Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: Find the Best in 2025

Illinois Motorcycle Licensing

Motor-driven cycles with less than 150cc displacement require a Class L endorsement to operate, while bikes over 150cc require a Class M endorsement (in addition to a valid Illinois driver's license). To obtain either classification, you must pass a separate motorcycle examination. Individuals at least 16 but under 18 must complete an approved driver education course and an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Education Course.

No special license is required to operate a moped or Ebike as long as the vehicle has a maximum speed of 30 mph, a motor with two brake horsepower or less, displacement of 50cc or less (if it has an internal combustion engine) and does not require manual gear shifting.

All motorcycles and motor-driven cycles must display a license plate (indicating the bike's piston displacement) when operating on streets or highways. You must register your bike with the Illinois Secretary of State to obtain one. Bikes also must meet the following requirements to be street-legal:

• Any passenger must have a seat and a footrest.
• Handlebars must not be above the rider's head.
• Bikes must have a white headlight visible for 500 feet, a red tail light visible for 500 feet and a white license plate bulb that makes the plate visible from 50 feet away.
• Motorcycles must have a horn audible from 200 feet away.
• All motorcycles must have a rearview mirror capable of reflecting 200 feet.
• Mufflers must be properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise and used constantly. Modifying an exhaust system to increase its noise level is illegal.

Illinois requires liability insurance for all operational motor vehicles required to display license plates, including motorcycles. If you are involved in an accident or stopped for a traffic violation, the police will verify you have motorcycle insurance as required by law. If you do not, your registration will be suspended and you will face a fine of at least $500.

If you live in Chicago, you must also obtain a city sticker and display it on your license plate.

Motorcycle Parking in Chicago, Illinois

Motorcycles must pay for parking like other vehicles and park in a legal parking space, although they do not need a resident permit to park in residential parking zones. Smaller bikes must park perpendicular to the curb, while larger bikes should angle to avoid protruding into the road. Scooters and mopeds cannot be parked on the sidewalk or parkway (grass between the sidewalk and street) and cannot be chained to bike racks.

Motorcycle Operating Laws in Chicago, Illinois

Taking a bike down Lake Shore Drive on a warm summer night allows you to appreciate Chicago's skyline, Lake Michigan and the many parks along the way. With the cost of gas, using a motorcycle as your primary commuting vehicle makes more sense than ever. Before you take your bike for a spin, you need to know your responsibilities on the road.

In general, motorcyclists must adhere to the same traffic rules as other vehicles and are entitled to the same rights on the roadway. Other operating laws apply specifically to motorcycles. These include:

• Motorcycles must use their headlights at all times when operating on streets or highways.
• If the bike doesn't have an attached windshield, riders must wear external eye protection (such as goggles).
• Motorcycles may not cross between two vehicles going in the same direction unless there is a traffic lane ("lane splitting").
• Motorcycles are prohibited from passing a vehicle on the right unless at least eight feet of unobstructed pavement exist.
• Motorcycles cannot ride on one wheel ("wheelies").

Illinois law allows a motorcycle rider to proceed through an intersection if a red light fails to turn green after 120 seconds, although they must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. However, this practice is prohibited in Chicago and any other county or municipality with more than 2,000,000 inhabitants. (The population of Cook County was 5.2 million in 2022.)

Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

Many motorcycle accidents occur when a vehicle inattentively switches lanes or cuts in front of a motorcycle, forcing the bike off the road or into the path of another vehicle. Drunk or impaired driving is another unfortunately common cause of many accidents.

