Compensation for Motorcycle Head Injuries in Chicago

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable for Serious Head Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous, especially in a densely populated area like Chicago. If you are a motorcyclist who is involved in a collision, there is only so much a helmet can do to protect you, so you will face a higher risk of suffering head or brain damage. Motorcycle head injuries can have a major impact on your future, so it is important to know your legal rights if someone else’s negligence caused your accident.

Chicago Injury Center is a law firm specializing in helping injured victims seek compensation via personal injury claims. Our team can guide you through the claims process after a motorcycle accident to obtain the settlement you deserve as a result of your severe injuries.

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

$8.98 million – On Ashland Avenue near the West Loop, Robert was riding his motorcycle when a delivery truck made a sudden left turn directly into his path. He suffered catastrophic head trauma and died at the scene. The case value was driven by witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and the trucking company’s poor driver safety record.

$2.8 million – Traveling along I-55 near Bridgeport, Kevin, a 20-year-old college student, collided with a stalled truck that had no hazard lights or warning signs. He suffered fatal head injuries. Accident reconstruction and federal trucking safety violations were key factors in securing the recovery for his family.

$330,000 – Riding as a passenger along Lake Shore Drive, Emily was thrown onto the roadway when a car veered into their lane, forcing the motorcycle to swerve. She sustained a concussion and multiple abrasions. Liability was shared between the car driver and the motorcycle operator, but expert crash analysis helped secure a strong result.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

If you suffer a severe traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced legal team to ensure you receive maximum compensation. Chicago Injury Center maintains a five-star rating from AVVO, and we are recognized among the top 5% of attorneys by Super Lawyers.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Head and Brain Injuries in Chicago Motorcycle Accidents?

Severe brain injuries can be the result of various accident causes, including:

• Collisions with turning vehicles at intersections
• Dooring accidents in congested urban streets
• Rear-end motorcycle collisions leading to an ejection
• Lane-splitting crashes
• Poorly maintained roads and potholes
• Striking stationary objects after losing control
• Falling on the road surface without a motorcycle helmet on

What Types of Head Injuries Can Occur in Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are commonly associated with the following serious injuries, which involve varying degrees of physical damage:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Brain tissue damage
• Skull fractures
• Concussions
• Hematomas (epidural, subdural)
• Diffuse Axonal Injury
• Penetrating head trauma
• Facial and jaw fractures
• Dental issues
• Ruptured blood vessels

What Damages Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Recover for Head Injuries in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Medical costs (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and physical therapist expenses
• Emergency surgery and intensive care fees
• Assistive medical equipment
• Home modifications for disability

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Loss of consortium

What Is the Average Payout for Head Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes?

Some factors that will influence your settlement include injury severity, long-term impact, liability, and insurance policy limits.

The average settlement for head or brain injuries in a motorcycle crash is $3.1 million, with a range from $4,500 to almost $288 million.

Example Cases Involving Severe Head Injury

In 2017, Christopher was exiting a gas station on his motorcycle when he was broadsided by a service truck and dragged 19 feet along the ground. Christopher suffered a traumatic brain injury and was the main earner for his family. He sued the driver of the truck and their employer, eventually winning roughly $60,69 million.

In 2021, Jonathon was riding his motorcycle and made a right turn onto a side road. Meanwhile, a garbage truck pulled out of a parking lot and turned left onto the same road. Jonathon hit the garbage truck and suffered a traumatic brain injury along with other injuries. He sued the driver and their employer for negligence, claiming they should have seen him. He received $31.5 million after being found 25% liable.

How Common Are Head Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes?

According to a PubMed study of motorcycle brain injuries, the mortality rate for motorcycle riders without helmets was 25%, while the rate for those who wore helmets was 7%. Without a helmet, you are more likely to suffer a mild TBI or even death.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that traffic crashes in 2019 resulted in motorcyclist fatalities 29 times more frequently than passenger vehicles. Wearing a helmet is 37% effective in preventing deaths among motorcyclists, so these laws can save lives by protecting the rider’s head. Some states that have implemented a universal helmet law have seen a dramatic decline in traumatic brain injury rates and fatalities.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Chicago?

For personal injury claims, you have two years from the date of the accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

For wrongful death lawsuits, you have two years from the date of the victim’s death (740 ILCS 180/).

Who Pays for Medical Costs Due to Head and Brain Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes?

Determining the liable party is an important step for your traumatic brain injury claim. Here are some potentially liable parties:

• Negligent drivers
• Employers of commercial drivers under vicarious liability
• Government entities responsible for hazardous road conditions
• Manufacturers of defective helmets or motorcycle components

How to Strengthen Your Case in Chicago

Your actions after a motorcycle accident can make all the difference in filing a successful claim. Here are the steps you must take immediately after the collision:

• Seek immediate medical care and follow all treatment plans
• Get a complete neurological damage evaluation and brain imaging
• Retain medical records, such as images of brain tissue damage
• Obtain the police report and witness statements
• Preserve the helmet and damaged gear for evidence
• Avoid social media posts or statements that could minimize your injuries
• Consult our expert attorneys

How a Chicago Motorcycle Crash Lawyer Can Help

Our legal services include:

• Investigating the crash scene
• Obtaining an accident reconstruction analysis
• Working with neurologists and life care planners
• Negotiating with insurance companies for full compensation
• Taking your case to trial if necessary

FAQs

Are there helmet laws for motorcyclists in Illinois?

Currently, there is no requirement for wearing a helmet in Illinois. Although there are no helmet laws, you are required to implement some form of eye protection, such as goggles or a windshield.

Does helmet use prevent injuries?

A motorcycle helmet can be extremely effective in preventing injuries for motorcycle riders and passengers. Wearing a helmet could be the difference between suffering minor head injuries and a traumatic brain injury.

What are the long-term complications associated with head and brain trauma?

Brain damage can have serious consequences that affect you for the rest of your life. Long-term symptoms may include vision loss, memory loss, motor function difficulties, cognitive decline, persistent headaches, sleep disturbances, and speech difficulties.

Book a Free Consultation

A severe TBI can turn your life upside down. Chicago Injury Center can help you recover compensation if you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win. You can also ask questions about the legal process upfront during a free consultation.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with the top lawyers in Chicago, serving clients across Illinois.