Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

Motorcycle riders in Chicago face unique risks every time they get on the road. When a motorcycle accident lawsuit becomes necessary, you need a legal team that understands how devastating these crashes can be and how to hold the at-fault party accountable. At our law firm, we represent motorcycle accident victims with a focus on securing compensation for serious injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. We have built a strong reputation for advocating for injured riders and their families throughout Illinois, using proven strategies and deep knowledge of personal injury law. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle crash, our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you demand a fair settlement.

When to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Instead of a Personal Injury Claim?

Most motorcycle accident cases start with a personal injury claim filed through the insurance companies involved. But if the insurer denies liability, offers an unreasonably low settlement, or delays payment, filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit may be the best option. This legal step becomes even more important when motorcycle accident injuries involve permanent disability, spinal cord injuries, or a traumatic brain injury that requires extensive medical treatment. A lawsuit allows your motorcycle accident attorney to present all the evidence in court, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, and seek compensation beyond what the insurance adjusters are willing to pay. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can advise whether your case should move forward as a personal injury lawsuit based on the severity of your injuries and losses.

What Is the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in Chicago?

The average motorcycle accident settlement is about $2,025,574, with a median payout of $524,977. The full range of compensation stretches from as low as $2,100 to as high as $14,564,000, showing how dramatically the outcome can differ based on the facts of each motorcycle accident case.

Several factors affect how much compensation motorcycle accident victims may receive:

• Severity of injuries: Settlements are generally higher when spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or other severe injuries are involved.
• Liability: If the at-fault driver is clearly responsible, the case tends to have a stronger foundation.
• Medical treatment: Extensive medical care and long-term recovery increase the value of a personal injury case.
• Lost wages and future earnings: Motorcycle riders who are unable to return to work may receive more compensation.
• Insurance limits: What the at-fault party’s insurance company is willing–and legally required–to pay often caps the settlement.

An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can assess all the evidence and push for a fair settlement based on your medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term needs.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Claim?

After a serious motorcycle crash, injured riders often face significant financial, physical, and emotional losses. A successful motorcycle crash claim may recover compensation for a range of damages, both economic and non-economic. Here’s what may be included:

Medical Treatment

All medical expenses related to the accident can be claimed, including emergency care, surgeries, follow-up visits, rehabilitation, and future treatment needs. Motorcycle accident injuries often require extensive medical care, especially in cases involving spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injury.

Lost Wages

If you missed work due to your injuries, your motorcycle accident lawyer can help recover the income you would have earned. This also includes loss of earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or force you into a different line of work.

Pain and Suffering

Motorcycle accident victims can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by serious injuries. While harder to calculate than medical bills, pain and suffering is a key part of most motorcycle accident settlements.

Emotional Distress

In many motorcycle accident cases, victims experience lasting psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, or sleep issues. Compensation for emotional distress accounts for the mental and emotional toll the crash has taken on your daily life and long-term well-being.

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

Motorcycle collisions often result in long-term or life-altering injuries. If the crash caused permanent disability, amputation, facial scarring, or other forms of disfigurement, the impact on your future and quality of life must be considered in your motorcycle accident claim. These damages often increase the value of a personal injury lawsuit significantly.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If the accident has limited your ability to enjoy hobbies, ride again, or participate in everyday activities, this loss can be factored into your personal injury claim.

Property Damage

You may be compensated for damage to your motorcycle, gear, and other personal property. This includes the cost of repairs or the fair market value of your bike if it was totaled in the motorcycle collision.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Receipts for travel to appointments, home modifications, assistive devices, or other injury-related costs can be included in your motorcycle accident case.

How Long Do Motorcycle Accident Victims Have to Start the Legal Process in Illinois?

In Illinois, the motorcycle accident statute of limitations gives victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, as outlined in 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Missing this window can result in losing your right to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed on time with all the evidence needed.

How Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help the Settlement Process

Reaching a fair settlement after a motorcycle crash often requires more than just filing a claim. Insurance companies may try to shift blame or downplay the severity of motorcycle accident injuries. A Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer from our team can take on the legal and strategic work while you focus on recovery. We handle communication with insurance adjusters, collect medical records, review police reports, and build a strong case using witness statements and all the available evidence.