Other factors that contribute to Chicago motorcycle accidents include:

• Heavy traffic. A 2022 study ranked Chicago the most congested city in the U.S. and the second worst in the world.
• Severe weather. Chicago winters bring heavy snowfall, gusting winds and icy conditions. In the summer, scorching heat can change the surface traction of some roadways, making them especially hazardous for motorcycles. Torrential downpours, tornadoes, frequent flooding and other extreme weather events are common in the city.
• Poor road conditions and construction diversions. Heavy traffic and severe weather damage Chicago roadways, requiring constant maintenance and construction. Reconfigurations of roadways to enable repairs can confuse drivers and cause collisions.
• Obstacles and hazards. Chicago's potholes are legendary – so much so that the city enables drivers who sustain vehicle damage to file a claim for reimbursement. For motorcyclists, hitting a pothole can cause more than just a broken axle. These and other roadway obstacles can be dangerous or deadly.

Although motorcyclists have the same rights as other drivers, taking extra precautions and driving defensively can help avoid accidents and injury.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Chicago

After a motorcycle accident in Chicago, acting quickly and decisively is crucial to protect your rights and ensure your recovery. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like internal trauma or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
2. Call the Police: File an official police report, which can be essential for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, injuries, and any relevant road conditions. Collect witness contact information if possible.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer but avoid giving detailed statements before consulting an attorney.
5. Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect you from predatory insurance practices, and help you pursue compensation.

How a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover

Illinois has a fault-based liability system for vehicle accidents. Insurance companies and drivers often blame the motorcycle operator, hoping to capitalize on any possible biases in the judicial system and intimidate accident victims. An experienced Chicago motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover from an at-fault driver, negligent property owner or other responsible party.

An experienced motorcycle attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to prove fault in cases involving motorcycles. This may include locating and interviewing independent witnesses, obtaining video or images from traffic and security cameras and consulting with accident reconstruction, traffic and weather experts.

Recovering Damages in a Chicago Motorcycle Accident

Riders involved in motorcycle or Ebike accidents frequently walk away with catastrophic, life-altering and financially draining injuries — if they walk away. Broken bones, road rash and serious internal injuries are depressingly common. Injured riders often cannot work and lose income during a lengthy recovery. Medical bills, treatment expenses, prescriptions, vehicle repairs and other costs can add up quickly.

A successful personal injury settlement or verdict can reimburse you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vocational rehabilitation, long-term care costs and other damages. Insurance companies work against you, making lowball settlement offers to provide desperately needed quick cash. If your insurance company is unwilling to settle your case for a fair amount, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents often lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial harm. If you’ve been injured in a crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation for various types of damages:

1. Economic Damages:
   • Medical expenses (current and future)
   • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
   • Property damage
2. Non-Economic Damages:
   • Pain and suffering
   • Emotional distress
   • Loss of enjoyment of life
3. Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or malicious intent, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.

Steps to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Chicago

Filing a motorcycle accident claim in Chicago involves several critical steps:

1. Notify All Parties: Inform your insurance company and the at-fault party's insurer about the accident. Provide only basic details initially to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect all documentation, including police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements, to support your claim.
3. Consult an Attorney: A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, evaluate the value of your claim, and guide you through the process.
4. File a Claim: Your attorney will draft and submit a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurer, outlining the damages and requesting compensation.
5. Negotiate or Litigate: If the insurance company offers a fair settlement, your case may resolve without going to court. Otherwise, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.

Why Choose a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago is one of the best decisions you can make after an accident. Here’s why:

1. Expertise in Local Laws: Chicago has unique traffic and liability laws, and a local lawyer understands how they affect your case.
2. Maximizing Compensation: Insurance companies often undervalue claims. An attorney can ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
3. Handling Complex Cases: Motorcycle accident cases often involve biased assumptions against riders. A skilled attorney can counter these stereotypes and build a compelling case.
4. Peace of Mind: With a lawyer managing legal proceedings and negotiations, you can focus on your recovery.

Benefits of Hiring a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer in Chicago

Many people injured in motorcycle accidents have significantly larger claims than they realize. Unfortunately, many riders with looming medical bills and expenses feel pressured to settle for less than their case is worth. An attorney can pause collection attempts and negotiate reductions in your bills while pursuing full and fair compensation.

Illinois law limits the time you have to file a lawsuit for your injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.