Rockford Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accident Lawyer

Experienced Legal Help for Victims of Negligent Motorcyclists

A Rockford negligent motorcycle rider accident lawyer can help you get justice for motorcycle accidents that happen due to distracted or reckless motorists.

Our Rockford motorcycle accident lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience and have helped over 5,000 clients throughout the Midwest, including Winnebago County. We are highly skilled at determining liability in motorcycle accidents, including holding negligent motorists accountable for the harm they cause.

Contact us today to learn about your legal rights and begin the claims process.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Negligent Motorcycle Rider Accidents in Rockford

• $7,900,000 for car accident amputation
• $1,250,000 for wrongful death in a motorcycle accident
• $330,000 for motorcycle passenger injury

Common Scenarios for Motorcycle-on-Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are an inherently risky form of transportation. Although they account for only 3% of all registered vehicles, motorcyclists account for over 14% of all traffic fatalities. Common causes of traffic accidents caused by negligent bikers include the following.

Group Rides: If one person in a biker group loses control, they may hit other motorcycles and cause a pileup.

Unsafe Passing or Lane Splitting: According to §625 ILCS 5/11-703, lane splitting with any two-wheeled vehicle, including motorcycles, is illegal. However, many choose to do this anyway, which can lead to accidents.

Reckless Riding: The Rockford Municipal Code prohibits reckless riding, such as having passengers on a bike without two seats, as it can cause accidents (§16-8).

Stunt Riding: Doing wheelies, taking your hands off the handlebars, or standing up on the seat can lead to severe crashes.

Speeding: Going above the speed limit can lead a biker to lose control.

Impaired Riding: In 2023, Rockford had 283 DUI arrests, which is some of the highest in the state.

Establishing Liability in a Rockford Motorcycle-on-Motorcycle Accident

To file a motorcycle crash lawsuit, you must prove that the other motorcyclist was at fault. This involves proving negligence, which has four components: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

These mean that the motorcyclist had a responsibility to act safely but failed to do so, causing an accident. You must have suffered financial or emotional losses as a result of the accident.

This can be proven by considering Illinois motorcycle laws. According to §625 ILCS 5/, bikers must follow all traffic laws, avoid lane splitting, not carry more passengers than they have seats, wear protective gear, and signal their lane changes. Failure to follow these may be considered negligence.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule (§735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This means you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible but will receive less compensation.

Evidence used to prove negligence includes police reports, eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, medical records, photos and videos of the scene, and accident reconstructions.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident Caused by Another Motorcyclist in Rockford

After a motorcycle accident, you must follow these steps as soon as possible:

• Prioritize safety and get to the side of the road.
• Call 911 and report the accident to the Rockford police.
• Exchange information with other motorists, including the negligent biker.
• Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness contact details.
• Keep your motorcycle, helmet, and clothing for evidence. Do not get your bike repaired until your attorney tells you to.
• Keep records of your medical treatment and expenses.
• Don’t admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance companies.
• Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Filing a Claim or Lawsuit for a Rockford Motorcycle-on-Motorcycle Accident

The legal process for a motorcycle-on-motorcycle crash includes:

• Consulting with an attorney
• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence, such as police reports
• Filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance
• Filing a lawsuit in Winnebago County Circuit Court
• Sharing information with the other parties, called discovery
• Negotiating with the other party’s insurance company
• Going to trial if necessary

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Motorcycle-on-Motorcycle Accident

You may receive both economic and non-economic damages, which include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Burial expenses for wrongful death
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims in Illinois

You typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit (§735 ILCS 5/13-213). However, there may be different timelines depending on the circumstances of the accident. Contact us today to learn whether you’re eligible for a lawsuit.

Why You Need an Experienced Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Our attorneys are known for their aggressive negotiation, which ensures that injured bikers get maximum compensation. We thoroughly investigate all crashes, scrupulously identify liability, and handle all paperwork so you can heal. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we earn you compensation.

Consult Rockford Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Near You!

Our nationally recognized firm holds negligent motorcyclists accountable and ensures injured bikers get the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation with an award-winning personal injury attorney in Rockford, call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This firm was in how they handled my motorcycle injury case. They returned calls quickly and kept me updated on the statement. Thank you.

– Oleg SwindellsRead More Google Reviews

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.