Our lawyers know how to calculate the full value of your motorcycle accident claim, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical expenses. We also work closely with medical experts to understand the long-term impact of severe injuries like spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injury. Most importantly, we don’t back down when the at-fault party or insurer offers less than what your case is worth. We push for a fair settlement.

Motorcycle Accident Injury Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Lawyers

Our law firm has years of experience recovering significant motorcycle accident settlements for clients throughout Chicago:

• $7,900,000 Settlement – Michael, a 36-year-old mechanic from Chicago’s South Side, lost his leg after a sedan made a sudden left turn in front of his motorcycle. The case involved extensive medical care and permanent disability. Our investigation used traffic cam footage and expert testimony to establish full liability.
• $5,250,000 Settlement – Carlos, a construction worker from the West Loop, suffered a traumatic leg amputation when a car turned into him at a busy Chicago intersection. Despite initial blame-shifting by the insurance company, intersection surveillance and crash reconstruction made fault clear, leading to a significant motorcycle accident settlement.
• $2,800,000 Settlement – Twenty-year-old Isaiah died after hitting a stalled semi-truck with no hazard lights on I-55. His family brought a wrongful death claim against the trucking company. Lack of visibility, poor maintenance, and federal safety violations contributed to the outcome.
• $1,250,000 Settlement – Lena’s family recovered compensation after the 29-year-old was struck and killed on I-294 by a teenager weaving through traffic. A thorough review of the teen’s driving history and cellphone use proved key to securing a wrongful death motorcycle accident settlement.
• $925,000 Settlement – Andre, a delivery driver from Bronzeville, was struck by an SUV while lane-splitting during heavy traffic. He suffered multiple leg fractures and missed nearly a year of work. Conflicting fault arguments were resolved through accident reconstruction and medical records documenting the extent of his injuries.
• $570,000 Settlement – Thomas, a 41-year-old computer technician, was thrown from his motorcycle near Evanston when a car illegally passed in a no-pass zone. He developed drop foot due to peroneal nerve damage. The insurer denied fault and claimed a pre-existing injury, but medical experts backed our case.
• $330,000 Settlement – Jessica was a motorcycle passenger injured when a car veered into their lane near Logan Square. She was thrown from the bike and suffered soft tissue damage. Our attorneys demonstrated that both the other driver and motorcycle operator shared fault, helping her recover compensation despite the split liability.
• $250,000 Settlement – Darius was hit by a vehicle that fled the scene near Garfield Park. He suffered shoulder and rib injuries. With limited physical evidence, our legal team used surveillance footage from a nearby business and witness statements to track the vehicle and secure a motorcycle accident settlement.

FAQs

What evidence is needed to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Illinois?

To file a motorcycle accident lawsuit, you’ll need to show that another party was at fault and that you suffered losses as a result. Key evidence includes the police report, medical records, witness statements, photographs of the motorcycle crash scene, expert evaluations, and documentation of medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help collect and organize all the evidence needed to support your case.

What if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance?

If the at-fault driver doesn’t carry enough insurance to cover your damages, you may still have options. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. In some cases, third-party liability may apply, such as a claim against a motorcycle manufacturer or a commercial vehicle owner. A motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate every possible source of compensation.

Are victims eligible to file a lawsuit if they were not wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the accident?

Yes, you can still file a motorcycle accident lawsuit even if you weren’t wearing a helmet. Under Illinois motorcycle helmet laws, helmets are not required for adult riders, so not wearing one does not automatically prevent you from seeking compensation. That said, insurance companies may try to argue that your bodily injuries were more severe because you weren’t wearing a motorcycle helmet. These arguments don’t erase the responsibility of the at-fault party. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can challenge these claims and help pursue the full value of your case.

Contact Our Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, don’t wait to get legal representation. Our Chicago traffic accident law firm represents motorcycle accident victims throughout the city and surrounding areas, helping injured riders recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact these crashes can have, and we’re here to help you move forward.

Your case starts with a free consultation, where you’ll speak directly with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your options. We handle every motorcycle accident claim on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for the fair motorcycle accident settlement you deserve.