Nighttime Motorcycle Accident Cases in Chicago

Compassionate and Skilled Representation for Riders Hurt After Dark in Chicago

Motorcyclists in Chicago face elevated risks of accidents, especially at night. These smaller vehicles are harder to spot, so other drivers may hit them and cause serious injuries. At Chicago Injury Center, we can help motorcyclists navigate nighttime motorcycle accident cases to seek compensation for legal damages.

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

$200,000 – Late at night on 95th Street in Oak Lawn, Mark rode through an intersection when a pickup truck ran a stop sign and struck him. The crash caused a crush injury to his leg and knee, and an MRI revealed a torn meniscus requiring surgery. The case value reflected the severity of the injury and the clear violation.

$1 million – On a dimly lit stretch of Archer Avenue in Garfield Ridge, Paul was riding home when a car made a sudden left turn in front of him. The collision was fatal, and evidence showed the driver failed to see him until it was too late. The settlement reflected the profound loss to his family and the strong liability case.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Our expert attorneys are some of the best legal professionals in Chicago, maintaining an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau. Our head attorney is also a contributing author for the National Law Review.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents While Riding at Night in Chicago?

Motorcycle accidents happen during nighttime driving for various reasons:

• Reduced visibility
• Impaired or drowsy drivers not noticing a brake light
• Distracted driving
• Blinding glare from headlights
• Poorly lit streets
• Drunk drivers
• Higher speeds
• Blind spots
• Fatigue-induced delayed reaction
• A lack of reflective tape or reflective clothing
• Faulty brake light or turn signal

What Injuries Are Often Sustained in Motorcycle Crashes?

A motorcycle crash at night could cause the following severe injuries, especially if you are not wearing a face shield, eye protection, or leather clothing:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Severe fractures
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Organ damage
• Road rash

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Lost income
• Medical expenses
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

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

Punitive Damages

• For gross negligence or reckless conduct

What Is the Average Payout for a Nighttime Motorcycle Crash?

Relevant factors that may affect your settlement include injury severity, rider visibility, lighting conditions, and liability. The average settlement for a nighttime motorcycle crash is $2.23 million, with a range of $7,325 to $21.34 million.

Example Cases

In 2019, a man named Sean was riding at night when a police cruiser made a left turn across multiple lanes of traffic at an intersection and struck him. Sean suffered injuries to his legs and hips, causing him to sue the police department for the officer being a negligent driver. He was awarded $20.84 million.

Shortly after midnight, Michael was riding a motorcycle near an intersection when he was struck from behind by an SUV. The driver fled the scene but was found later with an elevated blood alcohol level. Michael died at the scene, and his family secured $17 million in the wrongful death suit.

Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer

Darkness can amplify the negligent actions of other drivers, contributing to liability. Our firm will reconstruct lighting conditions, retrieve vehicle data, and establish fault even if the rider was less visible.

How Common Are Motorcycle Crashes at Night?

Many fatal motorcycle accidents happen at night across the United States. In 2023, 1,740 motorcycle deaths occurred between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am.

Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur in Chicago at Night?

Car accidents involving motorcycles are more likely to occur in the following locations:

• Expressways and ramps (I‑90/94, I‑55)
• Dimly lit arterial roads in residential or industrial areas
• Near bars or nightlife districts

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Illinois?

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 Liable for Nighttime Motorcycle Riding Accidents?

Liable parties in a motorcycle riding accident may include:

• Negligent motorist (impaired driving or speeding)
• Employer (if an employee is driving)
• Government entity for poor road lighting
• Vehicle manufacturer for defective parts

Common Defenses & How We Counter Them

• “I didn’t see them” – We will use lighting analysis, expert testimony, and reflective gear evidence
• Speeding claims from riders – We compare speeds from vehicle data and dashcams
• Shared fault due to low visibility – Motorists must drive safely regardless of conditions

How to Strengthen Your Case

The following steps will help you build a successful claim after an accident during nighttime riding:

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Take photos of the accident scene
• Collect witness information and dashcam or surveillance footage
• Avoid statements to insurers or other motorists without counsel
• Consult our top-rated law firm in Chicago

How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

Whether your accident was caused by someone changing lanes, poor road conditions, or the blinding use of high beams, Chicago Injury Center can provide crucial legal services during the claims process:

• Reconstructing the scene using lighting and visibility experts
• Obtaining police reports and weather data
• Assessing lighting conditions
• Proving driver impairment or reckless conduct
• Negotiating or litigating to maximize compensation

Book a Free Consultation

Although it may be wise to avoid riding at night due to the higher risk, motorcyclists have the freedom to use the roads when they want. Other vehicles must still drive defensively to prevent dangerous accidents. If you are injured while riding at night, Chicago Injury Center will help you establish liability and seek compensation.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Our firm can represent clients throughout Cook County and Illinois from our Chicago office.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.