Dedicated Illinois Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Understanding Accidents Involving Motorcycles in Chicago
Motorcycle accidents in Chicago and the surrounding area carry a disproportionate risk of severe injury and death. Although motorcycles make up only a small share of registered vehicles in Illinois, they account for more than 11 percent of all traffic fatalities — 146 motorcyclist deaths out of 1,270 total traffic deaths in 2022. In 2023, Illinois recorded 168 motorcyclist fatalities, representing nearly 14 percent of the state’s traffic deaths.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may face traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, fractures, disfigurement, and long‑term disability. Medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and emotional trauma often accompany such injuries. Even moderate crashes can upend your life and financial security.
Furqan Mohammed has handled motorcycle injury claims in Chicago. Together with his team, Furqan supports you to understand your rights, evaluate your situation, and pursue potential recovery on your behalf.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents and Their Consequences
When a motorcycle crash occurs, the mechanism of the collision often determines the nature and severity of the injuries. Common types of motorcycle accidents and their potential consequences include:
Lowside crash
The rider loses traction (often in a turn) and slides the bike onto its lower side; injuries often include abrasions, fractures, crushed extremities, or limb entrapment.
Highside crash
The bike slips, then suddenly regains grip, catapulting the rider off violently; injuries may include head trauma, spinal damage, and severe fractures.
Topside (over‑the‑handlebars)
Sudden deceleration or frontal impact throws the rider forward; common outcomes are facial trauma, chest injury, and wrist or arm fractures.
Collision with an object or vehicle
Involves the motorcycle striking a fixed object or being struck by another vehicle (e.g., left‑turn collisions, rear-end crashes); injuries vary widely, from internal organ damage to catastrophic injury.
What are the Most Important Illinois Motorcycle Laws?
Specific state laws and regulations can significantly impact both liability and the recovery process. Here are some of the most important statutes to know:
- Eye protection requirement — Illinois law requires that every motorcyclist and passenger be protected by glasses, goggles, or a transparent shield, unless the motorcycle has a windshield that shields the rider’s eyes.
- Passenger equipment — When carrying a passenger (other than in a sidecar), the motorcycle must be equipped with footrests for that passenger.
- Vehicle equipment and design rules — State code limits handlebar height (must be below the rider’s head height) and prohibits riding “no hands” or on one wheel.
- Illinois Insurance Requirements & Coverage Minimums — Motorcyclists must carry motor vehicle insurance (e.g., Illinois minimums of 25/50/20 for bodily injury/property damage).
- Statute of Limitations — In Illinois, most injury claims (including motorcycle accident claims) must be filed within two years from the date of the injury.
- Modified Comparative Fault — Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule: if you are more than 50 % at fault, you may not recover damages; if under that threshold, recovery may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
These statutes determine how fault, damages, and liability are assessed following a collision. Furqan and his team are available to help you understand how these laws may apply to your situation and assist you in navigating the legal process.
When Should You Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
When might it make sense to bring a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side? Here are a few situations where hiring counsel is often warranted:
Severe or catastrophic injuries
When you suffer losses such as traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, amputations, or long‑term disability, legal issues tend to be complex.
Disputed liability or fault
If the other party denies responsibility, multiple parties are involved, or the facts are unclear, an attorney can help uncover and present evidence.
The insurance offer seems inadequate
When the insurance company’s settlement offer is far below what your damages likely justify, legal representation can help push for a fairer value.
Statute of limitations concerns
In Illinois, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident, and failure to act in time risks losing your right to pursue a claim.
How Furqan Mohammed Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, a personal injury attorney can provide valuable services at every stage of your case. Below are key ways Furqan can assist with in Chicago:
- Case evaluation and legal strategy: Assess the strength of your claim, identify applicable laws, and plan a tailored approach.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Secure accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to support your claim.
- Valuation of damages: Quantify both economic losses (medical bills, lost wages) and non‑economic harms (pain and suffering) in a comprehensive demand.
- Communication and negotiation with insurers: Handle correspondence, counter low settlement offers, and advocate for fair treatment.
- Filing pleadings and meeting deadlines: Prepare and file required legal documents properly and on time, helping to preserve your rights.
- Litigation and trial representation: If your case proceeds to court, present arguments, examine witnesses, and protect your interests before a judge or jury.
These services help alleviate the burden of legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Furqan Mohammed is prepared to support you through each of these stages and work to protect your interests during this difficult time.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Chicago, contact Furqan Mohammed today to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- For most personal injury claims in Illinois (including motorcycle accidents), the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury or crash.
- If someone is injured but does not discover the full extent of their injury immediately, Illinois may apply a “discovery rule,” so the clock starts when the injury is (or should reasonably have been) discovered.
- Claims against government entities or public bodies often have shorter notice windows (for example, six months to a year) and special procedural requirements before filing suit.
- If a motorcycle accident results in death, a wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years of the death (not necessarily the crash date).
- Investigation and fact gathering — assessing crash reports, photographs, medical records, witness statements, and vehicle data.
- Insurance claims — filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer (or possibly under your own policy, e.g., uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage).
- Demand for compensation/negotiations — presenting a demand, negotiating a settlement with insurers or their counsel.
- Filing suit (if settlement fails) — preparing a complaint and filing in the appropriate Illinois court before the statute of limitations expires.
- Discovery — exchanging documents, depositions, expert reports, and interrogatories.
- Motions / pretrial work — motions to dismiss, summary judgment, evidentiary challenges, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution.
- Trial (if not settled) — presentation of evidence before a judge or jury.
- Appeal (if necessary) — challenging the outcome to a higher court.
- The right to seek compensation for economic damages (medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages or earning capacity, rehabilitation costs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life).
- The right to receive notice and an opportunity to respond in litigation, deposing opposing parties, presenting your evidence, and cross-examining witnesses.
- The right to appeal an adverse verdict under Illinois appellate procedure, if trial court error is claimed.
- The right to have your case defended by counsel — a lawyer may help ensure all procedural steps are observed, deadlines are met, and that your legal rights are protected.
- The right to settle your claim — you are not obligated to accept an insurer’s offer; you can negotiate or reject a settlement and proceed to trial if it better serves your interests.
