Speeding Motorcycle Accident Cases in Chicago

Holding Speeding Motorcyclists and Negligent Drivers Accountable

Speeding is a dangerous practice on Chicago roads. When a vehicle speeds, the risk of a crash increases, as well as the severity of potential injuries. Speeding motorcycle accident cases can be complex with more serious injuries, so you may need legal assistance from an experienced firm to recover the compensation you deserve.

Chicago Injury Center is a crack legal team that specializes in helping injured victims pursue compensation. Our firm will guide you through the legal process to secure a fair settlement if you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident that involved speeding.

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

$500,000 – Riding as a passenger on a motorcycle along Lake Shore Drive, Emily was thrown to the pavement when a speeding sedan cut too close in traffic. She suffered multiple fractures to her arm that required surgery and physical therapy. The high rate of speed at impact, along with the driver’s reckless lane change, played a key role in the settlement.

$570,000 – While traveling through a no-passing zone on Cicero Avenue, David was thrown from his motorcycle when a driver illegally tried to pass at high speed. He suffered a peroneal nerve injury that developed into permanent drop foot. Despite the defense claiming the injury was pre-existing, traffic reconstruction data proved the driver was far over the posted speed limit.

$1.25 million – On the Dan Ryan Expressway, Carlos was riding home from work when a speeding teen driver lost control and struck his motorcycle. Carlos tragically died at the scene. His family’s case was strengthened by eyewitness accounts, accident reconstruction showing excessive speed was the primary cause, and the driver’s history of citations.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

The best injury firm in the Windy City can help you fight for fair compensation for severe injuries. The team has an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, and our head attorney is a contributing author for the National Law Review.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Speeding Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago?

People driving above the posted speed limit can cause accidents for a multitude of reasons:

• Excessive speed in congested traffic
• Aggressive lane changes at high speed
• Reckless driving through intersections
• Failure to adjust speed in poor weather conditions
• Racing with other drivers or stunt riding on city streets

What Are Common Injuries Associated with High Speed Crashes?

Motorcyclists face elevated risks of serious injuries in speeding accidents, but every party involved in the crash could experience the following concerns:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Paralysis
• Multiple fractures and crush injuries
• Severe road rash with infection risk
• Internal organ injuries and hemorrhage
• Fatalities

What Damages Can Victims of Speeding Motorcycle Accidents Recover in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehab)
• Lost wages
• Future lost income
• Vehicle damage

Non-Economic Damages

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

Punitive Damages

• In cases involving extreme recklessness (e.g., street racing)

What Is the Average Payout for Speeding Motorcycle Accidents?

Factors that can affect your motorcycle accident payout include injury severity, insurance policies, liability, and long-term impact.

The average settlement is $1.29 million, with a range of $40,000 to $9.84 million.

Example Cases

In 2014, Sean, a 17-year-old, was riding a motorcycle when a passenger vehicle coming from the opposite direction made a left turn, colliding with Sean in the intersection. He died as a result of the crash. His family sued the van driver for negligence, while the defense claimed that Sean was likely speeding. Sean’s family was awarded $5 million in damages.

In 1996, two motorcyclists were riding down the road together when one struck the other during a wheelie stunt. As a result, the rider fell off the motorcycle, and the vehicle struck a 12-year-old pedestrian, killing him. The young boy’s family received $1.9 million after suing the motorcyclists for speeding and reckless driving.

How Common Are Speeding-Related Motorcycle Crashes?

According to Traffic Safety Marketing, 6,335 motorcycle riders were killed in vehicle crashes in 2023. 36% of these motorcyclists were speeding when the accident happened.

What Traffic Laws Govern Motorcycle Accidents at High Speed in Chicago?

625 ILCS 5/11-601 – Drivers must follow Illinois law regarding speed restrictions.

9-12-070 – All Chicago roads will have 30 mph limits, while alleys will have 15 mph limits.

735 ILCS 5/2-1116 – Injured victims can pursue compensation if they are no more than 50% at fault.

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

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

Wrongful death suits – Two years from the date of the victim’s death (740 ILCS 180/)

Who Can Be Held Liable in Speeding Motorcycle Accidents?

Potentially liable parties in high speed crashes involving motorcycles may include:

• The speeding motorcyclist
• Another negligent driver (if both parties were at fault)
• Municipalities for defective road design or deferred maintenance
• Manufacturers for defective brakes or speedometers

Common Defenses

Defendants and insurance companies will use several tactics to undermine your claim, including:

• Disputing the actual speed at the time of the crash
• Alleging the victim’s partial fault (for example, an unsafe lane change)
• Claiming there was an unavoidable emergency due to another driver’s actions (for example, a pedestrian crossing unexpectedly)

Chicago Injury Center can counter these defenses with additional evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and photos.

How to Strengthen Your Case in Chicago

Taking the appropriate steps after suffering severe injuries can make all the difference in a successful claim:

• Obtain and preserve the police report
• Secure eyewitness statements and dashcam/traffic camera footage
• Take photos of the scene, such as skid marks
• Retain accident reconstruction experts to calculate speed
• Gather medical records
• Do not make statements of fault to insuraance companies
• Consult a top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago

How a Chicago Speeding Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

At Chicago Injury Center, we can perform the following services to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve:

• Investigating the crash circumstances thoroughly
• Working with speed analysis experts
• Gathering evidence to link your serious injuries to the motorcycle accident caused by speeding
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
• Taking the case to trial if settlement offers are inadequate

FAQs

How much does a speeding motorcycle accident lawyer cost in Chicago?

At our firm, we work on a contiingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and you only pay if we secure a settlement.

What medical records do I need to prove a claim?

Records that can help support your claim include test results, medical bills, doctor testimony, treatment plans, surgical reports, and physical therapy records.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

Typically, the isurance companies will make a lowball initial offer. You should speak with an experienced attorney who can accurately assess your losses and build a strong case.

What if the driver wasn’t ticketed at the accident scene?

You can still seek damages if the other party did not receive a ticket from the police. These claims are separate, civil actions.

Book a Free Consultation

Whether you suffered spinal cord damage, broken bones, or other physical injuries, you can recover the compensation you deserve with a successful claim after a vehicle accident. Chicago Injury Center can help you prove that distracted driving, speeding, or defective parts contributed to your accident.

We work on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultation for all our clients. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.