury symptoms may not be immediately apparent, so seek medical attention if you have concerns after a crash.
Read more about memory loss after a crash.
Learn about traumatic brain injury after a car accident. Traumatic brain injuries can affect memory, concentration, mood, and everyday activities. The effects vary by person and injury, and a medical professional can assess symptoms and recommend appropriate care.
Facial Injuries
Facial injuries may occur when a rider strikes the pavement, another vehicle, or a roadside object. They can include facial fractures, cuts, eye injuries, and scarring. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve wound care, specialist appointments, or surgery.
Dental Injuries
Dental injuries can occur alongside facial trauma. Broken teeth, jaw fractures, nerve damage, and injuries to oral tissue may affect eating, speaking, and oral health. Treatment depends on the injury and may involve dental care, surgery, or follow-up appointments.
Neck and Spinal Injuries
Neck and spinal injuries can affect movement, sensation, and everyday activities. Motorcycle crashes may cause herniated discs, nerve damage, or spinal cord injuries. Symptoms and treatment needs vary, so medical assessment is important when neck or back pain develops after a collision.
Some spinal injuries may have lasting effects. Learn more about a neck injury or spinal and catastrophic injury.
Arm Injuries
Arm injuries can occur when riders instinctively brace for impact or when their arms are struck during a crash. These injuries may include fractures, shoulder injuries, wrist injuries, nerve damage, and soft tissue damage.
Depending on the injury, recovery may involve medical treatment, physical therapy, or time away from work and usual activities.
Leg Injuries
A rider’s legs, hips, knees, and ankles may be injured when a motorcycle falls, another vehicle strikes the rider, or the rider hits the road. Injuries may include broken bones, ligament damage, and other soft tissue injuries. Some require surgery or extended rehabilitation and may affect mobility during recovery.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are among the common motorcycle accident injuries. Fractures may affect the ribs, arms, legs, collarbone, and other parts of the body. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture and may involve immobilization, surgery, or rehabilitation.
Broken ribs can also affect nearby structures. Seek medical attention for concerning symptoms after a crash.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries may not be visible from the outside, and symptoms are not always immediate. A crash can cause damage to internal organs or bleeding that requires prompt medical assessment.
Abdominal pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath after a motorcycle crash should be taken seriously.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They may include sprains, strains, tears, and bruising caused by impact or sudden movement during a crash.
These injuries can cause pain, stiffness, or limited mobility. A medical professional can assess the injury and advise whether treatment, rest, or physical therapy may help.
Other Common Injuries
Other common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash caused by contact with the road surface.
- Wound complications that may require cleaning, treatment, and follow-up care.
- Nerve damage that may cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in sensation.
- Burn injuries caused by contact with hot motorcycle parts or other heat sources.
- Persistent pain that may affect movement and daily activities.
- Scarring or disfigurement that may remain after a wound heals.
The effects of these injuries can extend beyond the initial treatment. Recovery needs depend on the injury, its severity, and how the person responds to care.
Symptoms That Can Show Up Days or Weeks After a Motorcycle Crash
Some injuries may not be obvious immediately after a motorcycle crash. Symptoms can become noticeable later, and new or worsening symptoms deserve medical attention. A concussion, internal injury, nerve problem, or soft tissue injury cannot be ruled out simply because you initially feel okay.
Contact a medical professional if you develop symptoms such as:
- Worsening headache
- Confusion or memory problems
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness or tingling
- Increasing pain
This list is not exhaustive, and symptoms alone cannot confirm or rule out an injury. Seek medical care even if you initially felt fine after the crash, and contact a medical professional if new symptoms appear or existing symptoms worsen. Severe or sudden symptoms may require emergency care.
Medical records created soon after a crash can help document symptoms, medical advice, and treatment. If you are concerned about delayed injuries, seek appropriate medical care and keep records of your appointments and symptoms.
Does Not Wearing a Helmet Affect a Motorcycle Injury Claim in Illinois?
Illinois does not currently have a universal motorcycle helmet requirement. However, Illinois law does require motorcycle operators and passengers to use qualifying eye protection under 625 ILCS 5/11-1404. Read more about the Illinois motorcycle helmet law.
Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent an injured rider from pursuing a claim. In Hukill v. DiGregorio, an Illinois appellate court addressed the proposed use of helmet non-use as a defense.
A rider should tell their attorney whether they wore a helmet and provide complete information about their injuries and medical care. Each case’s circumstances matter, and an insurer may raise helmet use during claim discussions. If you were not wearing a helmet, do not assume you have no motorcycle injury claim.
How Riders Can Lower the Risk of Serious Injury
Riders cannot control every factor that contributes to a collision, but practical precautions may reduce certain risks:
- Wear a properly fitted helmet and qualifying eye protection.
- Wear protective gear, including gloves, boots, and abrasion-resistant clothing.
- Use visible clothing and functioning lights, and avoid lingering in a driver’s blind spot.
- Leave space around turning vehicles and at intersections.
- Maintain the motorcycle’s brakes, tires, and lights.
Careful riding and protective gear may reduce certain risks, but they cannot prevent every injury or make a crash the rider’s fault.
