Mt. Prospect Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle through Mt. Prospect, along Northwest Highway (Route 14), or down Elmhurst Road (Route 83) can be an enjoyable experience. But when another driver’s carelessness changes everything in a split second, you need someone in your corner fast. A serious motorcycle crash can mean broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or worse. If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle accident near Mt. Prospect or anywhere in the Chicago area, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Table of Contents

• Why Motorcycle Accidents in Mt. Prospect Are So Dangerous
• Illinois Laws That Apply to Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
• What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident Near Mt. Prospect
• Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and Who Can Be Held Liable
• What Compensation Can You Recover After a Mt. Prospect Motorcycle Accident?
• FAQs About Mt. Prospect Motorcycle Accident Claims

Why Motorcycle Accidents in Mt. Prospect Are So Dangerous

Mt. Prospect is a village in Cook County, Illinois, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and approximately 4 miles north of O’Hare International Airport. Its location makes it a busy transit point. Main roads intersecting Mt. Prospect include IL Route 83 (north and south), and Routes 14 (Northwest Highway) and Route 12, both running southeast and northwest. These corridors carry heavy commuter and commercial traffic every single day.

That traffic mix is a real problem for motorcyclists. Cars, trucks, and delivery vehicles share the same lanes, and drivers often fail to spot riders in time. Motorcyclists are considered some of the most vulnerable road users in Illinois. According to the 2024-2026 Illinois Triennial Highway Safety Plan, more than 13 percent of Illinois’ total traffic fatalities are motorcyclists, with the national average hovering around 15 percent.

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. Think about what that means for a rider on a busy stretch of Route 83 or near the Randhurst Village shopping area on Route 12. One distracted driver making a left turn, one car that fails to yield, and a motorcyclist’s life is changed forever.

The roads around Mt. Prospect also present their own physical hazards. Potholes, construction zones, and uneven pavement are common throughout Cook County. These conditions are manageable in a car but can be deadly on a motorcycle. If you were injured because of a dangerous road condition or another driver’s negligence, Illinois law gives you the right to pursue compensation. The team at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg understands these roads, understands the risks, and knows how to build a strong case on your behalf. Contact our Chicago personal injury lawyer team today for a free consultation.

Illinois Laws That Apply to Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Understanding the laws that govern your claim is important. Illinois has several statutes that directly affect how much you can recover and who can be held responsible after a motorcycle crash.

First, Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the crash, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. However, your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you were 20 percent at fault and your damages total $200,000, you would recover $160,000. If your fault is found to be greater than 50 percent, you recover nothing. Insurance companies know this rule well and will often try to shift blame onto the injured rider to reduce or eliminate their payout. Do not let that happen without a lawyer protecting your interests.

Second, Illinois law on joint and several liability under 735 ILCS 5/2-1117 matters when multiple parties share fault. All defendants found liable are jointly and severally liable for your past and future medical expenses. If a defendant’s share of fault is 25 percent or greater, they can be held jointly and severally liable for all other damages too. This can be critical when one of the at-fault parties has limited resources.

Third, Illinois requires all motor vehicles to carry liability insurance under 625 ILCS 5/7-601. This means the driver who hit you should have coverage. If they do not, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. The Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg know how to pursue every available source of compensation for you.

Finally, you have a limited window to act. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury claims in Illinois must generally be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Waiting too long can cost you your right to recover anything at all. Call us now before that deadline passes.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident Near Mt. Prospect

The steps you take right after a crash can make or break your case. Here is what you need to know.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, any driver involved in a crash that causes personal injury or death must immediately stop at the scene and remain there until all legal requirements are met. A driver who leaves the scene faces serious criminal consequences, including felony charges. If the other driver fled, document everything you can and report it to police immediately. That report becomes a key piece of evidence in your claim.

Call 911 right away. Get medical attention even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Get treated at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, just a short drive from Mt. Prospect, or at any nearby emergency facility. Your medical records will be central to proving your damages.

