Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident Chicago, Illinois

Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident in Chicago and Illinois. If someone broke the rules of the road and injured you, trust in the honest, experienced and aggressive legal advocacy of Burger Law to protect your future and demand a full recovery. Our motorcycle accident lawyers fight for the injured and vulnerable in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Call us now at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online form.

There is no doubt that motorcyclists are second-class citizens on the Illinois roads. Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and excitement and a sort of meditative connection between the mind and body. It relieves tension and stress and can offer a great sense of camaraderie and brotherhood with other bikers. Unfortunately, there can be a price to pay: that can all come to a crashing halt when a negligent driver does not respect your safety and injures you. You did nothing to deserve the hospital bills and physical and mental pain that are haunting you right now. At Burger Law, our lawyer for motorcycle accident team cannot stand bullies who think they can disrespect motorcyclists' safety and resistant insurance companies that refuse to hold their policyholders accountable. That is why we spend every day investigating and litigating claims, trying cases and demanding full compensation for those injured through no fault of their own. You deserve justice and a great financial recovery, and the Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers of Burger Law will get it for you. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT. You do not pay until we win your claim.

If you were injured because of someone else's negligence, see how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

How Common Are Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois?

Despite the fact that motorcycles make up only .06 percent of all vehicle miles traveled in the country, they accounted for 4 percent of all injuries and 14 percent of all fatalities in traffic-related accidents in 2020, according to the National Safety Council. Nationwide, in 2020 there were 82,500 motorcycle accident injuries and 5,579 deaths. In Illinois, there were 3,077 motorcycle crashes which resulted in 2,404 injuries and 152 fatalities, according to the Illinois 2020 Crash Facts and Statistics. Sadly, over half of those crashes came when the motorcycle was going straight ahead, which means the accidents were often caused by another driver not respecting motorcyclists on the road. Most of the crashes occurred in urban areas, especially around tolls.

According to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, Illinois is eighth in the country with 280,322 registered motorcycles, and proportionately was eighth in the country in fatalities in 2017.

Nearly half of deadly motorcycle accidents occurred in the summer between June and September, and half occur on the weekends between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Monday.

What Can an Illinois Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident Do for My Claim?

A diligent and dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer will be your legal advocate when you need help the most. From initial consultation to securing you maximum compensation, we will:

• Investigate your claim and determine liability

  We have seen just about every auto accident case imaginable, and know how to uncover the causes of accidents and determine fault. We will gather every type of evidence we can, including pictures, surveillance footage, dash or helmet cameras, police reports and more. Then, we will use our experience and network of crash experts to determine exactly how your accident happened and who needs to be held responsible.

• Determine how much your case is worth

  Then, we will consult with medical and economic experts to put a precise dollar amount on your injuries, and write a settlement letter demanding that you receive all of it. Every claim is different, and your compensation will be based on the severity of your injuries, how much time you lost from work recovering and how the injuries have affected you physically and emotionally. We have settled auto crash cases for anything from $20,000 to $5,000,000.

• Play hardball with the insurance company

  An insurance adjuster's number one goal is to pay you as little money as possible, even nothing. Our Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers do not let them get away with it. Insurance companies in Chicago and throughout Illinois have come to fear the Burger Law name because they know we accept nothing but full compensation. bad faith failure to settle so they know we will not back down until you receive everything you are owed.

• Keep you informed and offer sound legal counsel

  We pride ourselves on our communication with our clients. Being injured in a motorcycle accident already causes enough confusion and doubt, so you need a law firm that will consistently be by your side and keep you updated on the status of your claim. We handle all documentation, negotiation and litigation so you can focus on recovering. As your case progresses, we will offer advice based on our experience and knowledge of claims and lawsuits. We are always honest about whether or not we believe you can get more money or if it is best to proceed to trial. But in the end, we know you need to make the best decision for your family and future. We fight on your behalf, but we leave the ultimate decision up to you.

• Take your case to trial if we have to

  You need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Illinois that does more than research and fill out paperwork. You need someone who is not afraid to stand up for you in front of a judge and jury and demonstrate the merits of your case. Among the many awards, honors and accolades that Burger Law has received are the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and being board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

When you hire Burger Law, we start working on your case right away and do not back down until you get the full compensation you deserve. Speak to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Illinois today at (314) 500-HURT to find out more about what we can do for you.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago and Illinois?

