Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating types of roadway incidents in Illinois. Unlike drivers inside cars and trucks, motorcyclists have minimal physical protection. The human body absorbs the brunt of the force when another vehicle collides with a bike, which is why these crashes so often lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries.
In Illinois, where urban congestion and suburban sprawl meet on highways such as I-90, I-290, and I-294, the risks are magnified by constant traffic and impatient drivers. Suburban routes, such as Golf Road, Dundee Road, and Milwaukee Avenue, present additional dangers, especially during rush hour when visibility is low and drivers are more prone to mistakes.
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident is not limited to the collision itself. Victims face an uphill battle that includes physical recovery, emotional distress, and financial strain from medical bills and lost wages. Families often feel overwhelmed, unsure where to turn, and pressured by insurance companies eager to settle for the lowest amount possible.
At SJ Injury Law, our mission is to stand with injured riders across Illinois, ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard in the legal system.
Illinois motorcyclists frequently cite specific roads and intersections as particularly dangerous. In Schaumburg, Golf Road, Higgins Road, and Roselle Road near Woodfield Mall are known for heavy traffic and limited sightlines, making them hotspots for motorcycle crashes.
In Arlington Heights, the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Palatine Road experiences daily congestion, posing risks to riders.
Buffalo Grove has a history of collisions along Dundee Road and Buffalo Grove Road, both of which carry steady suburban and commuter traffic.
In Mount Prospect, riders often identify Golf Road and Elmhurst Road as problem areas. In Palatine, accidents are common on Northwest Highway and Palatine Road.
When a motorcycle accident claim must be litigated, local knowledge of the courts becomes invaluable. Most claims from Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Palatine, and Wheeling are filed in Cook County and heard at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse on Euclid Avenue.
Riders in Lake County may see their cases proceed through the courthouse in Waukegan. Filing rules, court procedures, and even the tendencies of judges vary by jurisdiction, making it critical to have a lawyer familiar with these courts.
Medical care is another important local factor. Injured riders in northern Illinois are often transported to trauma centers such as Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, and Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village. These facilities play a central role in stabilizing crash victims, and their records provide essential evidence in personal injury claims.
Motorcycle accident victims in Illinois must understand the laws that affect their cases. The statute of limitations is often the first barrier. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can mean permanently losing the right to seek compensation.
Illinois also applies the modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This law reduces compensation if the injured party shares some fault. For example, if a jury finds that a motorcyclist was 20 percent at fault because they were speeding slightly, the total award will be reduced by that percentage. If fault reaches 51 percent or more, no recovery is allowed. Insurance companies exploit this rule to shift blame onto riders, making legal representation essential.
The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5) dictates roadway rules, including requirements for drivers when approaching motorcycles, right-of-way laws, and prohibitions against reckless or distracted driving. Many motorcycle accidents stem from violations of these rules, such as texting while driving or failing to yield when making a left turn.
In the most tragic cases, when a motorcycle crash results in death, surviving families may file a claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180). These claims allow recovery for funeral expenses, lost companionship, and lost financial support, ensuring families are not left with devastating financial losses after already suffering a personal tragedy.
Motorcycle accidents occur in many ways, but several scenarios recur across Illinois roadways. Left-turn collisions are common when a vehicle turning at an intersection misjudges the speed of an oncoming motorcycle, cutting off the rider’s path. Rear-end accidents frequently occur in suburban areas like Schaumburg, Palatine, and Arlington Heights, where heavy traffic and stoplights create constant start-and-stop conditions.
Dooring accidents are especially dangerous in urban environments, such as Chicago or dense suburban retail areas. When a driver opens a door without looking, the results for a passing motorcyclist can be catastrophic.
Distracted driving, often caused by texting or phone use, is another leading cause of motorcycle crashes. Unlike minor car fender-benders, these crashes almost always result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection for riders.
Drunk driving adds another layer of risk, with impaired motorists causing devastating injuries or fatalities in crashes involving motorcycles. Each type of accident presents unique challenges in proving liability and damages, which makes thorough investigation critical.
Due to the increased exposure and vulnerability of motorcyclists, accident injuries tend to be more severe. Head and brain injuries remain among the most feared consequences, even for helmeted riders. Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and long-term cognitive impairment are common after high-impact collisions. Spinal cord injuries can leave victims permanently paralyzed or struggling with chronic pain and reduced mobility.
Orthopedic injuries are also common. Victims often suffer broken bones, crushed limbs, or even amputations. The force of being thrown from a motorcycle can lead to compound fractures requiring multiple surgeries.
Riders also face internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, which may not be visible at first but can become life-threatening without immediate treatment. These injuries create not only physical hardship but also significant financial strain, with medical expenses often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A motorcycle accident claim progresses through several stages. It begins with an investigation, where police reports, medical records, and witness accounts are gathered. In many cases, attorneys will secure traffic camera or surveillance footage from nearby businesses at intersections like Golf Road or Milwaukee Avenue. This evidence forms the backbone of a strong case.