Take photos of the scene, your injuries, your motorcycle, and any road hazards. Get names and contact information from witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to gather information that can be used to minimize your payout.

Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will start investigating your case right away, gather evidence before it disappears, and handle all communication with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and Who Can Be Held Liable

Motorcycle crashes rarely happen without a cause. In the Mt. Prospect area, where traffic on Northwest Highway, Rand Road, and I-90 can pile up quickly, the most common causes include:

• Left-turn accidents: A car turns left across a motorcyclist’s path at an intersection. This is one of the leading causes of motorcycle fatalities nationwide.
• Lane changes without checking blind spots: Drivers merge into a lane without seeing the motorcycle already there.
• Distracted driving: Texting, adjusting the radio, or eating behind the wheel takes a driver’s attention off the road at the worst possible moment.
• Speeding: High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of any impact.
• Drunk or impaired driving: In 2023, 41 percent of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. Impairment is a factor in far too many crashes.
• Road defects: Potholes, crumbling pavement, and poor signage on roads throughout Cook County can cause a rider to lose control.
• Defective motorcycle parts: Under Illinois product liability law (735 ILCS 5/2-621), manufacturers and sellers can be held responsible when a defective part causes a crash.

Liability can fall on other drivers, government agencies responsible for road maintenance, or product manufacturers. Our motorcycle accident attorneys know how to identify every responsible party and hold them accountable. We serve riders from Mt. Prospect, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Prospect Heights, and throughout the greater Chicago area.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Mt. Prospect Motorcycle Accident?

When you are hurt in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, Illinois law allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. These can include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future medical costs related to your injuries.
• Lost wages: Income you missed while recovering, and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
• Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from doing the things you love, you may be entitled to compensation for that loss.
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1) allows surviving family members to seek damages for their loss, including punitive damages when applicable.

The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and how effectively your attorney presents your claim. The NHTSA notes that, year after year, “motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in traffic-related fatalities,” and estimates that motorcyclists are roughly 28 times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than people in passenger vehicles, based on the number of miles traveled. That statistic reflects just how serious these cases are, and why having an experienced legal team matters so much.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has represented injured riders and their families throughout the Chicago area for decades. Our motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also serve clients in Gurnee, Rockford, and communities across northern Illinois. If you are looking for dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers who will fight for you from day one, call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg now.

FAQs About Mt. Prospect Motorcycle Accident Claims

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

In most cases, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to recover compensation, no matter how strong your case is. There are limited exceptions, such as cases involving minors or government entities, which may have shorter notice requirements. Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. You can still recover damages as long as your share of fault is 50 percent or less. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 25 percent at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would receive $75,000. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate your share of blame to lower their payout. An attorney can push back on those tactics.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offers me a settlement?

Yes, and here is why. Insurance companies are businesses, and their first offer is almost never their best one. Adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. They may offer you a check before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot go back and ask for more. A lawyer can evaluate whether the offer is fair and negotiate aggressively on your behalf before you sign anything.

Can family members file a claim if a motorcyclist is killed in an accident?

Yes. Under Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/1), surviving family members can bring a claim against the person or entity responsible for their loved one’s death. Recoverable damages can include compensation for grief, loss of companionship, lost financial support, and in certain cases, punitive damages. These cases are time-sensitive and emotionally difficult. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg handles wrongful death cases with care and dedication.

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

Illinois law requires all motor vehicles to carry liability insurance under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, but not every driver follows the law. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Other potential sources of compensation may also exist, depending on the facts of your case. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will review all available options to make sure you are not left paying for someone else’s negligence out of your own pocket.

More Resources About Vehicle Injuries

• Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Mt. Prospect
• Mt. Prospect Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Mt. Prospect Car Accident Lawyer
• Mt. Prospect Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
• Mt. Prospect Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
• Mt. Prospect Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
• Mt. Prospect Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Mt. Prospect Truck Accident Attorney
• Mt. Prospect Uber Accident Lawyer
• Mt. Prospect Lyft Accident Lawyer
• Mt. Prospect Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer