Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

While driving a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience for many Chicago residents, it can be very dangerous. Collisions between a motorcycle and a motor vehicle are often catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Under Illinois law, injured motorcyclists have the right to hold at-fault drivers accountable for their losses—and the accident attorneys at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC can help. Call us today at (312) 586-1700.

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries for riders. Our lawyers specialize in advocating for the rights of motorcycle accident victims, fighting for fair compensation for their injuries and damages. With our knowledge of personal injury law, we will work attentively to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case.

The Best in Chicago! I found them on google when I had motorcycle accident. I worked with Mr.Grant Bosnich, he is super nice guy helped me with my medical bills and settlement. He tried his best to get anything possible. I will definitely recommend him. I appreciate him and this company.

– Farkhod Tolibov

Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers represent victims in their injury claims against negligent drivers. With decades of experience and millions recovered on behalf of our clients, you can trust our firm to fight aggressively for your maximum possible recovery.

Why Choose Us

Over our years of experience, our firm has recovered over $400 million in settlements and jury verdicts. Our attorneys will evaluate your motorcycle accident case and identify every potential avenue to compensation.
Our firm prides itself on our dedication to our clients and attention to detail. We will aggressively pursue every angle of your claim to craft a compelling case in your favor and achieve the best possible outcome.
We are proud to represent people, not corporations or insurance companies. Our personal injury lawyers dedicate themselves to obtaining justice for our clients and preventing the same injuries or loss of life from happening to others.

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Case Results

Here are some of the results the attorneys at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC were able to achieve for motorcycle accident clients:

$5.25 million (policy limits) for a motorcyclist who required a below-the-knee amputation after being struck by a left-turning retiree driving a Mercedes-Benz at an intersection in rural Indiana. Our client was alleged to have been speeding, but our investigation absolved him of all fault, placing all fault on the defendant driver.
$2.6 million record recovery in DuPage County, IL for leg and foot injuries sustained by a 27-year-old motorcyclist when he was hit in an intersection by an SUV making a left turn on a yellow light. The driver of the SUV claimed that the motorcyclist was speeding and abruptly changing lanes to make the light. The record recovery was featured on the front page of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
$1.625 million settlement for an injured motorist who suffered an injury to her low back that ultimately required a fusion 1.5 years after the impact. The defense attempted to claim that the treatment was unrelated to the impact.

For additional results, visit our Case Results section.

Navigate this Page:

Legal Options for Motorcyclists Involved in an Accident
Parties Who May be Liable for Your Injury
Things to Expect When Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim
How to Prove a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Claim
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois
The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents
Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
What to do After a Motorcycle Accident
Chicago Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Legal Options for Motorcyclists Involved in an Accident

Motorcycle accident victims often require the assistance of an experienced injury lawyer to navigate the complexities of their personal injury claims. Like most states, Illinois adheres to a fault insurance system. If a driver causes an accident, he or she must pay for the damages of his or her victims—including other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.

To uphold this financial responsibility, Illinois law requires all drivers to hold certain amounts of liability insurance. Additionally, motorcyclists must also carry minimum amounts of liability insurance. These requirements are as follows.

$25,000 for injury or death to one person per accident
$50,000 for total injury or death per accident
$20,000 for property damage per accident

If you suffer injuries in a motorcycle crash with a negligent driver, you have three options to pursue compensation. You can file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver or under your own policy, if you have the appropriate coverage. You can also file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois civil court.

A personal injury attorney will provide dedicated legal representation to accident victims. Our team understands the challenges faced by those involved in motorcycle accidents and will work tirelessly to protect their rights. We are skilled negotiators and can assess the fairness of a settlement offer, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve for injuries and medical treatment. Key evidence such as the police report will be meticulously examined to build a strong case and the importance of wearing a motorcycle helmet to prevent future accidents will be emphasized by our lawyers.

Success in litigation is a product of unyielding advocacy, commitment, and tireless preparation, built upon the foundation of strong client relationships.

Bradley Pollock – Partner

Most motorcycle accident claims begin and settle in the insurance phase, but some proceed to a lawsuit. Additionally, it may be in your best interest to file a lawsuit from the beginning of your case. To identify your optimal path to recovery, speak to a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC.

