Chicago Blind Spot Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Protecting Motorcyclists Injured in Blind Spot Crashes Across Chicago

Although motorcycles offer a more thrilling driving experience in Chicago, these vehicles come with additional dangers. Other drivers often fail to notice motorcyclists on the road, especially because of blind spots. If you are hurt in this type of collision, a blind spot motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process.

At Chicago Injury Center, we know what it takes to win motorcycle accident claims. Our firm will ensure you have the best chance of securing compensation via a personal injury claim.

Motorcycle Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$925,000 – On Western Avenue near the Kennedy Expressway, Marcus was passing a delivery truck when the driver changed lanes without checking his blind spot. The impact crushed Marcus’s motorcycle, leaving him with multiple leg fractures and months of rehab. Settlement factors included his extended recovery and loss of work.

$1.25 million – Riding along the Dan Ryan Expressway near Bronzeville, Luis was in the far-left lane when a teen driver, unaware of him in her blind spot, veered over and struck his motorcycle. He was thrown from the bike and did not survive. The case value reflected clear liability and the devastating loss to his family.

$7.9 million – While riding through Pilsen on Ashland Avenue, Eric entered an intersection as an SUV turned left, failing to see him in its blind spot. The collision caused catastrophic leg injuries that required amputation. The high settlement reflected the life-changing nature of his injuries and strong evidence of driver negligence.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Our firm has plenty of experience in blind spot accident cases. Chicago Injury Center maintains an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau and a five-star rating from AVVO.

What Serious Injuries Do Motorcyclists Suffer in Blind Spot Accidents?

If other drivers do not notice you on the road, you could suffer serious injuries in a collision, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Severe fractures and road rash
• Internal organ injuries
• Lacerations and contusions
• Crush injuries
• Catastrophic or fatal outcomes

What Damages Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Future care costs
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life

Punitive Damages

• For cases involving gross negligence

What Is the Average Blind Spot Motorcycle Accident Payout?

Injury severity, liability, visibility conditions, and evidence from the accident scene will influence your settlement.

The average payout for a blind spot accident in the US is $4.67 million, with a range of $2,000 to $45 million.

Example Blind Spot Accident Cases Involving Motorcycles

In 2014, Corry was riding his motorcycle on an interstate when a bus in front of him suddenly changed lanes. He suffered serious crush injuries to his pelvis, sacrum, and right leg. Corry sued the bus operator and employer for negligent driving, eventually earning $3.06 million from the employer’s insurance company.

In 2010, Eddie stopped his motorcycle at a red light on a state route on-ramp. At the same time, a truck driver to the right of the motorcycle attempted to merge into Eddie’s lane, striking the bike and knocking him off. After sustaining abdominal, rib, neck, and back injuries. Eddie sued the driver and their employer, securing over $367,000 in damages.

The Challenges of Motorcycle vs Car Accident Cases

Motorcycle riders face unique challenges when suing drivers of other vehicles. There are often stigmas around motorcycle riders, and securing witnesses can be challenging when these smaller vehicles are harder to see on the roads.

Our expert legal team will investigate the crash, secure witness statements, and obtain traffic camera or dashcam footage to support your personal injury claim.

Where Do Blind Spot Motorcycle Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Motorcyclists may face elevated risks in the following Chicago locations:

• Busy expressways entering interchanges (I-94, I-90/94 near downtown)
• Arterial roads (Ashland Avenue, Damen Avenue)
• Delivery zones with frequent door openings near Lakeview or Wicker Park

What Laws Govern Blind Spot Claims in Illinois?

625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1 – Drivers must exercise due care when passing or changing lanes around motorcycles.

Illinois Negligence Per Se Principles – Violating traffic safety rules (like failing to check blind spots) can prove negligence.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

Personal injury claims – 2 years from the date of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202)

Wrongful death lawsuits – 2 years from the date of death (740 ILCS 180/)

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Determining liability will play a key role in your claim’s outcome. Here are some entities that may be at fault for your incident:

• The driver who failed to check their blind spots
• Employers under vicarious liability
• Manufacturers for mechanical failures

Common Defenses & How We Counter Them

Drivers in other vehicles and their defense teams may use the following arguments to undermine your claim:

• “I didn’t see the motorcycle” – Countered with expert reconstructions and blind-spot visibility analysis
• Claim of simultaneous merging – Blocked vision does not excuse the duty of care
• Allegation of fault – Handled with comparative negligence statute and evidence of visibility

How to Strengthen Your Blind Spot Motorcycle Accident Case

You can build a stronger case by following these steps after your accident:

• Seek immediate medical care
• Retain all medical records
• Document the accident scene
• Obtain police reports, witness contact information, and footage
• Avoid premature statements without counsel
• Consult our top-rated Chicago attorneys

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

At Chicago Injury Center, our legal services include:

• Reconstructing accident details using engineering and visual experts
• Securing citation or safety data to prove driver neglect
• Navigating comparative negligence adjustments
• Negotiating settlements with the insurance company
• Taking the case to trial

FAQs

How much do blind spot motorcycle accident attorneys cost in Chicago?

A motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm will work on a contingency fee basis, which means no fees unless we win.

What if the motorcycle rider was partly at fault?

Under state law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 (Illinois Comparative Negligence), you can still seek damages if you are no more than 50% at fault.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

You should never accept an offer from the insurance company without consulting legal professionals, as these initial amounts tend to be low.

Book a Free Consultation

Chicago Injury Center is ready to represent you if you have been hurt in a blind spot accident on a motorcycle. With our contingency fee agreement, there are no costs unless we win.

We represent clients throughout Illinois from our Chicago office. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your blind spot accident.