Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Serving Rockford, Illinois and Surrounding Areas
Get Help After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’re looking for _Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers_, you’re probably dealing with a situation that feels unfair—because it often is. A motorcycle rider can do everything right and still get hit by a driver who “didn’t see” the bike. And once the insurance company gets involved, they may try to turn a clear crash into a blame game. The sooner you talk to _Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers_, the sooner you can protect the evidence that proves what actually happened.
Here’s what many riders don’t realize: motorcycle claims are often judged differently than car claims even when the facts are the same. Adjusters may assume the rider was speeding, weaving, or taking risks. That bias is exactly why your early steps matter. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports 3,361 motorcycle crashes in 2024, with 2,556 motorcyclists injured and 144 fatalities statewide. Those numbers are a reminder that motorcycle collisions are rarely “minor,” and the cost of waiting can be high—especially when evidence fades and memories change.
When you hire Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers, the goal is simple: make the case about facts, not assumptions. That starts with preserving the details that insurance companies and defense teams will look at first—scene evidence, witness statements, medical documentation, and vehicle damage. It also means getting your story documented correctly from the beginning, so your injuries aren’t minimized later.
What to do after a motorcycle crash (the practical version)
If you’re safe and able, focus on three things: medical care, documentation, and protecting your statement. Get checked out even if you think you’ll “shake it off.” Then document what you can (photos, road conditions, the other driver’s info, and any witnesses). And before you give a recorded statement, understand that insurers can use your words out of context to reduce your claim. A quick call to Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers can help you avoid mistakes that are hard to fix later.
“Do I have to be wearing a helmet for my case to matter?”
No. Illinois does not require helmets for motorcycle riders, though helmets are strongly encouraged for safety. Illinois does require protective eyewear (glasses/goggles/transparent shield). What matters for your claim is what caused the crash and how the injuries changed your life—not whether the insurance company wants to argue stereotypes about riders.
Fault questions come up fast in motorcycle cases
Riders also worry: “What if they say I’m partly at fault?” Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule—generally, you can recover damages if you are not more than 50% at fault (and your recovery may be reduced by your share). That’s why it’s so important to get a clear record early—because fault arguments are one of the first ways insurers try to shrink a motorcycle claim.
If you’re ready to talk to someone who understands how motorcycle cases are really defended, call or text Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at (815) 964-8303. You don’t pay to call, and there’s no fee unless there’s a recovery. And if you’re wondering what to do next, we’ll walk you through it—clearly, calmly, and with a plan.
Last note (because timing matters): If you want evidence preserved and your options protected, it helps to speak with Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers as soon as you reasonably can.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers take riders’ rights and privileges seriously. Drivers in Illinois have an obligation to be aware of and look out for motorcycles. We see the campaigns every year – LOOK OUT FOR MOTORCYCLES. Yet Illinois still averages over 3,000 motorcycle-related cases every year.
Have you just been in an accident – Jump to – What Do I Do After A Motorcycle Crash?
Our lawyers are very experienced in working motorcycle accident cases. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash it’s important to contact us ASAP and we can help guide you on what to do next. Calling our law office is at NO CHARGE to you. Calling us should be done as soon as your safe and you’re able to.
5.0
Rockford Personal Injury Lawyers helped me with my accident case and made me feel at ease. Would highly recommend.
ANDREW M
READ MORE REVIEWS
Cause of Motorcycle Accidents
It is true that in some motorcycle crashes, the person at fault is the motorcyclist, but there are also numerous cases of motorcycle crash accidents caused by drivers and other factors. Here are some common causes of motorcycle crash accidents in Illinois:
- Distracted driving by other motorists
- Making a turn in front of a cyclist
- Unsafe lane change by another motorist not looking for motorcycles
- Road debris
- Animals/Wildlife
- Other vehicles not obeying traffic control lights or stop signs
Types of Injuries Suffered by Motorcyclists Involved in Accidents
Some riders are lucky enough to walk away from an accident with bumps and bruises, but often, motorcyclists are significantly injured. These are examples of motorcycle injuries that frequently occur that can cause a trip and lengthy stay at a hospital, plus require a long term recovery effort to overcome the injury(s):
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), even with a properly worn and certified helmet
- Neck/spine injury (even if a helmet is being worn, a fall can cause someone to land in a compromised position, or onto a variety of harsh surfaces)
- Road rash if protective gear is inadequate or not being worn
- Biker’s arm (nerve damage from falling while on a bike)
- Facial injuries
- Broken or Fractured bones from being thrown from a bike
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance adjuster?
You can, but be careful—recorded statements can be used to limit your claim. It’s often smarter to understand your rights and what evidence should exist before giving a detailed statement.
Why are motorcycle accident claims treated differently than car accident claims?
