After a motorcycle crash, you need a legal team who understands the unique challenges riders face on Chicago streets. At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, our award-winning attorneys help injured motorcyclists get the compensation they deserve. Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has over 25 years of experience and a proven track record of multi-million dollar settlements in vehicle accident cases. We’re consistently recognized as top-rated injury attorneys in Illinois.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, call Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation.
Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago: The Facts
Chicago’s busy streets create risks for motorcyclists. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, motorcycle accidents made up 12.6% of all fatal crashes in Illinois in 2022.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash per mile traveled.
Alarmingly, data from the Illinois Department of Transportation reveals a troubling pattern of impaired motorcycle riding. During evening hours (6-9pm), 24% of motorcycle fatalities involve riders with blood alcohol levels above the legal limit, more than double the rate for car drivers during the same timeframe.
Common causes of Chicago motorcycle accidents include:
- Drivers failing to see motorcycles in traffic
- Left-turn collisions at intersections
- Dangerous road conditions and potholes
- Distracted driving
- Impaired riding, especially during afternoon and evening hours
- Sudden lane changes.
The Sobering Reality: Impaired Riding
While motorcycles represent only about 3% of all registered vehicles in Illinois, they account for approximately 15% of all traffic fatalities according to Illinois state statistics.
A concerning trend has emerged in afternoon and evening crashes:
- Between 3-6pm, 15% of fatal motorcycle crashes involve impaired riders
- Between 6-9pm, this number jumps to 24%, more than twice the rate of impaired drivers in passenger vehicles.
This data highlights the critical importance of sober riding and the severe risks associated with mixing alcohol and motorcycling.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents are often more devastating than car crashes. Riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, or seatbelts, making them vulnerable to serious injuries even in relatively minor collisions.
| Injury Type | Impact |
| Traumatic brain injuries | Even with helmets |
| Spinal cord injuries | Can lead to paralysis |
| Road rash | Severe skin abrasions |
| Broken bones | Multiple fractures common |
| Internal injuries | Often life-threatening |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and head injuries by 69%, yet injuries remain severe even with proper gear.
How Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
Top Illinois attorney Matthew Willens and the Willens & Baez team have helped countless motorcycle accident victims throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has over 25 years of experience handling complex motorcycle accident cases, we bring our deep knowledge of Illinois motorcycle laws to every case we handle.
Our approach is comprehensive. We investigate every detail, work with the best experts, and fight relentlessly for your rights.
The Willens & Baez legal team helps clients by:
- Investigating accident scenes and gathering evidence
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Calculating fair compensation for all damages
- Taking cases to trial when necessary.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
As a motorcycle accident victim, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
- Rehabilitation expenses.
The Insurance Information Institute reports that the average motorcycle injury claim costs significantly more than the typical car accident claim.
Why Motorcycle Claims Are Different
Insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists for accidents. They rely on unfair stereotypes about riders being reckless. The attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal injury lawyers have the experience to fight these biases.
Additionally, motorcycle cases involve:
- More severe injuries requiring greater compensation
- Complex liability issues
- Different traffic laws that apply specifically to motorcycles
- The need for specialized experts.
The Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers Advantage for Motorcycle Accident Cases
When you choose to work with a top-rated lawyer at Willens & Baez, you benefit from:
- Free case evaluations with no obligation
- No fees unless we win your case
- Direct access to our attorneys throughout your case
- A track record of successful settlements and verdicts, including a $2.25 million truck accident settlement
- Experience with the most complex motorcycle and truck injury cases
- Recognition as one of the “Best of the Best” personal injury firms in Illinois.
Head attorney Matthew Willens has been recognized as a Leading Lawyer in Personal Injury Law by his peers and has recovered millions for injury victims throughout Chicago. Mathew Willens’ verdicts have been featured in The National Law Journal’s Top 100 Verdicts, and has secured settlements of $2 million and higher in truck and vehicle accident cases.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
- Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to the police.
- Take photos of the accident scene if possible.
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Don’t give statements to insurance companies.
- Contact a motorcycle accident attorney.
Chicago Motorcycle Laws You Should Know
Understanding Illinois motorcycle laws is key to riding safely and protecting your rights after an accident:
Licensing Requirements
- Riders must have either a Class M license (for motorcycles over 150cc) or Class L license (under 150cc).
- Applicants must be 18+ years old with a current state license or ID.
- You must pass a written exam, vision test, and on-cycle riding test.
- Riders 16-17 years old must complete a rider education program.
- Instructional permits are valid for 12 months (18+ years) or 24 months (under 18).
- Permit holders may only ride during daylight hours under supervision of a licensed rider 21+ years old.
Registration and Insurance
- All motorcycles must be properly registered with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Minimum insurance requirements include:
- $25,000 for injury to one person
- $50,000 for injury to multiple people
- $20,000 for property damage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Operation Rules
- Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.
- Headlamps must be used at all times for visibility.
- Riders must keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
- Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is illegal.
- “Wheelies” or riding on one wheel is prohibited.
Equipment Laws
- Eye protection is required unless your motorcycle has a windscreen.
- Motorcycles must have at least one side-view mirror.
- Functioning brakes on both wheels are mandatory.
- Working headlights and horn are required.
- While helmets are not legally required in Illinois, they significantly reduce injury risk.
According to safety experts, following these laws not only keeps you legal but substantially reduces your risk of severe injury in case of a crash.
Contact Our Top-Rated Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Willens & Baez Today
Willens & Baez Personal Injury lawyers are top-rated Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers with over $500 Million in client recoveries with top results including a $2.25 million vehicle accident wrongful death settlement and a $1.5 million vehicle accident settlement. Willens & Baez have been consistently recognized as among the “Best of the Best” in personal injury law in Illinois.
Don’t face the insurance companies alone. Let our leading Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys handle your case while you focus on healing. Our team has secured numerous million-dollar settlements in complex cases including motorcycle and truck accidents.
Call Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation.
