Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Why Should I Hire a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Levin & Perconti?
- Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
- Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
- Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Injury in Chicago
- How Much Is My Chicago Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
- Can I Still Receive Compensation if I’m Partially To Blame for the Accident?
- What if my family member died in a Chicago motorcycle accident?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Chicago?
- Contact Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a crash, the experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers with Levin & Perconti are here to win you the justice you deserve. We can help you fight back and hold negligent drivers accountable for their recklessness. Contact us online or call (312) 332-2872 today for a free consultation.
Why Should I Hire a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Levin & Perconti?
Our skilled team has recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients like you since 1992. With more than 400 years of combined legal experience handling thousands of Illinois lawsuits, we know how to maximize your compensation and aren’t afraid to go to trial to get you a fair deal.
We have significant financial resources and a nationwide network of experts, allowing us to spare no expense in building the strongest possible case. We’ve built a reputation for significant results and a consistent record of success, and we pride ourselves on upholding that standard for each and every client we work with.
Our Notable Case Results
Our $2 billion in total recoveries includes settlements and verdicts for Chicago motorcycle accident victims. Click here for more information on our significant case results.
Our Accomplishments and Awards
We’ve received numerous accolades recognizing our track record of successful representation and impressive results, including being named a Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News and having attorneys recognized by Illinois Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.
Client Testimonials
We work hard to get our clients the results they deserve, and they have great things to say about our representation and service. Here are some of our glowing testimonials from satisfied clients:
Testimonials
Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
Motorcycle accidents can be more common in urban environments like Chicago, where crowded traffic may make it more difficult for drivers to see nearby riders. Here are some of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents in Chicago:
Collisions with Cars
- Left-turn accidents: Drivers who aren’t paying attention might refuse to yield the right of way to a motorcycle making a left turn, resulting in a collision.
- Rear-end collisions: Failing to stop fast enough or bumping into a motorcyclist during stop-and-go traffic can be common in a city environment.
- Lane-change accidents: Changing lanes too abruptly or failing to use turn signals properly can cause a car to veer directly in front of a motorcyclist, giving them no time to avoid a collision.
- Intersection accidents: If a driver doesn’t pay enough attention, they might not know whose turn it is to pass through an intersection. Failing to yield the right of way can have disastrous consequences.
- Dooring accidents: Drivers should always check their mirrors before opening a door into a traffic lane. Doing so without looking can place an obstacle directly in front of a motorcycle with no time to slow down.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
- Road hazards: Potholes, debris, and other hazardous road conditions can cause riders to lose control and crash their motorcycles. Municipalities may be liable for poor maintenance, while others are likely responsible for any objects left on the road.
- Loss of control: Riding too fast for conditions increases your chances of getting into a dangerous accident. Inexperience can also cause you to lose control of your motorcycle on the roadways.
- Defective road design: Abrupt turns, low-visibility intersections, uneven surfaces, and other poor design choices can make some roads more dangerous.
Accidents with Trucks and Buses
- Blind spots: Commercial vehicles tend to have large blind spots. It may be much harder for a truck driver to see a motorcycle in a low-visibility zone than a car.
- Wide turns: Truck and bus drivers make slow, wide turns, which can lead to a collision with a motorcycle rider if they’re not careful.
Our knowledgeable Chicago motorcycle crash attorneys can investigate your accident, determine the cause, identify the liable parties, and build a case to hold them accountable.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, as riders have much less protection from collisions than drivers. Some of the most common injuries resulting from Chicago motorcycle accidents include the following:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Impacts to the head can cause concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can be some of the most disruptive to your long-term quality of life, resulting in chronic nerve damage or even partial or full paralysis.
- Bone Fractures: Traumatic impacts tend to cause broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and clavicle, which can hinder your mobility and take time to heal.
- Road Rash, Burns, and Soft Tissue Injuries: Motorcycle accident victims can suffer severe abrasions, lacerations, and burns as a result of skidding across the ground at high speeds.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can result from high-speed impacts, potentially leading to deadly complications.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond your physical injuries, the experience of a traumatic accident can leave you with emotional damage like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
Any of these injuries can linger for long periods, interfering with your ability to work or enjoy your favorite activities. Our relentless Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to fight to secure you the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Injury in Chicago
After getting into a motorcycle accident, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and preserve your claims. Here’s what to do in the immediate aftermath of a crash.
Immediate Actions at the Scene
First, ensure your safety by moving to the side of the road if possible, preventing any additional accidents. Check yourself for injuries, then check others involved and make sure they’re alright, if possible. Call 911 or the local police to report the accident, requesting necessary medical assistance. A police incident report can lead to key evidence for your claims later.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver and any other parties involved. Take photos of the scene and any resulting property damage or injuries, creating evidence for later. If possible, get contact information from any witnesses. However, refrain from discussing the particulars of the accident and avoid making any statements about the cause or the severity of your injuries that may be used against you later.
Post-Accident Actions:
After the accident, seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries appear only minor or superficial. Some injuries are not immediately obvious, and getting checked out can create medical records to support your case.
