1. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions with cars and trucks, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents involving stalled vehicles, hit-and-run accidents, fatal motorcycle crashes, accidents involving uninsured motorists
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering, witness interviews, police report analysis, accident reconstruction, traffic camera footage review, cell phone records analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations
Background: Jonathan Rosenfeld leads the firm with 25 years of experience in personal injury law. The firm has over 100 years of combined legal expertise within the team. Notable results include $2.8 million recovery for a rider who struck a stalled truck and $1.25 million settlement for a fatal accident involving a teen driver. Average motorcycle accident recovery is $2,156,955 with median payout of $582,967. Located at 225 W Wacker Dr, Suite 1660, Chicago, IL.
Location: 225 W Wacker Dr, Suite 1660, Chicago, IL 60606
Contact: (847) 835-8895 | (888) 424-5757 (Toll Free) | https://www.rosenfeldinjurylaw.com/chicago-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement (no upfront fees)
2. Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, product liability involving defective motorcycles or motorcycle parts
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions with cars, trucks, and vans, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, accidents involving defective motorcycle design or manufacture, defective automobile design or manufacture causing collision
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence evaluation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, wage loss claims, pain and suffering claims, disability claims, disfigurement claims
Background: The firm serves Cook County, Madison County, DuPage County, Kane County, Will County, and other counties throughout Illinois. Attorneys are knowledgeable in Illinois laws regarding automobile and motorcycle operation. The firm provides expertise in achieving maximum settlement or verdict for motorcycle accident cases.
Location: Chicago, IL (serving Cook County and surrounding areas)
Contact: (773) 516-4100 | https://www.zneimerlaw.com/practice-areas/personal-injury-attorney-chicago-illinois/illinois-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, accidents involving reckless drivers, accidents involving insurance claim denials, fatal motorcycle accidents, accidents resulting in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, road rash
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence preservation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers. The firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for clients. Team includes attorneys who speak Spanish and Arabic to serve the diverse Chicago community.
Location: Chicago, IL
Contact: (872) 324-4375 | https://attorneysofchicago.com/chicago-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free case review available
4. Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, hit-and-run accidents, accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists, fatal motorcycle crashes
Legal Services: Accident investigation, evidence gathering, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims
Background: Trusted personal injury law firm in Chicago since 2009. Decades of combined experience among attorneys. Secured over $100 million for clients. Featured on national news outlets including NBC and CBS. Recognized by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers. Available 24/7 for client inquiries.
Location: Chicago, IL
Contact: (855) 585-1310 | https://zayedlawoffices.com/chicago-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement
5. Rapoport Weisberg Sims & VanOverloop, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash injuries, fractures
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, accidents involving negligent drivers, accidents resulting in severe injuries, wrongful death cases for families of riders killed in crashes
Legal Services: Accident reconstruction, scene photography, witness interviews, consultation with medical specialists, life care planning, vocational specialist consultation, future cost of care estimation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm has the resources to take motorcycle cases as far as needed to secure fair verdicts or settlements. Trial lawyers prepared to go to court to obtain the payment clients need. Serves clients from Chicago and throughout Illinois.
Location: Chicago, IL (also serves clients throughout Illinois)
Contact: (312) 445-9160 | (866) 693-3806 (Toll Free) | https://rapoportlaw.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Illinois
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident or discovery of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Five years from the date of the damage
Insurance State Status: Illinois is a fault-based (tort) insurance state. The at-fault party is responsible for paying damages.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Illinois follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. An injured motorcyclist cannot recover any compensation if found to be 51% or more at fault. If less than 51% at fault, compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $20,000 property damage liability per accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage also required
Helmet Law: No helmet requirement. Illinois is one of only three states with no motorcycle helmet law. However, the Illinois Department of Transportation strongly recommends riders wear DOT-approved helmets. Statistics show helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries.
Eye Protection Requirements: Required for all riders. Must wear goggles, glasses with shatter-resistant lenses, or face shields that attach to helmets. Alternatively, motorcycles must have a clear plastic windshield. Sunglasses are not considered acceptable eye protection.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Prohibited. Illinois law prohibits motorcyclists from riding on dividing lines between lanes, riding between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, or overtaking another vehicle in the same lane.
Lane Sharing: Permitted. Two motorcycles may share a lane if conditions are safe, but automobiles cannot share a lane with a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Class M license (for motorcycles with 150cc+ displacement) or Class L license (for motor-driven cycles with less than 150cc displacement) required. Must be 18 years or older with current regular driver’s license. Must pass written test, road test, and vision test.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements:
- At least one side-view mirror
- Functioning brakes on both wheels
- Headlights (must be on at all times, including daytime)
- Horn
- Clear plastic windshield (unless rider and passenger wear protective eyewear)
Passenger Requirements: No age restrictions for passengers. Motorcycle must be designed for two persons with appropriate seat and footrests for passenger. Passenger must ride astride the driver (one leg on each side) and must wear protective eyewear.
Additional Operation Rules:
- Must keep at least one hand on handlebars at all times
- Riding on one wheel (wheelies) prohibited
- DUI law applies: Illegal to operate motorcycle with BAC of 0.08% or higher
- Zero tolerance for riders under 21 (BAC must be 0.00%)
Helmet Law and Insurance Claims: Because helmets are not required by law in Illinois, failure to wear a helmet generally should not affect how much compensation a motorcycle crash victim receives, even for head injuries. However, insurance companies may attempt to argue comparative negligence in some cases.
Damage Caps: Illinois does not have caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages may be available if the defendant acted with reckless indifference to the rights and safety of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Illinois?
A: In Illinois, motorcyclists have two years from the date of the accident or discovery of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing the right to pursue compensation in court.
Q: How does Illinois’s comparative negligence law affect motorcycle accident claims?
A: Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If your fault is less than 51%, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $70,000.
Q: Does Illinois require motorcycle helmets, and how does helmet use affect injury claims?
A: Illinois does not require motorcycle helmets for riders of any age, making it one of only three states with no helmet requirement. Because helmets are not legally mandated, failure to wear a helmet generally should not affect your compensation for injuries, even head injuries. However, insurance companies may still attempt to argue comparative negligence, so it is advisable to consult with an attorney.
Q: Is lane splitting legal in Illinois?
A: No, lane splitting is prohibited in Illinois. Motorcyclists cannot ride on dividing lines between lanes, ride between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, or overtake another vehicle within the same lane. Lane sharing between two motorcycles is permitted when conditions are safe. Violating lane splitting laws can result in citations and may complicate personal injury claims.
Q: What compensation can I recover in an Illinois motorcycle accident case?
A: Motorcycle accident victims in Illinois may recover economic damages including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, and disfigurement. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. For fatal accidents, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death damages including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.