Motorcycle Accident FAQs

Cook County Attorney for Injured Motorcycle Riders

Have you been injured while riding your motorcycle in Northern Illinois? If you have, you may be facing a long road toward a full physical recovery. In the meantime, you may have medical bills and other losses piling up—bills that you should not be responsible for paying if another party's negligence caused your accident. At Gruzmark Law, Ltd. , we have a strong history of success in motorcycle crash injury cases, and we know what it takes to get results. Here are just a few of the most common questions we get from injured riders who contact our firm:

Q. What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Illinois?

A. Despite common stereotypes and biases, a motorcycle crash is often caused by someone other than the rider. Drivers in other vehicles might fail to see the motorcycle, or they might be distracted by their cell phones or passengers in their vehicles. Poorly maintained roadways, speeding, and motorists who fail to yield the right of way can also cause devastating motorcycle accidents.

Q. I was blamed for an accident that was not my fault. What should I do now?

A. There are certainly motorcycle riders who ride too fast, perform dangerous stunts, and weave recklessly around other vehicles on the road, but such riders represent just a small fraction of all motorcycle enthusiasts. Most riders are safe, law-abiding motorists who do everything they can to share the road responsibly. Unfortunately, due to the more dangerous riders, biases exist against all motorcyclists, and it is not uncommon for a rider to be blamed for an accident when he or she was actually riding safely and in accordance with all traffic laws. Such blame could even be assigned in a police report or insurance claim. If you have been blamed for a crash that you did not cause, it is important to speak with an experienced motorcycle crash attorney at our firm right away. We will work hard to protect your rights and best interests, regardless of what the official reports say at first.

Q. Can I collect compensation for a hit-and-run accident involving my motorcycle?

A. Under Illinois law, when a traffic accident occurs that causes bodily injury or substantial property damage, all involved parties are required to report the accident to the police. In some cases, however, the at-fault party will simply drive away and never report the crash. If you were riding your motorcycle and were involved in a hit-and-run accident, a qualified personal injury lawyer can help you track down the at-fault driver so that they can be held accountable for the injuries they caused.

Q. I wasn't wearing a helmet. Can I still collect damages from the driver who caused my motorcycle accident?

A. According to the law in Illinois, a motorcycle rider is not required to wear a helmet while riding. There is also no law stating that you cannot collect compensation for an accident if you are not wearing a helmet. In some cases, insurance companies and attorneys for those who caused crashes will attempt to lower their payouts because the injured rider did not wear a helmet. If you are facing such a situation, our attorneys are ready to help you protect your rights. Your freedom to ride without a helmet does not affect your right to compensation when another party has caused your injuries.

Q. How much will my motorcycle crash case be worth?

A. Every case is different, and it is impossible to offer an estimate regarding the value of a motorcycle crash case without analyzing the specific circumstances. In general, however, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life, depending on the nature and severity of your injuries. An experienced motorcycle crash lawyer at our firm can help you understand the potential value of your case.

Q. Who should I call for help following an Illinois motorcycle crash?

A. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, the team at Gruzmark Law, Ltd. , is ready and willing to go to work on your behalf. Contact our office by calling 847-729-7660 to schedule a free consultation today. We serve injured riders throughout Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, the North Shore, Glenview, Northbrook, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Skokie and surrounding communities.