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Des Plaines Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you ride a motorcycle in or around Des Plaines, you already know how quickly things can go wrong on the road. Between the traffic on Rand Road, the busy intersections near Lee Street, and the constant flow of vehicles along I-294 and I-90, riders face real dangers every single day. When a negligent driver causes a crash, the physical, emotional, and financial damage can be life-changing. That is where Briskman Briskman & Greenberg comes in. Our team has helped injured riders across the Chicago area pursue the compensation they deserve, and we are ready to help you too.

Why Motorcycle Accidents in Des Plaines Are So Dangerous
Illinois Laws That Protect Injured Motorcycle Riders
Illinois Helmet Laws and How They Affect Your Claim
What Damages Can You Recover After a Des Plaines Motorcycle Crash?
How Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Can Help You
FAQs About Des Plaines Motorcycle Accident Claims

Why Motorcycle Accidents in Des Plaines Are So Dangerous

Des Plaines sits at a major crossroads in the Chicago metro area. Riders regularly travel through busy corridors like Northwest Highway, Mannheim Road, and the interchanges where I-90 and I-294 meet. These roads carry heavy commuter traffic, commercial trucks, and distracted drivers, all of which create serious risks for motorcyclists.

Crashes involving motorcycles accounted for 1.1% of total crashes in Illinois, yet they made up 13.1% of fatal crashes. That gap tells you everything you need to know about how vulnerable riders are. A car bumper-to-bumper collision might mean a crumpled fender. A motorcycle crash at the same speed can mean broken bones, spinal injuries, or worse.

Motorcycle accidents in Illinois are far more likely to result in serious injury or death than crashes involving other kinds of vehicles. Motorcycles are involved in less than 1 percent of all crashes in Illinois but make up around 3.1 percent of injury crashes and up to 13.5 percent of fatal crashes in certain years.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in the Des Plaines area include drivers who fail to check blind spots before changing lanes on I-294, left-turn crashes at busy intersections like Oakton Street and River Road, distracted driving, and road hazards on older surface streets near downtown Des Plaines. Riders who commute to O’Hare International Airport or connect to the Blue Line at the Des Plaines Metra station also deal with heavy pedestrian and vehicle congestion that raises crash risks significantly.

The bottom line is this: when a careless driver causes your crash, you should not have to pay the price alone. Our Chicago personal injury lawyer team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is here to fight for you.

Illinois Laws That Protect Injured Motorcycle Riders

Illinois has several laws that directly affect your rights after a motorcycle crash. Understanding them helps you see why acting quickly and working with an attorney matters.

First, Illinois requires all drivers to carry liability insurance under 625 ILCS 5/7-601. The law states that no person shall operate a motor vehicle on a public highway in Illinois unless it is covered by a liability insurance policy. This means the at-fault driver should have insurance that can pay for your injuries. If they do not, other options, such as uninsured motorist coverage, may be available to you.

Illinois also uses a modified comparative fault system. If you are found partially at fault for the crash, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. This rule makes it important to build a strong case that places fault where it belongs.

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117, all defendants found liable in a personal injury case are jointly and severally liable for a plaintiff’s past and future medical expenses. A defendant whose share of fault is 25% or greater is also jointly and severally liable for all other damages. This matters when multiple parties share responsibility for your crash, such as both another driver and a government entity responsible for poor road conditions.

Illinois law also requires drivers involved in a crash that causes personal injury to stop immediately and remain at the scene under 625 ILCS 5/11-401. Leaving the scene is a felony. If the driver who hit you fled, that is a serious criminal matter that can also support your civil claim. Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys understand how to use these laws to your advantage.

Illinois Helmet Laws and How They Affect Your Claim

One of the most common questions injured riders ask is whether not wearing a helmet will hurt their case. In Illinois, the answer is nuanced.

When it comes to helmet use for motorcyclists, Illinois lets those who ride decide. Helmets are never required. Local laws cannot even try to require them. However, using a helmet when riding a motorcycle is always encouraged.

Wearing eye protection gear, however, is required in Illinois. That may include a windshield, shatterproof eyeglasses, or windscreen.

So what happens if you were not wearing a helmet when you got hurt? Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were made worse by your choice not to wear one. While Illinois does not have helmet laws at this time, not wearing a helmet could impact victims’ ability to recover compensation for injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents, specifically through comparative negligence. If you experience head trauma or other injuries in an accident that could have resulted from the lack of a helmet, insurance companies, attorneys, and courts may consider this negligence at least partly responsible for causing the injury.

