Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we are committed to defending the rights of motorcyclists who have been injured on the streets of Chicago. We understand the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists in the Windy City. Our dedicated legal team will combine aggressive advocacy with client-focused care to help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Content Written by: Samuel Meirowitz
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Quick Links
- Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
- What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
- How Can a Meirowitz & Wasserberg Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
- Motorcycle Laws and Regulations in Chicago
- How Is Liability Determined in Chicago Motorcycle Accident Cases?
- How Are Damages and Compensation Calculated in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
- Common Injuries From Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Chicago
- Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
- Contact Meirowitz & Wasserberg in Chicago, IL
- Frequently Asked Questions Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Get
Our expertise in Illinois law and deep understanding of the physical and emotional toll a motorcycle accident can entail leaves us well-positioned to handle your case from start to finish. When you work with Meirowitz & Wasserberg, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a tireless ally who will stand by you and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional aftermath of an accident, our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers are here to ease the burden. Let us navigate the legal landscape so you can focus on what truly matters—your recovery. Call 844-446-9529 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
According to the NHTSA, “Forty-two percent of fatal motorcycle crashes that involved another motor vehicle involved a vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing or overtaking a vehicle.” Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents in Chicago include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Following too closely
- Failure to properly look for motorcycles in blind spots
- Lane splitting
- Poor road and weather conditions
- Mechanical failures
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Hiring our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers means recruiting an experienced legal advocate well-versed in Illinois law. We also have a deep understanding of Chicago’s municipal traffic regulations, network of insurers, and court system, allowing us to provide sophisticated legal strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.
Our decades of combined experience and extensive resources allow us to deliver the high-quality legal services you deserve efficiently and smoothly. Our world-class legal team can navigate the nuances of your case, striving to maximize your compensation while reducing stress and avoiding procedural errors in your claim.
Our firm also has a very strong track record of obtaining high-value case results. We have secured over $360 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. However, nothing pleases us more than receiving positive reviews from our many satisfied clients. Learn more by exploring our client testimonials.
How Can a Meirowitz & Wasserberg Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Our attorneys will advocate tirelessly for your rights throughout the legal claims process. You can count on us to make sure your voice is heard and your case is given the individualized attention it deserves. Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys will:
- Thoroughly evaluate your case to understand the specifics of your motorcycle accident, ensuring all factors are considered for a comprehensive claim.
- Provide expert legal advice tailored to your situation, guiding you through the complexities of personal injury law and your rights as a victim.
- Conduct a detailed investigation into the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and, if necessary, working with accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case.
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies, advocating on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible, as well as pushing back against lowball settlement offers.
- Meticulously prepare and file all legal documents required for your case, adhering to strict deadlines and procedural requirements to avoid any delays or issues.
- Accurately assess and quantify all damages you suffered, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future costs related to your injuries.
- Represent you in court, providing strong, persuasive arguments and leveraging our legal expertise to achieve a favorable outcome for your case.
- Provide you with regular updates and maintain open lines of communication, ensuring you are informed and comfortable with the progress of your case.
At our award-winning personal injury law firm, we take a client-focused approach. Our legal team and staff are standing by to provide compassionate support and guidance. When you work with us, you can rest assured that your case is in capable, dedicated hands.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Chicago
After a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps can significantly impact your safety, health, and right to compensation. Here’s a concise guide:
- Check for Injuries – Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries. Prioritize safety and health above all.
- Move to Safety – If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents.
- Call 911 – Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed.
- Exchange Information – Swap contact and insurance details with the other party, but avoid discussing fault.
- Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, injuries, and road conditions.
- Identify Witnesses – Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention – Visit a healthcare provider immediately, even if you feel fine, as some injuries manifest later.
- Keep Records – Document everything related to the accident and your injuries, including medical bills and any lost wages.
- Consult Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys – Seek legal advice to understand your rights and options for claiming compensation.
Motorcycle Laws and Regulations in Chicago
Motorcyclists must obey the same traffic laws, signals, and signs as drivers of other vehicles in Chicago. There are also additional motorcycle-specific laws, such as:
- Motorcycles cannot pass between two vehicles moving in the same direction, known as lane-splitting.
- Motorcycles cannot pass on the right unless there is eight feet of unobstructed pavement to the right of the other vehicle.
- Operating a motorcycle on one wheel is prohibited.
- Motorcycles can pass through a red light after waiting two minutes but must yield the right of way to drivers who have the green.
- Motorcycle riders must wear protective glasses or goggles unless they have a windshield.
- The state does not require helmets.
