Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – Fight for Maximum Compensation
Injured in a motorcycle accident in Chicago? At Phillips Law Offices, our attorneys are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you need for your injuries, medical bills, motorcycle repairs, and lost income. With a legacy of success and top-tier recognition across Illinois, our respected legal team is prepared to defend your rights and challenge negligent drivers and insurers. Recognized by clients and peers alike, Phillips Law Offices stands among the premier personal injury law firms in Chicago.
Free Consultation | No Fees Unless We Win | Call (312) 598-0917
A Legacy of Excellence, Insight & Results
Selecting the right lawyer after a motorcycle accident could determine your future. Our attorneys bring over 75 years of combined legal experience, successfully representing motorcycle accident victims and their families throughout Illinois. From minor crashes to life-changing injuries, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts—and we don’t rest until justice is achieved.
- 75+ Years Combined Experience: Our legal team brings seasoned trial experience and deep knowledge of Illinois traffic and insurance law. Established over 75 years ago by Attorney John G. Phillips, our firm has set the standard for excellence in personal injury law.
- Substantial Recoveries for Clients: We have obtained life-altering compensation in cases involving motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, cars, and commercial vehicles.
- 4.9/5.0 Google Rating from 95+ Clients: “The level of care, commitment, and legal skill was outstanding. I always felt heard and understood—never just another case.” – Satisfied Client
Professional Accolades:
- 10.0 Avvo Rating – Top Personal Injury Lawyers
- Nation’s Top One Percent – National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers – The National Trial Lawyers
- America’s Top 100 – Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Attorneys
- Leading Lawyers – Based on peer reviews & performance
- Expertise.com 2023 – Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Chicago
- AV Preeminent® Rating – Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and legal skill
Proud members of:
- American Association for Justice (AAJ)
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA)
- Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)
These recognitions reflect our dedication to clients, integrity, and legal excellence. When you partner with us, you gain the strength of one of Chicago’s most trusted personal injury teams.
How We Advocate for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcycle crashes often result in severe injuries and major expenses. At Phillips Law Offices, we take swift, strategic action to preserve your rights and pursue the full compensation your situation demands.
How Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help:
Immediate, Comprehensive Investigation
We move fast—gathering physical evidence, reviewing police reports, photographing skid marks, examining damage, obtaining surveillance video, and interviewing witnesses. This early work is vital for a strong claim.
Identifying All Liable Parties
Motorcycle accidents may involve multiple at-fault parties: another driver, city entities for road defects, or even manufacturers for mechanical failures. We pursue claims against everyone responsible.
Expert Knowledge of Law & Regulations
We know the city, state, and federal laws protecting motorcycle riders. Whether it’s helmet law, traffic code violations, construction zones, or defective roadways, we use every regulation to your advantage.
Handling Insurance & Settlement Negotiations
Insurance companies often try to blame riders—even when the fault lies elsewhere. We handle all communication and negotiation, shielding you from unfair tactics and pushing for the settlement you deserve.
Supporting Catastrophic or Life-Changing Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, road rash, and amputations. We collaborate with medical experts to document all short and long-term impacts, providing a clear picture of your needs—now and in the future.
Trial-Tested Representation
We prepare every case as if it will go to court. Our history as aggressive, successful trial lawyers strengthens our bargaining power—and if a trial is your best option, we’re ready to fight for you.
Our approach ensures that every client receives direct attention and high-caliber representation—allowing you to focus on recovery while we pursue the result you deserve.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents We Handle
Chicago and Illinois roads see thousands of motorcycle accidents every year—many with devastating injuries and high costs. Phillips Law Offices represents clients in a broad spectrum of crash types:
Left-Turn Accidents
These happen when a car makes a left turn and doesn’t see a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. The motorcycle ends up crashing into the side of the car, which can cause very serious injuries to the rider.
Intersection Collisions
This kind of accident takes place where two roads cross or meet—like at a stop sign or traffic light. Often, a driver fails to stop, runs a red light, or just doesn’t see the motorcycle, leading to a crash right in the middle of the intersection.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision means another vehicle crashes into the back of a motorcycle. This is especially dangerous because a hit from behind can throw a rider off their bike, leading to broken bones or head injuries.