Every accident is different, but research and statistics paint a stark picture of common trends that lead to motorcyclists being put in harm's way because of other people's negligence. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents are:

• Drunk driving is a factor in 34 percent of motorcycle fatalities.
• Distracted driving, such as texting and driving.
• Speeding is involved in 33 percent of motorcycle deaths.
• Road hazards such as ruts in the road, slippery surfaces, potholes, gravel and uneven pavement can all cause a motorcyclist to lose control.
• A left-hand turn by a vehicle while a motorcyclist was going straight was a factor in 42 percent of motorcycle crashes.
• Failing to see a motorcyclist is a factor in 41 percent of motorcycle crashes. Unfortunately, this may be related to the phenomenon of "inattentional blindness," which means that many drivers do not see motorcycles — even though they look — because their brain is trained to scan for cars, not motorcycles. This may account for why 74 percent of accidents between a motorcycle and passenger car are head-on collisions.

Whatever caused your collision, you can be sure the Illinois lawyer for motorcycle accident team of Burger Law will conduct a full investigation and determine exactly who needs to be held accountable for not respecting your right to ride safely.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Illinois

As motorcyclists are relatively unprotected and are easily flung from their vehicles, the injuries sustained can often be significant and even result in lifelong disability. While just 11.7 percent of Illinois passenger car occupants sustained an A-injury — meaning an injury that is severely debilitation — that number jumps up to 36 percent of motorcycle drivers, according to the 2020 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics. The more common injuries we see are:

• Head injuries such as concussions
• Whiplash injures
• Back, neck and spine injuries
• Internal injuries
• Burns
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Crush injuries
• Severe lacerations

Whatever the extent of your or your loved one's injuries, Burger Law's motorcycle accident lawyer team in Illinois is here to fight for you and make sure the insurance company cannot minimize the impact of your damages.

Illinois Lawyer for Motorcycle Accident: Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the calls we get are from people who have often never been in an accident, never had to hire an attorney before, never had to go through a claims process and therefore do not know what to expect in a motorcycle accident claim. Some of the most common questions we get are:

Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Not Wearing a Helmet?

The National Safety Council estimates that between 2002 and 2017, helmets saved more than 25,000 lives and are 37 percent effective at preventing fatal injuries. Indeed, head injuries are the number one cause of death in motorcycle crashes.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers always recommend driving safely, including wearing a helmet if you are on a motorcycle. However, according to the 2022 Illinois Motorcycle Operator Manual, there is no law in Illinois that requires motorcycle drivers or riders to wear a helmet. That means that there is no basis for blaming you for being negligent under the law. While an insurance company or defense lawyer may try to blame your injuries on your decision not to wear a helmet, an experienced Illinois motorcycle accident lawyer will not let them get away with it.

Will I Have to Go to Court to Get Compensation for My Motorcycle Injuries?

Most likely, no. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, only three percent of tort claims are decided by a trial verdict. This is because either the injured party accepts a low settlement without consulting with a lawyer, or because they hire a motorcycle accident lawyer who knows how to fight back against a resistant insurance company and get them the compensation they deserve.

Can I Still Recover if I Was Injured by an Emergency Fall or Maneuver?

In most cases, you can still obtain a recovery even if another driver did not directly hit you. In order to prove negligence in a personal injury claim, you need to show that the other driver did something wrong that caused your injuries. So if you were injured because you were forced into an emergency maneuver after a driver tried to merge into your lane without looking, you could still pursue a claim because their negligence caused your injuries.

How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?

We know that injuries are always unexpected, and few people save up just in case they will ever have to deal with being injured because somebody else broke the rules. That is why our Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means we take a percentage of your final compensation as our fees. You pay nothing upfront and we only get paid once we win your case. That is important for two reasons:

1. We will only agree to take on your case if we truly believe in its merits and that we can add significant value to it.
2. We will always be straight with you and you will not receive any empty promises.

At Burger Law, our Illinois motorcycle crash lawyers work for you, the injured, and only you.

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Can I Really Get More Money With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Insurance companies always claim that a lawyer will only take money out of your pocket in the end. While in some cases with mild injuries it is true that we may not be able to add much value to your claim, with injuries that require more extensive medical treatment and more time off work, you will certainly get more money if you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.

According to the study "Attorney Involvement in Auto Injury Claims" from the Insurance Research Council, people who hire an attorney for an auto accident receive three and half times more money than people who do not, even after accounting for attorney's fees. The same study also found that people who hire a motorcycle accident lawyer are more likely to get the full medical treatment they need. Another survey found that 91 percent of people with an attorney received a payout, compared to only 51 percent of people without one.

Is Anybody Besides the Other Driver Liable for My Injuries?

That depends on the specifics of your accident, but it is very possible that after a thorough investigation your motorcycle accident lawyer will conclude that one or more other parties are liable for your injuries:

• You can make a product liability claim against a car or motorcycle manufacturer if a defective product such as faulty brakes caused or contributed to your accident.
• A commercial company can be held liable for their driver's negligence if you were injured in a bus accident, truck accident or rideshare accident.
• A government entity if a road hazard or poorly designed road caused or contributed to your accident.
• A construction company if you were injured in a construction zone if they did not securely zone it off.