That said, you still have a right to pursue compensation. Illinois works using a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that plaintiffs in injury cases will see a reduction in compensation as their percentage of fault increases. An experienced attorney can challenge attempts to unfairly shift blame onto you for your choice not to wear a helmet, especially when the other driver’s negligence caused the crash. Our motorcycle accident attorneys know how to push back on these tactics.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Des Plaines Motorcycle Crash?

After a motorcycle accident, your losses can add up fast. Medical bills, lost income, and the pain of recovery all take a real toll. Illinois law allows injured riders to seek compensation for a wide range of damages.

Economic damages include things you can calculate with a dollar amount. These include emergency room bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, medication, lost wages while you recover, and future lost earning capacity if your injuries are permanent. If your motorcycle was damaged or totaled, you can also seek compensation for that under 735 ILCS 5/13-205, which gives you up to five years to bring a property damage claim.

Non-economic damages cover the human side of your suffering. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on your relationships all count. These damages are harder to put a number on, but they are just as real. A skilled attorney knows how to document and present these losses effectively.

In cases where a loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, the family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180). This allows surviving family members to seek compensation for grief, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided.

If multiple parties share fault for your crash, Illinois joint and several liability rules under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 can help ensure you are not left without full compensation just because one defendant has limited resources. Our motorcycle accident attorneys work to identify every liable party so that your recovery is as complete as possible.

How Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Can Help You

Choosing the right legal team after a motorcycle accident is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we handle motorcycle accident cases across the Chicago metro area, including Des Plaines and surrounding communities like Park Ridge, Rosemont, and Mount Prospect.

We start by listening. We want to understand exactly what happened, where the crash occurred, and how your life has changed since. From there, we investigate thoroughly. We gather police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records. If the crash happened near a known trouble spot, like the I-294 and Touhy Avenue interchange or the railroad crossings near downtown Des Plaines, we look into whether road conditions or government negligence played a role.

We handle all communication with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts. They may contact you quickly after a crash and offer a settlement that sounds fair but falls far short of what you actually need. We know their tactics, and we know how to counter them.

We also prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That preparation is what gives us leverage during settlement negotiations. Most cases settle without going to court, but the other side knows we are ready if they do not offer a fair amount.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk in reaching out to us. If you or someone you love was hurt in a Des Plaines motorcycle crash, call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg today. You deserve a team that will fight hard for your rights from the very first call. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to get to work for you.

FAQs About Des Plaines Motorcycle Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. For property damage to your motorcycle, you have up to five years under 735 ILCS 5/13-205. Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering anything, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your crash.

What if the driver who hit me does not have insurance?

Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/7-601 requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, but not everyone follows the law. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to make a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can review your policy and identify all available sources of compensation, including any other parties who may share responsibility for the crash.

Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault for the crash?

Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. An attorney can work to minimize any fault attributed to you.

What should I do right after a motorcycle accident in Des Plaines?

First, call 911. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, any driver involved in a crash causing personal injury must stop and remain at the scene. Get medical attention even if you feel okay, because some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Document the scene with photos if you can, collect contact information from witnesses, and do not give recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.

Does not wearing a helmet mean I cannot recover compensation in Illinois?

No. Illinois does not require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, so choosing not to wear one is not a violation of the law. However, insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries were worsened by your choice. Illinois comparative fault rules mean your compensation could be reduced if a court agrees, but you are not automatically barred from recovery. An attorney can challenge those arguments and protect your right to full and fair compensation.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

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The staff stayed in contact with me via phone and email, they were very knowledgeable, they made sure I understood what was going on at all times, they answered all of my questions, were transparent, and definitely exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them.

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I was put to ease with the professionalism at Briskman and Briskman.

Paul Greenberg especially put my mind to rest and within a years time I have settled my case and I am very satisfied with the outcome. My injury was devastating but working with this law firm has put a lot of stressful nights to rest.

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Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers (BBG) is a legal team you want on your side.

They handled my case in a professional, sensitive and very competent manner. The staff exhibits expertise in the legal realm and provided excellent customer support and care. Thanks BBG for your help with navigating a very sensitive and challenging case for my family.

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If you were in an accident and need an excellent lawyer, talk to Paul!!

Very nice and professional lawyer that extremely cares about their clients. Fingers crossed I'm never in an accident ever again but if so, I' would definitely, 10/10 use Paul again!

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From the moment I contacted this law firm I was treated like family.

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I cannot say enough good things about the attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.

They were extremely responsive, professional, and compassionate throughout the entire process.Their negotiations skills were exceptional, and they were able to secure a settlement that far exceeded my expectations.I am grateful to have had such a dedicated team