Parties Who May be Liable for Your Injury

Various parties may be held liable, from car accidents to motorcycle collisions, due to the complexity of these incidents. An attorney will need to conduct an extensive investigation into your particular motorcycle accident claim in order to determine all possible liable parties. Some of these parties could include, but are not limited to, the following:

Other drivers on the roadway. Some of the most obvious at-fault parties include other drivers on the roadway. When another driver’s negligence causes a motorcycle accident, then that driver must be held accountable for their actions. Typically, compensation will come through a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, but it maybe does necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver.
Government entities. Government entities could be held responsible for a motorcycle accident in a few different ways, including accidents involving government vehicles. However, if a motorcycle crash was caused by inadequate road maintenance, a municipal authority could hold liability under certain circumstances.
Construction companies. Construction companies responsible for sites on or around the roadway could be held responsible if a motorcycle crash was caused by the careless or negligent actions of the construction company or an employee of the company.
Motorcycle manufacturer. In the event the motorcycle malfunctions and the malfunction causes an accident, it may be possible to hold the manufacturer of the motorcycle responsible for the incident.
Motorcycle parts manufacturer. Sometimes, individual parts of a motorcycle malfunction and cause an accident, in which case it may be possible to hold the individual motorcycle part manufacturer accountable.

Things to Expect When Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

There are a few things you should expect when starting your motorcycle accident claim, including:

Insurance carrier pushback

When you file an insurance claim after a motorcycle accident, you need to expect that the at-fault party’s insurance carrier will try and push back. This could include offering very low settlements, to begin with, or even denying the claim altogether. If you get a call from an insurance claims adjuster, you need to be polite and say as little as possible. Pass the information on to your attorney and let them handle all communication with the insurance carriers.

Frequent doctor visits

You need to continue all medical appointments after a motorcycle accident occurs. This includes any follow-up visits with surgeons, doctors, physical therapists, and others. Discontinuing care before a medical professional recommends doing so could harm your claim.

Keeping a journal

It is a good idea to keep a daily journal after a motorcycle accident occurs. This journal should include information about daily pain and suffering, how your life has been affected by the incident, a discussion of your injuries, and notes related to medical visits. Journals can help establish the overall pain and suffering caused by the incident, which will help when working to recover non-economic damages.

How to Prove a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Claim

To secure compensation after a motorcycle accident, you will need to prove that the other driver is responsible for the collision. During the insurance process, a representative will conduct an independent investigation to identify the liable party. You may need to provide evidence to the company and engage in negotiations to establish your right to recovery.

During a lawsuit, proving the at-fault driver’s liability is a bit more complex. You and your attorney will need to provide sufficient evidence to support the four elements of negligence: duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

Duty: The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care at the time of the collision. All drivers have a duty to follow the law and operate their vehicles with a reasonable level of care.
Breach of duty: The at-fault driver breached his or her duty of care to you in some way. Speeding, running a red light, and failing to yield are examples of a breach of duty.
Causation: The at-fault driver’s breach of duty directly caused your motorcycle accident.
Damages: You sustained damages in the accident that you can collect compensation for in your lawsuit.

You can use many pieces of evidence to prove these elements, including medical records, witness testimony, traffic footage, and statements from expert witnesses. Although you may be able to establish the other driver’s liability, your award could be at risk of depletion if the court finds that you share a portion of the fault. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence standard in these situations.

For example, say that you are in an accident with a driver who makes an unsafe lane change. However, the court discovers that you were lane splitting at the time of the accident, which is illegal in Illinois. The court assigns 30 percent of the liability to you and will reduce your settlement by that amount. If you ask for $10,000, you will only receive $7,000.

If the court finds that you are 50 percent or more responsible for the accident, you will not recover any compensation at all. To protect yourself from accusations of shared liability, it is important to contact a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer who can advocate for your best interests.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois

Motorcycle accidents can occur for several reasons, from dangerous road conditions like potholes to bad weather and defective vehicle parts. In many cases, however, dangerous driving behaviors are responsible for these collisions. Some of the most common causes of Illinois motorcycle collisions include the following:

Unsafe lane changes

Drivers have a responsibility to check for oncoming traffic before moving into another lane. Unfortunately, not all drivers perform this diligence and may crash into a motorcyclist who is traveling in that lane.

Open vehicle doors

Many motorcycle crashes occur when a passenger vehicle is parked. The driver may unexpectedly open his or her door into traffic, causing a motorcyclist to crash into it.

Left-turn accidents

Drivers must adhere to the right of way while driving near motorcyclists. Sometimes, drivers fail to yield and crash into a motorcyclist while making a left turn, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.

Driving under the influence

Alcohol and drugs severely impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving, including fine motor skills, judgement, concentration, and reaction time. Drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence of these substances can collide into motorcyclists—leading to catastrophic injuries.

The Dangers of Motorcycle Accidents

Driving a motorcycle is a fun and rewarding experience. For many it is not only a passion, but a way of life. Motorcyclists are entitled to all of the same rights and expectations held by the operator of a car when it comes to abiding by the traffic laws. Nonetheless, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to be killed in a collision than a passenger in a car; and motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured in a collision than the occupant of an automobile.

