If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Joliet or anywhere in Will County, you may be entitled to compensation under Illinois law—but time matters. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies begin building their defense immediately.

At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we’ve represented injury victims since 1924 and know how serious motorcycle crashes can be. Riders often suffer more severe injuries, and insurers frequently try to shift blame onto them.

Our job is simple: protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Why Injured Riders in Joliet Choose Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

Choosing the right law firm after a motorcycle accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we bring a long history of success and a commitment to fighting for injured clients across Illinois.

Over 100 years of representing injury victims and their families
Extensive experience handling complex and high-value motorcycle accident claims
Trial-ready attorneys prepared to take your case to court when necessary
No upfront fees. You only pay if we recover compensation for you

Our firm has secured substantial results for injury victims across Illinois, including a $16 million recovery for a seriously injured client, demonstrating our ability to take on major insurers and secure meaningful outcomes.

We don’t approach cases looking for quick settlements. We build every case with the expectation that it may go to trial, which puts pressure on insurers and positions our clients for the strongest possible outcome.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Joliet

After a motorcycle accident, there are several steps you should take to preserve your rights.

1. Seek medical attention.

If you have been injured, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Your personal injury attorney will help you recover by making sure that all of your hospital bills are paid and helping you through every step of the process.

2. Take pictures of the accident scene.

If it is safe, you should take photographs of the motorcycle accident scene with your cell phone or camera. These photos will be important evidence in proving how the accident took place.

3. Do not speak to insurance companies without legal representation.

Never consult an experienced Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer without consulting an insurance adjuster. Insurance companies are looking to pay as little money as possible for your claim and will often try to offer you a quick settlement before hearing all of the facts of your case.

4. Do not give a recorded statement.

Under no circumstances should you speak to investigators or give a recorded statement without first speaking with an attorney from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates.

What Are The Elements of A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

There are several elements to a motorcycle accident claim, including:

Damages – Damages in a personal injury case include damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income.
Negligence – The other party was negligent (or legally at fault) if they breached their duty of care to you and injured you.
Proximate Cause – Proximate cause is a legal term that essentially means to establish that the defendant was, in fact, responsible for your injuries.
Causation – Causation looks at whether or not there are any other factors involved in the accident, such as defective machinery, improper road conditions, etc.

What Types of Damages Can I Claim In a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

Economic

Economic damages are any costs directly attributed to the accident, such as medical bills and lost income.

Several economic damages can be claimed in a motorcycle accident lawsuit, including:

Medical bills
Lost income
Lost earning potential
Costs of rehabilitation
Property damage.

Economic damages are calculated by determining the costs that stem from the accident, such as lost wages and future income losses. That’s why it’s so important to keep all of your medical bills, car repair bills, and other records.

Non-Economic

Several types of non-economic damage claims can be made in motorcycle accident claims.

Some of these include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Disfigurement or permanent scarring
Loss of consortium.

Pain and suffering damages are the most common type of damage claim we see in motorcycle accident cases. They are non-economic forms of damage, which means they cannot be calculated on paper. Instead, pain and suffering claims weigh heavily on how much money a jury awards to compensate the injured party.

Punitive

Punitive damages are only awarded in the most extreme cases.

Three factors determine an appropriate amount to award for punitive damages:

The conduct of the defendant leading up to the accident
Whether or not there was any criminal wrongdoing involved with the accident, such as drunk driving
How much money have you already received in compensation?

To win a punitive damages claim, you must prove that the defendant’s conduct before and after the accident was so reckless that it warrants a punitive charge. The judge determines whether the facts meet the standard for allowing the jury to consider punitive damages, and the jury determines the amount.