Gather all relevant documents, including medical records, expenses, and proof of lost wages. Contact your insurance company to notify it about the accident, but do not admit fault or engage in any extended conversation—insurers can and will use what you say to try to reduce what they owe.
Finally, consult an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer to explore your legal options. Hiring a skilled and knowledgeable attorney is key to protecting your rights and getting the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
How Much Is My Chicago Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?
Every personal injury case is unique and will be valued differently depending on the circumstances. Some of the many factors that influence how much your claims are worth include:
- The severity of your injuries, which determines your medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages resulting from your injuries, including past and future earnings you’ll miss out on
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress, as well as the loss of enjoyment it causes
- Property damage to your motorcycle, including repair or replacement costs
- Insurance policy limits, which dictate how much the at-fault party can pay you
- Strength of evidence against the liable party, which can help you secure a larger settlement faster
While it’s impossible to predict the exact value of a personal injury claim, our knowledgeable Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers can analyze the circumstances of your case and estimate how much you may be able to recover for your injuries.
Can I Still Receive Compensation if I’m Partially To Blame for the Accident?
Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence standard that allows injury victims to recover compensation even when they’re partially at fault for an accident. If you are 50 percent or less to blame, you can receive damages reduced proportionately to your share of liability.
Determining fault and how it may impact your claims can be complicated. Discussing your case with a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer can help you ensure you have a viable claim and can receive the maximum amount of available compensation.
What if my family member died in a Chicago motorcycle accident?
The surviving spouse, children, or parents of a deceased motorcycle accident victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit against those responsible for the accident. Wrongful death claims can seek damages for losses related to your loved one’s passing, including funeral and burial costs, lost future income or financial support, loss of companionship, and past medical expenses.
Wrongful death claims can be stressful, harrowing, and complex. Our experienced lawyers can handle every step of the process for you, so you can focus on grieving and spending time with your loved ones.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Chicago?
Illinois’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims typically sets a two-year deadline to file suit, starting from the accident date. Start building your case as soon as possible after your accident so you don’t miss out on losing the right to file a lawsuit, which could end your chances at recovering compensation.
There are exceptions to this deadline, including in cases involving minors, government entities, or injuries discovered at a later date. Consult a lawyer immediately to determine the deadline for your case and begin pursuing your claim.
Contact Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, you deserve full compensation for your suffering. Our team is ready to fight to win you justice. Call us today at (312) 332-2872 to schedule a free case evaluation. If you have questions about the viability of your case or just need advice, there’s no risk in reaching out to our knowledgeable attorneys for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
No two motorcycle accidents are the same. But in our years of experience litigating cases, we’ve found the same questions often arise. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents in Chicago.
How long do I have to file a police report, and am I required to do so?
In Illinois, you’re no longer required to report an accident or file an Illinois Motorist Report to the Illinois Department of Transportation unless it involves a state vehicle. However, you must report the accident to the police if it resulted in death, injury, or more than $1,500 in property damage. If a driver involved in the accident doesn’t have auto insurance, the threshold is $500.
If law enforcement doesn’t respond to the accident scene, you have 10 days to report the accident to the Illinois State Police. Call 911 or visit the Chicago Police Department to report your accident.
A police report can also serve as evidence to support your case, so we recommend filing an accident report regardless of the circumstances.
Should I speak with the opposing driver’s insurance company?
Speaking with the opposing driver’s insurance company without legal representation is never a good idea. Claims adjusters often use offhand comments as admissions of fault, reducing the value of your case or leading the insurer to deny your claim completely.
If you receive a call from an insurance company, direct them to your attorney.
How much does it cost upfront to hire a personal injury attorney?
The answer to this question depends on your attorney. The lawyers at Levin & Perconti work on a contingency fee arrangement. We charge no upfront costs, and you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Am I required to carry motorcycle accident insurance in Illinois?
You are required to carry motorcycle accident insurance in Illinois. Specifically, you must have:
- $15,000 in coverage for property damage (per accident)
- $20,000 in coverage for injuries or death for one person per accident
- $40,000 in coverage for injuries or deaths for more than one person per accident
You must also register your motorcycle with the state if it has more than 150 ccs in engine displacement.
Are motorcyclists required to wear helmets in Chicago?
Although you are not required to wear a helmet in Chicago, plenty of research suggests that wearing a helmet can save your life.
What if I was lane splitting?
Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. It is prohibited in Illinois by the state’s right-of-way laws. If you were lane splitting when your accident happened, that may impact the compensation you recover.
How long will it take to receive compensation for my injuries?
Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. Instead, the timeline of your claim varies by case and depends on a range of factors.
On average, a settlement can take several months or over a year from start to finish. If your case goes to trial, this time frame can be longer.
Legally Reviewed by
John J. Perconti
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Notable Results
SETTLEMENT
for a 5-year-old boy run over by a fire truck as he played on a fire hydrant, resulting in the loss of his leg and half of his pelvis
SETTLEMENT
for the family of a 32-year-old woman who was killed when their pick-up truck was rear-ended by a semi-truck
VERDICT
for a 23-year-old woman who suffered multiple leg fractures in an automobile collision
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325 N LaSalle Dr Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60654
312-332-2872
