A motorcycle crash can change your life in seconds. One careless driver can leave you seriously injured and unable to work, and financial pressure builds quickly.
If you were hurt in an accident in Gurnee, you have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable. A Gurnee motorcycle accident lawyer at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates represents injured riders across Lake County. Our firm has stood up for hardworking Illinois families for more than 100 years.
Call (800) 985-1819 to schedule a free consultation.
Why choose Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates?
Choosing the right law firm after a motorcycle crash is a serious decision. You need attorneys who understand what’s at stake and who won’t back down from insurance companies.
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has built its reputation by standing up for injured workers and their families. We know how a sudden injury can affect your ability to earn a living. We also know how to hold negligent parties accountable.
When you work with our Gurnee law firm, you can expect:
- An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer handling your case
- No upfront costs—we work on a contingency fee basis
- Straightforward answers and regular updates
- Determined advocacy against insurance companies
Case Results
$16.4 million – Vehicle Accident Settlement
The jury awarded our client $16.4 million after defense attorneys failed to negotiate a settlement in good faith and within a reasonable timeframe for the benefit of an injured person with severe brain and spinal cord injuries. The opposing counsel went to trial and lost to the Horwitz trial team.
$267,500 – Serious Injury After an Accident
A woman was awarded a $267,500 jury verdict after suffering soft tissue injuries to her neck, shoulders, and upper back that were the result of acute strain and sprain of muscles following a motor vehicle accident.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Client Testimonials
| ★★★★★ “Horwitz, Horwitz & Assoc. is an excellent firm. They were instrumental in aiding me with my injury claim. Most definitely would recommend. – Rudy R. |
| ★★★★★ “This firm is great, they will be with you every step of the way and will get you the results you expect! They are wonderful to work with, always respectful and caring.” – P.H. |
| ★★★★★ “I can’t say enough good things about this law office. Very helpful and professional. Haven’t had a single bad interaction with anyone I’ve met here.” – John |
Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Gurnee
Motorcycle accidents in Gurnee often happen in places locals know well. One congested corridor is east on Grand Avenue near the entrance to Gurnee Mills. Traffic is thick, shoppers are turning in and out of parking lots, and a driver suddenly makes a left turn without noticing the oncoming motorcycle. The rider has no time to react. In just a few seconds, a routine errand becomes a life-changing wreck.
Riders are often injured due to negligence that could have been avoided. Common causes of accidents in Gurnee include:
- Distracted driving, like texting behind the wheel
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Unsafe lane changes and blind spot collisions
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Left-turn crashes involving oncoming motorcycles
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Dangerous road conditions and poor road maintenance
After a crash, police reports from the Gurnee Police Department will often play a role in figuring out what happened.
Common motorcycle accident injuries
Motorcyclists have little protection in a collision compared to larger vehicles. As a result, injuries are often severe and life-altering.
- Traumatic brain injuries: These injuries can affect memory, concentration, and long-term independence.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine may result in paralysis or permanent disability.
- Broken bones: Fractures frequently require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Road rash: Severe abrasions can lead to infection and permanent scarring.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Amputations: High-impact crashes can result in the loss of a limb.
- Burn injuries: Fires and friction can cause severe tissue damage.
Some motorcycle accidents end in tragedy. Families are sometimes left grieving the loss of a loved one, facing not only emotional devastation but also sudden financial uncertainty. In these heartbreaking cases, a wrongful death claim may provide a path toward accountability and financial stability.
What to do after a motorcycle accident
The steps you take after returning home from a crash can influence your recovery and your case. These actions help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
- Seek medical care immediately, even if you feel fine. 24-hour emergency rooms like Northwestern Medicine Emergency Center treat serious injuries after a motorcycle accident
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments
- Document your injuries and keep records of expenses
- Request a copy of your crash report
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal advice
- Preserve photos, videos, dash cam footage, and other evidence
- Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible
Who is liable in a motorcycle accident?
Determining liability is a key part of any personal injury claim. Illinois law allows injured motorcyclists to pursue compensation from negligent parties. Responsible parties can include:
- Drivers who fail to operate their vehicles safely
- Employers of negligent drivers
- Commercial trucking companies
- Manufacturers of defective motorcycles or parts
- Government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation if you are less than 50 percent at fault. Any award is reduced according to your share of responsibility.
How the motorcycle accident claims process works
After a crash, insurance companies often move quickly to limit what they pay. Having an experienced attorney levels the playing field. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we handle every step of the legal process. And remember, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
From the start, our attorneys investigate the accident, gather evidence, review medical records, and consult with experts. When necessary, we work with accident reconstruction specialists to determine exactly how the crash occurred. We then negotiate with insurance companies and file a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your motorcycle
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, you may still recover compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Why insurance companies blame motorcycle riders
Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto motorcyclists. These tactics are designed to reduce payouts. They may argue that:
- The rider was speeding
- The motorcycle was difficult to see
- The rider contributed to the crash
- The injuries are exaggerated
An experienced Gurnee motorcycle accident attorney knows how to challenge these arguments with strong evidence and a clear legal strategy.
Motorcycle helmet laws in Illinois
Illinois is one of the few states without a universal motorcycle helmet law. Riders are not legally required to wear helmets.
Not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from pursuing compensation. Insurance companies may attempt to use this against you, but Illinois law still allows injured riders to recover damages when another party is at fault.
Frequently asked questions about Gurnee motorcycle accidents
How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front, and attorney fees are collected only if we recover compensation. Initial consultations are always free.
What if the driver says they didn’t see me?
Drivers have a legal duty to watch for motorcycles. Failing to see a rider often indicates negligence. Evidence such as witness statements and police reports can help establish fault.
Is it harder to prove fault in a motorcycle accident case?
These cases can be complex, especially when bias against riders is involved. Strong evidence and experienced legal representation can establish liability.
What if I felt fine after the accident but later developed symptoms?
Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not appear immediately. Seeking medical care and an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Gurnee right away protects both your health and your legal rights.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of a motorcycle accident to file a personal injury claim. Wrongful death claims are also typically subject to a two-year deadline. A personal injury attorney can help you file on time.
Speak with a Gurnee motorcycle accident lawyer today
A serious motorcycle accident can leave you facing medical bills and time away from work. You shouldn’t have to handle the aftermath alone.
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has spent more than a century fighting for injured riders across Illinois. If you were hurt in an accident in Gurnee, our attorneys are ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call (800) 985-1819 today to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online to speak with a Gurnee motorcycle accident lawyer.