Because bias is real, and the injuries are often more serious. Insurers may assume the rider took risks, so your case needs clear facts—scene details, medical records, and consistent documentation.
What if the driver says they “didn’t see” me?
That’s one of the most common explanations. The real question is whether the driver failed to yield, turned left in front of you, changed lanes unsafely, or ignored traffic controls—things that are preventable.
Do I still have a case if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
Yes. Illinois does not require helmets. What matters is who caused the crash and the damages you suffered.
Can I still recover compensation if I’m partly at fault?
Often yes—Illinois uses modified comparative fault. In general, you may recover if you are not more than 50% at fault, though your recovery can be reduced by your share of fault.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?
Many injury cases must be filed within two years, though exceptions can apply. Acting early also helps protect evidence and witness availability.
What damages can be included in a motorcycle injury claim?
Medical bills, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and the long-term impact on your daily life. The right documentation makes a major difference.
What does a free consultation look like?
We’ll review how the crash happened, your injuries, what evidence should exist, and the next best step—without pressure.
WHAT IF YOU WERE PARTIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN MOTORCYCLE CRASH?
You may still have a path forward to being covered.
Illinois follows a theory of comparative negligence. This means that the court or jury can look at how much each party contributed to an accident.
If a bike is going slightly over the speed limit but a car runs a red light and pulls out in front of a biker with a green light. The trier of fact can apportion blame in a percentage fashion – if you are less than half responsible for the crash occurring you can still receive financial compensation.
So, if a jury finds that your injuries for bodily injury/medical bills, pain, and suffering are $100,000.00 but they believe that you are 20% responsible for the crash occurring. You would be awarded $80,000.00. If the Jury believed you were 51% responsible for the crash then you would not receive anything.
Because of these issues you should ALWAYS AVOID SPEAKING TO INSURANCE COMPANIES AFTER A CRASH OCCURS. They will 100% use your statements to try and undermine your claim. Even if you say, “I am sorry, it might be my fault”, that admission can be used against you and can severely undercut a future claim on your behalf. Instead, contact us, 24/7/365 to talk about your rights PRIOR to making any statements to insurance providers.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER A MOTORCYCLE CRASH?
In the moments after a crash, you likely feel confused and unsure of what to do. But right after the incident, even at the scene itself, issues will come up that can make or break your claim in the future. Remember these five things to do right after your motorcycle crash:
- Get medical attention – take care of yourself (that is 100% the most important part of any injury-related case)
- Report the accident to law enforcement if you’re able to
- Gather evidence, if you are able to take photos or videos of the scene
- Contact an attorney
- DO NOT TALK TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY
WHAT COMPENSATION IS AVAILABLE TO ME, OR TO MY PASSENGER?
Our purpose is to take charge over your financial recovery so that you can focus on your treatment and physical recovery. Illinois law allows an injured motorcyclist to possibly recover financial compensation based on the following types of damages:
- Pain and Suffering: An injured biker or his/her passenger can recover from pain and suffering related to an initial injury as well as residual pain related to the injury and any surgeries or other treatment they may have to endure during the pendency of a treatment plan.
- Medical Expenses: All medical bills stemming from treatment related to the crash. This includes ongoing care, emergency room treatment, ambulance trips, doctor bills, hospital bills, surgical bills, rehabilitation center bills, physical therapy bills, assistive medical devices, nursing care, and any medications.
- Lost Income: You may recover lost wages if you are temporarily or permanently prevented from working in the same capacity you did prior to the crash. For example, if you are disabled and cannot return to a job where you previously were physically active such as a roofer, or other labor-intensive career and you were making $80,000 per year, and you are expected to work another 20 more years, your wage claim for lost wages would be 1.6 million dollars less any projected income you could earn doing a less physically taxing line of work (if possible).
- Disability: You may receive compensation for the things that you are unable to do that you enjoyed doing prior to your accident if your injuries prevent you from doing them again in the future. So someone that has an affinity for hunting or fishing where they are using their arms or legs in their hobby would have a claim to disability if they could not do those activities any longer. Likewise, if someone is a runner but has suffered a significant knee or leg injury they can make a claim to disability based on not being able to pursue that hobby any longer.
- Wrongful Death: The family of a person killed in a motorcycle accident or who later dies from injuries related to a motorcycle-related crash can pursue damages under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. The act allows for recovery for financial and emotional support that the deceased provided to the survivors. (more on that under our section for Wrongful Death Cases).
Contact a Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle-related accident in Rockford or the surrounding area, please don’t hesitate to contact Rockford Personal Injury Lawyers. Our phone number is (815) 964-8303, and we can be reached by phone or text 24/7/365. We do home, hospital, and rehabilitation center visits. There is never a fee unless we win a recovery for you.