What Damages Can Be Recovered for Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents?
When we pursue a motorcycle accident lawsuit on behalf of an injured rider, we consider the financial losses and other effects that may be supported by the evidence. Available damages depend on the circumstances of the case; not every category applies to every claim.
Economic Damages
Potential economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Surgical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Ongoing treatment for spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries
Non-Economic Damages
Potential non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of normal life and enjoyment
Punitive Damages
In limited cases involving particularly wrongful conduct, punitive damages may be available under Illinois law. They are not awarded in every case, and whether they may apply depends on the facts and applicable legal standards.
How Much Is a Motorcycle Injury Claim Worth in Illinois?
There is no fixed settlement amount for a motorcycle injury claim. The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity and permanence of the injuries, the cost of past and future medical care, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and whether the rider experienced a catastrophic injury such as paralysis or amputation.
Available insurance coverage also matters. A serious motorcycle crash can produce damages that exceed the at-fault driver’s liability limits. The rider’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide another potential source of compensation, depending on the applicable policy and circumstances.
Rather than relying on a generic settlement average, an attorney can review the medical evidence, insurance coverage, liability facts, and long-term impact of the injuries to assess the potential value of a motorcycle accident settlement.
Why Motorcycle Riders Are Often Blamed for Crashes They Did Not Cause
Motorcycle crashes can involve unfair assumptions about a rider’s speed, position, or actions. A driver may claim that a motorcyclist appeared unexpectedly or was riding recklessly, particularly when a driver turns left across the motorcycle’s path. Those statements alone do not establish fault.
An investigation may consider photographs of the scene and vehicle damage, witness statements, traffic-camera or dashcam footage, helmet-camera video, police reports, physical evidence, and accident reconstruction when appropriate. Medical records can also help document the injuries and their connection to the crash.
Illinois uses a modified comparative fault rule. A plaintiff who is not more than 50% at fault may recover damages reduced by the plaintiff’s share of fault. A plaintiff who is more than 50% at fault is barred from recovery under this rule. The evidence and circumstances of the crash matter when responsibility is disputed.
How Long Do Victims Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law generally gives injured people two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, including many claims arising from motorcycle crashes. The deadline is addressed in 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Exceptions may apply depending on the facts, so the general deadline should not be treated as a conclusion about an individual case.
Claims involving a death may be governed by different rules, including the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. These cases can involve additional legal requirements and deadlines.
Because deadlines and evidence-preservation issues can affect a claim, it can help to get legal guidance early.
How a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Our team helps injured motorcyclists understand the claims process and evaluate the options available under the circumstances.
Our work may include:
- Investigating motorcycle crashes and preserving evidence
- Identifying negligent drivers, other vehicles, or responsible parties
- Documenting serious injuries and long-term medical needs
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Valuing the full scope of injuries sustained, including future care
- Negotiating settlements or preparing cases for trial when necessary
- Investigating attempts to shift blame to an injured motorcyclist
- Reviewing available liability, uninsured, and underinsured motorist coverage
Every case depends on its facts, evidence, and applicable law. Our goal is to help clients understand the process and make informed decisions as they move forward. Learn more about our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the driver says I came out of nowhere?
That statement alone does not prove the motorcyclist caused the crash. Photographs, vehicle damage, witness accounts, video footage, and other available evidence may help establish how the collision occurred. The evidence should be evaluated before responsibility is determined.
What if the driver who hit me had minimum insurance?
The at-fault driver’s liability policy may not cover every loss from a serious crash. Depending on the circumstances and policy terms, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or other applicable insurance may provide another potential source of coverage. Available policies and limits need to be reviewed individually.
How long does a motorcycle injury claim take?
There is no standard timeline for every claim. The process may depend on the severity of the injuries, medical treatment, disputes about fault, available insurance, and whether the parties can resolve the claim or litigation is needed. An attorney can explain which factors may affect a particular case.
What is the most common injury in a motorcycle accident, and can I get compensation for road rash and scarring?
There is no single injury that can be identified as the most common without reliable supporting evidence. Broken bones, road rash, and head injuries are among common motorcycle accident injuries. Road rash and scarring may be relevant to a damages claim, depending on the evidence, the effects of the injury, and the circumstances of the case. Compensation is not guaranteed.
Can I have a brain injury even if I wore a helmet?
Yes. A helmet can reduce the risk of certain head injuries, but it cannot prevent every brain injury. Seek medical attention if you have symptoms or concerns after a crash. Depending on the circumstances, a brain injury lawyer can explain how medical evidence may relate to a legal claim.
What if my injuries get worse after the crash?
Seek medical follow-up if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, even if you initially felt okay. Keep records of medical appointments, symptoms, treatment recommendations, and related expenses. Information about delayed injuries may help explain why symptoms should be assessed, but a medical professional should evaluate your individual situation.
Book a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash or lost a loved one in one, our team can explain the legal process and discuss your options. We offer a free consultation and handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, subject to the terms of the representation agreement.
As Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers, we work with injured riders across the city. Contact us to discuss your situation and learn about possible next steps.
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.