The point of punitive damages is not necessarily to award you, the plaintiff, but to punish the defendant for wrongdoing. Remember, this type of damage is rare but occasionally awarded.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injuries because riders have far less protection than those in passenger vehicles. Some of the most common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Road rash and severe skin abrasions
Broken bones and fractures
Internal injuries and bleeding
Soft tissue damage (muscles, ligaments, tendons)
Neck, back, and spinal injuries

Many of these injuries require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work. In more severe cases, they can result in long-term or permanent complications, which is why it is important to fully understand the value of your claim before accepting any settlement.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are often caused by driver negligence or unsafe road conditions. Common causes include:

Rear-End Collisions

Drivers who follow too closely or fail to notice motorcycles may crash into them from behind, often causing serious injuries.

Poor Road Conditions

Rain, fog, snow, and poorly maintained roads (like potholes or uneven pavement) can make riding dangerous. In some cases, a government entity may be responsible.

Road Construction Hazards

Loose gravel, uneven surfaces, poor signage, and sudden barriers can create dangerous conditions for motorcyclists, increasing the risk of losing control.

Blind Spot Accidents

Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss. Crashes often occur when drivers change lanes or merge without properly checking their blind spots.

Drivers Cutting Off Motorcycles

Accidents frequently happen when drivers turn or merge in front of a motorcycle without enough space, leaving riders little time to react.

Distracted Driving

Drivers using phones or not paying attention to the road are a major cause of motorcycle accidents, especially in traffic or on highways.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications can impair a driver’s ability to safely share the road, putting motorcyclists at serious risk.

Do I need an attorney for my motorcycle accident?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, consulting an attorney in Will County is certainly in your best interest. Motorcycle accidents can be incredibly complicated, and insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid compensating you for your injuries. You need an experienced Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer on your side. Not only can your attorney assist you in negotiating settlement amounts, but they can also help you receive the medical treatment you need to recover. They will work to support you while you heal and handle the complex proceedings of managing your legal claim.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates at (800) 985-1819 or contact us online. We will fight for your rights and get you the compensation that is rightfully yours under Illinois law.

When to Hire a Joliet Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is necessary to get an experienced Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer on your side immediately. Motorcycle accident injuries can be very serious and, in most cases, require immediate medical attention. Your attorney will need the time to fully investigate the circumstances of your case to build a strong legal argument on your behalf.

A personal injury lawyer in Joliet can help you receive the medical attention and financial support you need during this difficult time. We will take care of all the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on getting better.

Contact a Joliet Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a lawyer right away. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is a renowned Joliet law firm that can help you recover. We know how challenging accidents can be for victims. That’s why our goal is to provide compassionate legal representation with every case we take. We are experts in personal injury law and will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

You may be entitled to money for medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Don’t wait – call (800) 985-1819 today for a free consultation.

Motorcycle Accident Questions and Answers

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit?

Illinois’s standard statute of limitations is within two years of the accident. If the injuries affected your memory or left you incapacitated, you may be able to file an accident claim beyond this statute. An experienced lawyer knows how to handle the different aspects of a motorcycle accident case. They will be able to help you file a claim, deal with the insurance company, and represent you in court, if necessary. You must hire an attorney who knows the ins and outs of personal injury law and has experience with motorcycle accident cases.

The attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates have helped victims of motorcycle accidents for years. We know what it takes to get the best results for our clients.

How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is a contingency-based firm. This means that you only pay us if we win your case! We do not charge any upfront fees. Our business is built on relationships and providing our clients with the best representation possible.

What if I was partially to blame for my motorcycle accident?

It is possible to recover compensation even if you are partly at fault. However, the amount of money you will receive will depend on how much responsibility the court decides falls on each party.

For example, if the other driver was speeding and ran a red light, but it was determined that you were 20% at fault, then you can only recover 80% of your damages from the other driver. Call (800) 985-1819 now to learn more.

What if a loved one died from a motorcycle accident?

If your family member has died as a result of a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. This is a separate case from an ordinary personal injury lawsuit. We have handled these cases for years and know how to work with families in this difficult time so that they can focus on what is most important: remembering their lost loved one.

Motorcycle accidents can happen in an instant, leaving victims with serious injuries and high medical bills. A Joliet motorcycle accident lawyer, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, wants to help victims get the compensation they deserve. Call (800) 985-1819 now to speak with an attorney.