How to choose a motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago
Motorcycle Accident - June 30, 2026 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
To effectively choose a motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago, accident victims typically need to research law firms to learn more about their experience and track record in similar cases. A motorcycle crash is different from a car or truck accident, since the injuries can be much more severe. A Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates explains what to look for and which questions to ask to get the representation and compensation you need.
What should you look for in a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Personal injury lawyers often represent individuals across a wide range of accidents, but that doesn’t mean they are the best fit for you after a motorbike crash. Ideally, you’ll choose a motorcycle accident attorney who can offer the following:
- Hands-on experience representing riders against insurance companies and in court
- Trial readiness to prepare and present your case if it goes to court
- Connections with accident reconstruction experts to recreate the events leading to your injuries
- Relationships with medical specialists who can diagnose and treat your injuries, like road rash and traumatic brain injuries
- Experience in local Illinois and Chicago courtrooms
- A support team of paralegals and researchers who can help build your case
You should also expect solid negotiation skills so your attorney can push the insurance company toward a fair settlement. Your motorcycle accident lawyer and their team should treat you with respect and keep you informed throughout. They should make you feel at ease and confident in your ability to pursue compensation from those at fault.
What if you’re partly at fault?
Unfortunately, many motorcycle accident claims involve some negligence by the rider. It’s essential that you and your attorney honestly discuss what happened and examine the evidence closely. Insurance companies may insist you are mostly to blame and deny your claim, but you can often still seek compensation.
Under Illinois’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can’t recover damages if you’re found more than 50% at fault. If you’re assigned a smaller share, such as 20%, your settlement is reduced by that percentage. A motorcycle accident attorney can work to minimize the fault assigned to you and show how others contributed to the crash.
Why does motorcycle-specific experience matter so much?
Without the airbags and seatbelts that protect people in cars, motorcyclists face a much higher risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Although motorcycles represent just 3% of registered vehicles on the road, they account for 15% of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Drivers in larger vehicles often ignore or overlook motorcycles. They may also drive less carefully and fail to leave enough room around these smaller vehicles. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include failing to yield the right-of-way during left turns to a motorcyclist, poor road conditions from unmaintained roads, and road rage against riders.
As a result, your lawyer should have motorcycle-specific experience to understand the importance of medical records, photos, traffic video, and police reports in demonstrating who’s to blame for your injuries. They should also understand the possible exceptions to the Illinois statute of limitations that could affect your case. Generally, you only have 2 years to file a lawsuit, but there could be circumstances that shorten or extend that deadline.
What questions should you ask, and how are fees handled?
Here are common questions you should ask when interviewing motorcycle accident lawyer candidates:
- How many motorcycle accident claims have you handled?
- What are your past results with motorcycle crash cases?
- Do you understand the unique concerns associated with motorcycle collisions?
- How will you fight back against motorcycle bias?
- How do you calculate pain and suffering for my case?
Motorcycle accident victims often have substantial bills associated with their lost wages, medical care, property damage, and pain and suffering. If you’re permanently disabled, you could require compensation for lifelong, round-the-clock nursing care, lost earning capacity, and loss of enjoyment of life. Fortunately, most personal injury attorneys use a contingency fee payment plan so you don’t incur additional costs before your case settles.
With contingency, your attorney’s fees are a percentage of your settlement, leaving the rest to you so you can pay your medical bills and other costs, then move forward with your life. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you through a settlement or jury award.
Connect with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates after your motorcycle crash
Motorcycle accident claims can be complex, with defendants and insurance companies insisting you’re to blame for your own injuries. Instead of paying for the consequences of another motorist’s negligence, contact us online at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates to arrange a free consultation with a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer. Get started by calling (800) 985-1819 to discuss your case.
