Motorcycle Accidents

Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Injured Motorcyclists Across Illinois

Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road—not just from negligent drivers but also from biases in the legal system and insurance processes that work to minimize their claims. Motorcyclists are also far more exposed to serious injuries, which greatly increases the stakes in these cases.

At Hilliard Law, we stand up for injured motorcyclists and fight to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling high-stakes accident cases and have successfully secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for victims.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, we are ready to fight for you. Call or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes happen in a variety of ways, often due to reckless or inattentive drivers who fail to recognize or respect motorcyclists’ rights. Some of the most common motorcycle accident types include:

Left-Turn Accidents – One of the most dangerous types of motorcycle accidents occurs when a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, either misjudging its speed or failing to see it entirely.
Lane-Change Crashes – Drivers frequently fail to check blind spots or signal properly before merging, leading to devastating side-impact collisions with motorcyclists.
Rear-End Collisions – Even a low-speed rear-end impact can throw a motorcyclist off their bike and cause severe injuries, especially when a vehicle fails to stop at a red light or in heavy traffic.
Head-On Collisions – These accidents are often catastrophic or fatal for motorcyclists, as the combined speed of both vehicles results in devastating force upon impact.
Road Hazard Accidents – Motorcycles are especially vulnerable to potholes, uneven pavement, loose gravel, and debris that may not affect larger vehicles but can cause a rider to lose control.
Dooring Accidents – When a parked car’s door swings open suddenly, it can cause a motorcyclist to collide with the door or swerve into traffic.
High-Speed & Reckless Driving Accidents – Many drivers fail to give motorcyclists adequate space on the road, cut them off, or drive aggressively, leading to serious accidents.
Drunk or Distracted Driver Collisions – Impaired and distracted drivers are a significant danger to motorcyclists, whose smaller size makes them harder to see.

If you were involved in any of these accidents, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Our firm is here to help.

Unique Challenges in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Motorcycle accident claims come with unique legal and insurance challenges that make them more complicated than standard car accident cases:

Bias Against Riders – Many people—including insurance adjusters, jurors, and even police officers—hold unfair biases against motorcyclists, assuming they are reckless or speeding. This bias can unfairly shift blame onto the rider, even when the accident was caused by a negligent driver.
Severe Injuries & High Medical Costs – Because motorcyclists lack the physical protection of a car, injuries tend to be severe and life-altering. Victims often require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Insurance Company Tactics – Insurance companies routinely blame riders for their own injuries or downplay the severity of their damages. Adjusters may offer lowball settlements or argue that the victim assumed the risk of injury simply by riding a motorcycle.
Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcyclists are often the victims of hit-and-run crashes, leaving them to rely on uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to recover compensation.

At Hilliard Law, we understand these challenges and aggressively combat bias, negotiate with insurers, and fight for maximum compensation.

Illinois Motorcycle Laws & Rider Rights

Illinois law grants motorcyclists the same rights as any other driver on the road, but many motorists fail to respect them. Understanding these rights can be crucial in proving liability in an accident case.

Helmet Laws in Illinois. Illinois is one of the few states that does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets. However, insurance companies may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to a rider’s injuries, even when the law does not mandate helmet use.
Lane-Splitting Laws. Lane-splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is illegal in Illinois. However, motorcyclists are allowed to use a full lane, and other drivers must respect their space on the road.
Passenger & Equipment Laws. All motorcycles must have working headlights, turn signals, and mirrors. Passengers must have designated seating and footrests.
Right to Compensation. Motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers, hazardous conditions, or defective equipment may have the right to seek financial compensation for their damages. If another driver violated your rights or failed to share the road responsibly, you may be entitled to file a claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining fault and liability is critical in motorcycle accident claims. The following parties may be held responsible:

Negligent Drivers – Motorists who fail to yield, drive distracted, speed, or act recklessly can be held accountable for injuries they cause.
Government Agencies – If road hazards, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or missing traffic signs, contributed to your accident, the city or state may be liable.
Motorcycle Manufacturers – If a brake failure, tire defect, or other mechanical issue contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be held responsible under product liability laws.
Bars & Restaurants (Dram Shop Laws) – If a drunk driver caused your crash, Illinois dram shop laws may allow victims to hold establishments that overserved the driver responsible.

Recoverable Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Case

Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
Lost Wages & Future Earnings – Compensation for time missed at work and permanent disabilities that impact future earning potential.
Pain & Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term suffering.
Property Damage – Repairs or replacement for your motorcycle.
Punitive Damages – In cases involving reckless, drunk, or aggressive drivers, additional damages may be awarded to punish wrongdoing.

Chicago Motorcycle Accident FAQ

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Illinois?

llinois law generally gives victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, there are exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline. For example:

If the accident involved a government vehicle or hazardous road conditions caused by a city or state agency, you may have a much shorter time limit to file a claim.
If the accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one.
If you were injured but didn’t immediately realize the extent of your injuries, certain exceptions may allow you to file beyond the standard two-year deadline.

It’s important to act quickly because waiting too long can result in lost evidence, faded witness memories, and reduced chances of securing full compensation. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible ensures your case is preserved and built on strong evidence.

How Is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Crash?

Fault in a motorcycle accident is determined through a careful examination of evidence, police reports, and witness testimony. However, because motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed, proving fault can be more challenging than in standard car accident cases.

Some key factors used to determine liability include:

Police Reports & Citations – If the other driver was cited for speeding, failing to yield, reckless driving, or running a red light, this can serve as strong evidence of fault.
Dashcam & Surveillance Footage – Camera footage from traffic lights, businesses, or nearby vehicles can show how the accident occurred.
Witness Statements – Testimony from bystanders, other drivers, and passengers can help establish what happened.
Accident Reconstruction Experts – In complex cases, we bring in experts to reconstruct the accident, analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions to determine liability.
Cell Phone & Driving Records – If distracted driving or texting while driving played a role, phone records can provide critical proof of negligence.

Because insurance companies may try to shift blame onto the motorcyclist, having an attorney to protect your rights and build a strong case is crucial.

What If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet? Can I Still Recover Compensation?

Yes. Illinois does not have a universal helmet law, meaning motorcyclists are not legally required to wear helmets. However, insurance companies may still argue that your injuries were worse because you were unprotected.

While this argument doesn’t eliminate your right to compensation, it can be used to reduce the amount you recover, especially if you suffered head or facial injuries. Our attorneys push back against these tactics to ensure you are not unfairly penalized.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Accident Case?

Motorcycle accident claims are more complex than standard car accidents due to bias, serious injuries, and aggressive insurance tactics. Our firm has the experience, resources, and trial skills to take on tough cases. We help level the playing field by:

Conducting in-depth investigations to gather evidence and prove fault.
Negotiating directly with insurance companies to maximize settlements.
Taking cases to trial if necessary to fight for the full compensation our clients deserve.

Call for a FREE Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you deserve aggressive legal representation. Hilliard Law is ready to fight for your rights and recover the compensation you need.

Call or contact us online for a FREE consultation today.

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