Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Chicago, IL

A rider has almost no protection when a car turns left across their path or changes lanes without looking. A crash on Cicero Avenue, Western Avenue, or the Kennedy can mean broken bones, head injuries, and months away from work. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago, IL can explain how Illinois law treats riders, push back on bias against motorcyclists, and pursue compensation from the driver who caused the crash. Jacobson Injury Firm represents injured motorcyclists and passengers throughout Chicago. Contact the firm for a free consultation.

How Motorcycle Accident Claims Work in Illinois

Illinois is an at-fault state. When a driver’s carelessness causes a motorcycle crash, the rider can bring a claim against that driver and the driver’s insurance company.

Every Illinois vehicle owner must carry liability insurance. Under 625 ILCS 5/7-203, the minimum is $25,000 for injury or death of one person and $50,000 for two or more people in one crash. A serious motorcycle injury can quickly exceed those amounts. Illinois auto policies must also include uninsured motorist coverage under 215 ILCS 5/143a, which may pay when the at-fault driver has no insurance or drives away from the scene.

Two Illinois rules matter for riders in particular:

• No helmet law.Illinois is one of the few states with no motorcycle helmet law. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety lists Illinois as having no helmet requirement for riders of any age.
• Eye protection is required.Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1404, the operator of a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped and every passenger must be protected by glasses, goggles, or a transparent shield. A transparent shield can be a windshield that rises above the rider’s eyes or a shatter-resistant face shield. Contact lenses do not count.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Serious in Chicago and Illinois

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2024 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics, 144 motorcyclists were killed in Illinois crashes in 2024 and 2,556 were injured. Motorcycle crashes made up just 1.1% of all crashes in the state that year but 13.1% of fatal crashes. Motorcyclist deaths were 12.2% of all traffic deaths.

In Chicago, riders share the road with heavy traffic on the expressways and on wide arterial streets. Chicago Police crash records on the City of Chicago Data Portal list about 570 motorcycles involved in crashes on city streets in 2025, not counting mopeds or crashes on the interstates. The Chicago Department of Transportation’s High Injury Network, which marks the major streets with the most serious crash problems, includes stretches of Cicero Avenue, Pulaski Road, Western Avenue, and Ashland Avenue.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago

Jacobson Injury Firm handles motorcycle crash claims involving:

• Drivers turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection
• Unsafe lane changes and merges, especially on the Kennedy, Dan Ryan, and Eisenhower
• Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic
• Doors opened into a rider’s path by parked drivers
• Potholes, uneven pavement, and road debris
• Hit-and-run driverswho leave the scene
• Drunk, distracted, or speeding drivers

What Compensation Can an Injured Motorcyclist Recover?

An injured rider or passenger may seek compensation for:

• Emergency care, surgery, and future medical treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Repair or replacement of the motorcycle and riding gear
• Pain and suffering
• Disability, scarring, and disfigurement

Motorcycle crashes often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, and road rash that require long-term care. The value of a claim depends on the injuries, the available insurance, and the evidence of fault.

When a rider is killed, the Illinois Wrongful Death Act allows the personal representative of the person who died to bring a claim on behalf of the family. That lawsuit generally must be filed within two years after the death.

Helmets, Bias, and Partial Fault

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, an injured person found more than 50% at fault cannot recover damages. A person who is 50% at fault or less can recover, but the award is reduced by their share of fault.

Because Illinois has no helmet law, riding without a helmet is not a traffic violation. Even so, insurance companies sometimes point to helmet use, speed, or riding gear to argue that a rider should bear part of the blame. Riders also face a common assumption that motorcyclists ride recklessly.

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago, IL can answer those arguments with crash reconstruction, video, witness statements, and medical evidence about how the injuries actually happened. The firm’s article on how strong a personal injury case is explains other factors that affect a claim.

What Should You Do After a Chicago Motorcycle Accident?

If it is safe to do so, an injured rider should:

• Call 911.Chicago Police respond to crashes on city streets, and the Illinois State Police generally handle crashes on the interstate expressways.
• Get medical care right away.Head and internal injuries are not always obvious at first. Chicago’s Level I trauma centers include Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, and UChicago Medicine in Hyde Park.
• Keep the helmet, gear, and clothing.Damage to a helmet, jacket, or boots can help show how the crash happened.
• Photograph the scene.Capture the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and any potholes or debris.
• Get witness information.Other drivers and pedestrians can confirm what the at-fault driver did.
• Avoid recorded statements.Speak with a lawyer before talking to the other driver’s insurer.

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

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury lawsuits in Illinois must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrued, which is usually the date of the crash.

A claim against the City of Chicago or another local public entity, such as one based on a dangerous road defect, generally must be filed within one year under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. Waiting can also mean losing video footage and other evidence.

No Fee Unless We Win

Jacobson Injury Firm handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost, and no attorney fee is owed unless the firm recovers compensation.

Clients work directly with attorney Adam Jacobson, who is licensed in Illinois, Florida, New York, and Connecticut. The firm represents injured people only, and he prepares each case as if it may go to trial. Past outcomes are listed on the firm’s case results page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover damages if I was not wearing a helmet?

Yes. Illinois has no motorcycle helmet law, so not wearing one does not by itself bar a claim. The insurer may still raise it, which is one reason to have a lawyer review the medical evidence.

Does Illinois require eye protection on a motorcycle?

Yes. Riders and passengers must use glasses, goggles, or a transparent shield, such as a windshield that rises above the eyes or a face shield. Contact lenses do not meet the requirement.

What if the driver who hit me has no insurance?

Uninsured motorist coverage on the rider’s own policy may pay for injuries caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. A lawyer can review the policy and handle the claim.

How long does a motorcycle accident case take?

Many claims settle within several months to a year, depending on the length of treatment and how insurers respond. Cases with serious injuries or disputed fault can take longer.

How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?

Jacobson Injury Firm works on a contingency fee basis. Clients pay nothing upfront, and there is no attorney fee unless money is recovered.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Chicago, IL

Jacobson Injury Firm’s Chicago office is listed on its Google Business Profile: Jacobson Law Offices, 1 E Erie St Ste 525, Chicago, IL 60611. An injured rider should not have to fight an insurance company’s assumptions while recovering. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago, IL can investigate the crash, respond to helmet and fault arguments, and pursue full compensation. Contact Jacobson Injury Firm today to schedule a free consultation.