The disparity in deaths and injuries between motorcycles and cars is based upon the simple fact that motorcycles do not afford riders with the same crash protections that occupants in automobiles have. Furthermore, motorcycles are smaller than cars and may not be as readily seen by inattentive or unsafe automobile drivers. When a motorcycle is struck by a car, it is not as stable and the rider will often lose control resulting in the bike crashing and the rider being ejected. The ejected rider may then strike a fixed object or face other traffic hazards. The lawyers at TPMB understand motorcycle riders and have a history of representing them and their families in cases involving injuries and wrongful death caused by inattentive and unsafe drivers.

Additionally, motorcyclists often face unfair scrutiny and judgement from insurance companies. An insurance company representative may automatically assume that the accident is your fault, using inconsistencies between statements to deny or reduce your award. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we understand the scrutiny that motorcyclists face and advocate aggressively for our clients during each stage of the case. We will guide you through the claim process and defend you against unfair judgement.

chicago motorcycle accident attorneys

Common Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The injuries resulting from a motorcycle collision are often serious and life altering. Injuries from motorcycle collisions can result in extensive medical care, surgeries, hospitalizations, and significant medical bills. Riders can be left with permanent physical limitations that can even prevent them from returning to work. The legal team at TPMB advocates on behalf of its motorcycle clients to ensure that their rights are protected.

One of the common types of injuries sustained in a motorcycle collision is a head injury. Illinois law does not require motorcyclists to wear a helmet while operating a bike. If you are involved in a collision and not wearing a helmet, the fact that you were not wearing a helmet cannot be used as a basis to lessen your financial recovery.

The injury lawyers at TPMB have extensive experience in advocating on behalf of riders for all types of injuries associated with motorcycle collisions. Common motorcycle injuries include:

Traumatic brain injury
Spine or spinal cord injuries
Nerve damage
Loss of limbs
Fractured bones
Degloving injuries
Road rash

If you were involved in a motorcycle collision, the staff at TPMB is here to assist you. Please call to schedule a free consultation to review your motorcycle rights with one of our motorcycle lawyers.

What to do After a Motorcycle Accident

There are various steps that individuals need to take after sustaining an injury in a motorcycle accident. We understand that these steps may not happen in this exact order, but if another party caused your accident, following these steps can help improve your chances of success with an injury claim:

Check for Injuries

The number one priority after a motorcycle accident is performing a quick assessment for any injuries. We recommend that all motorcyclists seek immediate medical care after an accident occurs, even if the injuries are not obvious right away. Not only does prompt medical care help to ensure the well-being of the motorcyclist, but it establishes a link between the injuries and the motorcycle collision.

Call 911

Law enforcement officials need to get involved after any motorcycle accident occurs. They can come to the scene and conduct their investigation in order to fill out the accident report. Without the accident report, the insurance carriers could push back when it comes to approving the claim.

Gather Evidence

A motorcyclist may be able to gather evidence at the scene of the incident, including photographs of property damage or injuries, as well as the surrounding scene. Additionally, if there are any cameras on nearby homes or businesses, or if there is a dashcam involved, this footage may be attainable with assistance from a lawyer. The names and contact information of eyewitnesses to the incident should be written down.

Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago can help injury victims recover compensation for their losses. An attorney can step in right away and begin preserving evidence and opening communication with other parties involved.

Continue Medical Treatment

Motorcyclists should continue all medical treatments recommended by their medical professionals. Discontinuing recommended treatment could send a signal to the insurance carriers that the injuries are not as severe as stated.

Chicago Motorcycle Accident FAQs

How Long do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Chicago?

When we examine 735 ILCS 5/13-202, we can see that injury claims should be filed within two years from the date the injury occurred. This means that Chicago motorcycle accident victims must file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent party within two years from the date of the accident. Failure to file a claim within these required time frames will likely result in the case being dismissed, which means the injured motorcyclist will recover no compensation for their losses.

What If the Driver in a Motorcycle Accident Didn’t Have Insurance?

There are times when motorcycle accidents occur and the at-fault driver does not have insurance. The good news about Illinois insurance requirements is that all policies must include uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This should bring comfort to individual motorcyclists on the roadway should an incident involving an uninsured driver occur.

However, Illinois does not require motorcyclists to carry uninsured or uninsured motorist property damage coverage. This means that if a motorcyclist chooses not to purchase this additional coverage, they will most likely have to pay for property damage out of their own pocket for the property damage they incur.

Call Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney’s in Chicago for Free Consultation

A Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer specializes in providing legal advice and representation for individuals involved in fatal motorcycle accidents. We understand the complexities of personal injury claims and will work diligently to protect the rights of our clients. Our team is well-versed in the laws and regulations set forth by the Illinois Department of Transportation, ensuring our clients’ cases are handled in accordance with the applicable legal framework. We will thoroughly investigate the accident scene, gather crucial evidence, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know needs help, it will cost you nothing to discuss your injury case with one of the Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys from the law firm of Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC. Give us a call anytime or contact us via the form below.

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