The next stage is filing the claim, typically through insurance channels or in court. Each jurisdiction has its own filing requirements. For instance, cases in Rolling Meadows may follow different procedural timelines than those in Waukegan. Having legal counsel ensures these technical requirements are met correctly and on time.
Once a claim is filed, the process of negotiation begins. Insurance companies often undervalue motorcycle accident claims, attempting to paint riders as reckless. Effective negotiation requires medical evidence, accident reconstruction, and careful legal argument to counter these tactics. If negotiations fail, the case moves to litigation.
This stage involves discovery, depositions, motion practice, and potentially trial. Litigation can be intimidating, but it is often necessary to secure fair compensation. Finally, cases resolve either through a settlement or trial verdict, with compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At each stage, having an attorney ensures your rights are protected and your claim remains strong.
Motorcycle accident victims in Illinois face unique challenges that often make or break a case. Insurance carriers are well aware of the public perception that motorcyclists take unnecessary risks, and they use this bias to try to limit or deny claims. Without legal representation, riders are left vulnerable to tactics designed to reduce compensation.
An attorney is essential because motorcycle cases are rarely straightforward. Proving fault requires addressing comparative negligence, as Illinois law bars recovery if a rider is found more than 50 percent at fault under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. Insurance adjusters frequently claim a rider was speeding, weaving, or failing to wear protective gear in order to shift liability. Building a strong defense against these arguments requires a detailed investigation.
At SJ Injury Law, our attorneys take on the complex issues head-on. We reconstruct the accident scene using experts, gather black box data from vehicles, subpoena cell phone records when distracted driving is suspected, and work with medical professionals to establish the full extent of injuries.
We also account for damages beyond medical bills, including lost earning capacity, loss of normal life, and pain and suffering, which Illinois courts recognize in personal injury claims. These steps ensure that no part of the case is left underdeveloped.
Choosing a law firm after a motorcycle accident is not just about finding representation — it’s about finding a team that has the resources, experience, and dedication to stand up to insurance companies and defense attorneys. At SJ Injury Law, Attorney Keith Shindler has helped clients recover more than $155 million across Illinois and Wisconsin. This record is a testament to our ability to take on even the most complex personal injury cases.
What sets us apart is our deep knowledge of Illinois law and the courts where your case may be heard. We understand how judges in Cook County, Lake County, and surrounding jurisdictions handle motions, jury instructions, and settlement conferences.
We know the rules of evidence and procedure that can impact the admission of medical records or accident reconstructions. Our firm also understands how to properly calculate damages under Illinois law, including both economic and non-economic losses, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for.
Equally important, we provide personal attention to each case. Our clients are not passed off to junior staff — they receive direct communication and updates from their attorney. We recognize that each case represents not only financial stakes but also a client’s health, family stability, and future. When you hire us, you are choosing a firm that treats your case with the seriousness it deserves.
Our motto is simple but powerful: LET US HELP YOU CLAIM YOUR JUSTICE®! We are also proud to serve Spanish-speaking clients. Se Habla Español.
Under Illinois law, most motorcycle accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). This deadline is strict, and once it expires, your claim is barred. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or claims against government entities. An attorney ensures these deadlines are tracked and complied with, preventing costly mistakes.
Insurance carriers often use Illinois’ comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) to argue that the rider bears responsibility. They may allege speeding, sudden lane changes, or failure to wear visible gear. Our attorneys combat these claims by gathering independent evidence, hiring accident reconstructionists, and presenting testimony from witnesses. Even if partial fault exists, you may still recover damages so long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent.
Compensation in Illinois covers both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost income, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, disability, loss of normal life, and emotional trauma. In wrongful death cases, families may also recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support. An attorney ensures these damages are fully calculated and proven with evidence.
Illinois law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but the limits are often low. Motorcycle crashes often involve damages that far exceed the policy amounts. Our attorneys pursue claims through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and when necessary, we explore other avenues of recovery, such as third-party liability claims against employers, bars serving intoxicated drivers, or negligent vehicle owners.
Most motorcycle accident claims settle before trial, but some proceed to litigation. At trial, both sides present evidence, and a jury determines liability and damages. Preparing for trial requires strict compliance with the Illinois Rules of Evidence, filing pre-trial motions, selecting a jury, and presenting expert testimony. SJ Injury Law is fully prepared to take cases to verdict when insurance companies refuse fair settlements.
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If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Illinois, do not wait. The statute of limitations may already be running, and evidence can disappear quickly. Let SJ Injury Law fight for the financial compensation your case deserves. Call 847-434-3555 to set up your free initial consultation.
LET US HELP YOU CLAIM YOUR JUSTICE®!