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Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering about your legal right to compensation. Our Chicago-based law firm represents clients throughout Illinois who have suffered personal injuries or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Such accidents include those involving distracted, drunk or hit and run drivers, and uninsured or underinsured motorists.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Injury in Chicago

After you’ve been injured, you’ll need to work quickly to serve your own best interests. Here are some of the steps we recommend you take after a motorcycle accident resulting in injury in Chicago:  

  1. Protect yourself by moving away from the flow of traffic.
  2. Contact the Chicago Police Department to file an Illinois Motorist Report and get your accident on record.
  3. Gather the information of other drivers, occupants, and witnesses.
  4. Take photographs of the scene and your injuries.
  5. Always check in with a doctor to treat and document your injuries.  

Of course, we also recommend that you reach out to the attorneys at Levin & Perconti so that we can evaluate your situation, offer legal advice, and start building your case. The sooner we get started, the better. 

How much is my Chicago motorcycle accident case worth?

In Illinois, there’s no cap to the amount of damages you may receive for a personal injury case. Instead, the amount your case is worth will depend on a range of factors, including: 

  • Lost wages 
  • Medical bills (for past and future treatments) 
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Property damages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages 

What you recover may also depend on the amount of insurance coverage the at-fault driver has. 

Your best option for understanding the amount of compensation you deserve is to contact an attorney. Levin & Perconti will offer you personalized advice and guidance.  

Can I still receive compensation if I’m partially to blame for the accident?

In Illinois, there’s a rule of modified comparative fault. Essentially, this means that you may collect damages for a motorcycle accident as long as you bear less fault than the defendant.

What if my family member died in a Chicago motorcycle accident?

Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is hard enough without the added weight of funeral costs, medical bills, and lost wages. That’s not to mention the emotional pain and suffering you’re experiencing at such a difficult time. Naturally, you may wonder if you can pursue compensation for this loss.  

If your loved one died because of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A wrongful death claim will help you obtain some semblance of justice. However, you should be aware of these important details that may impact your case:  

  • Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death lawsuits, meaning the lawsuit must be filed within two years of the person’s death or you could lose your right to compensation. 
  • Only a “personal representative” may file the suit, usually an immediate family member appointed by the decedent or the court.  
  • You’ll need the help of a personal injury lawyer. 

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for my injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Chicago?

According to the state of Illinois, there is a two-year statute of limitations for general personal injury claims. This two-year time frame starts on the date of the accident or injury.   

Because of this slim window of opportunity, you’ll want to start working on your claim immediately.  

Why should I hire a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney at Levin & Perconti?

The total cost of a motorcycle accident can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Naturally, you don’t want to be saddled with these costs if the accident wasn’t your fault.   

If you need help representing yourself and your interests, turn to the attorneys of Levin & Perconti. We have recovered more than a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including those who have been in motorcycle accidents.  

 We have more than 200 years of combined litigation experience, and we will use that experience to receive maximum compensation for our clients. If you’re ready to schedule your free consultation, get in touch with us. 

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 that the same questions come up time and time again. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents in Chicago.

In Illinois, you’re no longer required to report an accident or file a SR1B Illinois Motorist Report to the Illinois Department of Transportation unless it involves a state vehicle. However, you are required to file a police report if the accident resulted in death, injury, or more than $1,500 in property damage.   

Additionally, if one 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. You can call 911 or visit the Chicago Police Department to document 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.  

It’s never a good idea to speak directly with the opposing driver’s insurance company, especially if you have yet to speak to an attorney. An offhand comment can be interpreted as you accepting fault. This can significantly reduce your settlement offer. It could also lead the claims adjuster to reduce or deny your claim completely. 

If you do receive a call from an insurance company, direct them to your attorney.  

The answer to this question depends on your attorney. But when you seek counsel from Levin & Perconti, you get the benefit of a contingency fee arrangement. In other words, with our lawyers, you won’t have to pay unless we win your case.  

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.  

You are not required to wear a helmet in Chicago. However, plenty of research suggests that wearing a helmet can save your life.  

Lane splitting is not legal in Illinois. While there is no law that directly forbids motorcyclists from lane splitting, the action is prohibited per the state’s right-of-way laws. If you were lane splitting when your accident happened, that may impact the amount of compensation awarded to you. 

Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer to this question. Instead, the timeline of your claim will depend on a range of factors and varies by case.  

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.  

Injuries suffered as a result of these types of accidents can be severe and life altering. Commonly suffered injuries from motorcycle accidents include: 

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