Different laws apply to making claims against different liable parties, so it is imperative to hire a lawyer for motorcycle accident familiar with Illinois statutes who understands how to litigate against different entities. For example, there are special restrictions regarding who you can sue in the government and how long you have to sue them, as well as who can be held liable in a product liability case.

Can I Still Recover Compensation for My Motorcycle Accident if I Am Partially at Fault?

Yes. Accidents usually happen at high speeds and are the product of quick decisions or indecision. As a result, it is possible to contribute to an accident without it entirely being your fault. Illinois is considered a "modified comparative fault" state. That means that compensation is still available if you were partially to blame for your accident, but the amount will be less depending on how much you contributed to it. For example, if a fact-finder such as a mediator or jury determines you are owed $100,000 in damages but are 20 percent to blame for your injuries, you would receive $80,000.

So, if you fail to signal a turn properly, but a driver hits you because they were on their phone and not paying attention, you may still be able to make a recovery. It is important to note that according to 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you are barred from receiving if you were more than 50 percent to blame.

What Compensation Can I Receive for My Illinois Motorcycle Accident?

Your injuries affect you in more ways than just physical pain and needing to recover. There are also hospital bills, time lost from work, possibly disfigurement and emotional scarring as well. Compensation in personal injury claims is largely broken down into two categories: economic damages and noneconomic damages.

Economic damages are the sum total of your financial loss. That includes all medical treatments like prescriptions, surgeries, crutches or braces and more. It also includes any money you lost from not being able to work for a period because of your injuries. In severe cases, you may have future economic damages as well. Such as if you can only safely work 20 hours a week now, or if you need a wheelchair or joint replacement that will have to be replaced in the future. In those cases we consult with economic experts to adjust for inflation and rising costs of medical care.

Economic damages also cover out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation to and from medical appointments, or having to hire a nanny to take care of your kids while you recover.

Noneconomic damages are harder to define, but essentially compensate you for how your life has been affected in non-financial ways. This can be anything from the physical pain and suffering you feel, to having difficulty sleeping, experiencing pain when going up the stairs or not being able to enjoy your favorite activities like you used to. If you were the MVP in your local basketball league and now can no longer jump the same, Burger Law's Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers will make sure you are compensated for that.

How to Stay Safe on a Motorcycle in Illinois

The fun and freedom that motorcycles offer can be offset by how dangerous they can be when not driven properly. It is important to never overestimate your abilities on a motorcycle, or underestimate how dangerous road hazards and other drivers are to you. Some important steps to take to stay safe include:

• Taking a safety course — A safety course will help you learn the rules of the road for motorcyclists, and how to stay safe and use good judgment. There are also more advanced courses with advanced turning, emergency falls and emergency braking techniques.
• Planning for the weather — Inclement weather such as rain or snow not only makes your bike harder to control, but decreases how visible you are to other drivers.
• Wearing safety equipment — In the event of a crash, protective gear such as helmets, jackets, gloves and boots specifically designed for motorcyclists go a long way in preventing injuries or avoiding more severe injuries.
• Obeying traffic laws — While it may be tempting to test your limits and stretch your freedom, the rules are in place for a reason. Stay in your lane and avoid weaving in between cars, drive the speed limit and make sure your bike is compliant with other regulations set out in 625 ILCS 5/11 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
• Ensuring you are visible — Illinois law requires motorcyclists to have their headlights on at all times. Having a bike and jacket with visibility stripes goes a long way in helping others see you too.
• Riding defensively — Motorcyclists are occasionally invisible on the road, are often the subject of scorn from other drivers and are affected much more by road hazards such as potholes. Pay attention, keep an eye out at all times and do not assume that others see you or are looking out for your safety.

Of course, you can do everything right and still pay the price when someone else breaks the rules of the road. That is when Burger Law steps in. Call a motorcycle crash lawyer in Illinois now at (314) 500-HURT to get the best possible results in your claim.

In our 30 years of experience, we have represented hundreds of clients in Chicago and throughout Illinois and have secured them over $175 million in verdicts and settlements. We have seen firsthand the devastation negligent actors can cause for motorcyclists who were simply trying to express their freedom to enjoy and share the road. These trying times will not last forever. With the help of Burger Law's Illinois lawyer for motorcycle accident team, you will get the full compensation you need to truly recover and be made whole again. We are the most- and highest-rated personal injury law firm in the Midwest for a reason: we do not back down and will fight until there is nothing left to fight. Speak directly to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Illinois today (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.