We encourage people in Chicago who love to ride to follow our 25 motorcycle safety tips. If you get into an accident that was someone else’s fault, you can count on us to thoroughly investigate your case and seek damages against all responsible parties.
How Is Liability Determined in Chicago Motorcycle Accident Cases?
Establishing liability in your motorcycle accident can be difficult because more than one party may have been negligent. Some of the parties who may hold some or all liability include:
- Car drivers
- Truck drivers
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Motorcycle manufacturers
- Parts manufacturers
- Government entities (if poor road conditions or signage contributed to the accident)
- Construction companies (if construction-related hazards contributed to the accident)
- Other motorists not directly involved but who contributed to the accident indirectly
Importantly, Illinois courts use a modified comparative negligence standard to determine liability in personal injury cases. This means you cannot collect damages if you were more than 50 percent at fault for your accident.
If you are less than 50 percent responsible, your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of liability. For example, if you suffered $1 million in damages and the court holds you 30 percent at fault due to speeding, you can collect $700,000.
How Are Damages and Compensation Calculated in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
Compensation in a motorcycle accident claim is based on your financial, physical, and psychological harm. Damages you can ask for include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers will also argue in favor of punitive damages. Though rarer than the compensatory damages listed above, punitive damages may be available if the defendant acted with “a reckless and outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm and with a conscious indifference to the rights and safety of others.”
Though no amount of money can make up for the death of someone we love, the law does carve out an avenue toward justice and accountability for surviving family members. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, our wrongful death lawyers can help you seek compensation for things like funeral/burial costs, lost income for your family, and loss of companionship.
Common Injuries From Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
Because there is little protecting motorcyclists from the full force of a collision, their injuries can be severe in the event of a crash. Some common injuries include:
- Burns and road rash
- Fractured, broken, and dislocated bones
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Cuts and puncture wounds
- Sprains, strains, tears, and bruises
- Amputations and permanent disfigurement
- PTSD and other forms of psychological trauma
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in Chicago
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 982 motorcycle accidents in Cook County in 2022. These crashes resulted in 38 fatalities and 656 injuries. Of those injuries, 231 were suspected serious injuries, and 359 were suspected minor injuries.
Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Our personal injury lawyers have an in-depth knowledge of the law governing motorcycle accidents in Chicago and throughout Illinois. They know how to leverage that knowledge to fight for full and fair compensation in settlement negotiations and court.
Joe Trunk is our Chicago team lead and focuses on fighting for people in complex personal injury cases, asbestos litigation, and product liability claims. He has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and has spent significant time in the courtroom presenting arguments and persuading juries.
Nathanial Wallace worked for several prominent Chicago firms before joining us. He has been an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2020, a rare feat amongst Illinois lawyers. Nate focuses on mass torts, nursing home litigation, premises liability claims, and other personal injury cases.
Contact Meirowitz & Wasserberg in Chicago, IL
We fight for people, not corporations, and take pride in helping victims throughout the state pursue compensation for injuries sustained at little to no fault of their own. If you’ve been injured in an accident, reach out to our skilled Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys so we can start working on your case. Call (844) 446-9529 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Get
Understandably, victims often have numerous questions following a motorcycle accident. These are some of the most common our motorcycle accident lawyers get from our clients.
1. How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer cost in Chicago?
We take motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf. Additionally, we offer free consultations and will cover the upfront costs of investigating and litigating your claim.
2. How much is my motorcycle accident case worth?
It is difficult to put a value on your case until we evaluate the specific circumstances. It will depend heavily on the extent of your injuries and their effect on your life. Some cases are worth thousands of dollars, while others are worth multiple millions. Do not discount the potential value of your case until it is reviewed by a member of our experienced legal team.
3. How long after a motorcycle accident do I have to file a claim in Chicago?
The Illinois statute of limitations for most motorcycle accident cases is two years from the date of the accident. Though there are limited exceptions, if you miss the filing deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation in court.
Hiring one of our experienced attorneys as soon as possible can help you avoid this result. Doing so will also give us time to investigate your accident before evidence disappears, allowing us to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
4. Can I collect compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet during a Chicago motorcycle accident?
Yes, you can collect compensation as long as you don’t bear more than 50 percent of the responsibility for your accident. If you suffered a serious injury because you did not wear a helmet, the defendant and their insurance company may argue that you were negligent in not protecting yourself. Our attorneys can push back when they try to pin the blame on you.
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- Chicago Personal Injury
- Chicago Car Accidents
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- Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
- Chicago Pedestrian Accidents
- Chicago Bicycle Accidents
- Chicago Slip and Falls
- Chicago Brain Injuries
- Chicago Spinal Cord Injuries
- Chicago Wrongful Death
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