Lane-Changing Accidents
These accidents happen when another vehicle switches lanes without noticing a motorcycle in the new lane. Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss, so drivers sometimes forget to check their blind spots, which can lead to a side crash.
Single-Vehicle Crashes
Sometimes, a motorcycle crashes without hitting another vehicle. This might be due to a pothole, slippery road, gravel, or something like a big bump. Often, these accidents are caused by unsafe roads rather than rider mistakes.
Dooring Accidents
Dooring is when someone inside a parked car suddenly opens their door into traffic, right in front of a moving motorcycle. These surprise obstacles can give riders no time to stop, causing them to hit the door and fall.
Mechanical Failures
This type of accident happens if something goes wrong with the motorcycle itself—for example, bad brakes, a blown-out tire, or another mechanical problem. Sometimes, repair shops or manufacturers are to blame for these problems.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run occurs when another driver causes a motorcycle accident and then leaves the scene without stopping to help or give their information. This leaves the injured motorcyclist alone to deal with injuries and damage, but there are still ways to seek help and compensation.
Each accident requires detailed attention and a legal strategy tailored to the unique facts—which is where our experience makes a measurable difference.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
Investigating the root cause is the cornerstone of any strong claim. In Chicago, motorcycle accidents most often result from:
Driver Inattention
This means the person driving a car isn’t paying close attention—maybe they’re texting, talking on the phone, or just not looking out for motorcycles. Because bikes are smaller, distracted drivers can easily miss seeing them, which leads to accidents.
Left-Hand Turns in Front of Motorcyclists
Sometimes, a car turns left at an intersection without noticing a motorcycle that’s coming straight toward them. The motorcycle might not have time to stop, so it crashes into the car.
Failure to Yield or Disobeying Traffic Signals
Drivers sometimes don’t give motorcyclists the right of way when they should, or they ignore stop signs and red lights. This can lead to crashes, especially at busy crossings.
Speeding & Reckless Driving
When drivers go too fast or drive aggressively—such as weaving through traffic—they often can’t see or react to motorcycles in time, which can cause serious wrecks.
Impaired Drivers (Alcohol, drugs, prescription medications)
If someone is driving after drinking alcohol, using drugs, or even some medicines, they can’t control their car well or see motorcycles as clearly, making a crash much more likely.
Dangerous Road Conditions (Potholes, construction hazards, lack of signage)
Bad roads, potholes, construction, or missing road signs can be very dangerous for motorcycles. Even a small bump or slick patch can make a bike lose control and crash.
Inadequate Lighting or Poor Visibility
If roads aren’t bright enough at night or it’s foggy, drivers may have trouble seeing motorcycles. Poor visibility makes it easier for accidents to happen.
Aggressive Driving or Road Rage
Sometimes, drivers get angry or impatient and drive too close to motorcycles, cut them off, or make mean gestures. This reckless behavior puts motorcyclists at high risk.
Defective Motorcycle Parts
If a part of the motorcycle like the brakes or tires doesn’t work right—maybe because it was made wrong or not fixed properly—it can suddenly break while riding and cause an accident.
A 2022 report from the Illinois Department of Transportation shows that hundreds of Illinois motorcycle crashes result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries each year—with a significant share occurring in Chicago’s busiest metro areas. Our attorneys use crash data trends, expert testimony, and diligent investigation to prove exactly what (and who) caused your crash.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?
A motorcycle accident can upend your life—physically, financially, and emotionally. Phillips Law Offices works to recover all available damages in every case, such as:
- Medical Bills: This means you can get money to help pay for all your medical costs from the accident, like hospital visits, doctor appointments, surgeries, medicine, therapy, and any equipment or treatments you need to recover.
- Lost Wages & Future Earning Ability: If your injuries made you miss work, you can be paid for the money you lost while you couldn’t do your job. If you can’t work as much as before, or can’t work at all in the future, you can also get money for those lost future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and the stress, worry, or sadness you go through because of the accident. It can also include compensation for scars, anxiety, depression, or not being able to enjoy your regular activities.
- Property Damage: You can get money to repair or replace your motorcycle and any other things you had with you, like your helmet or riding gear, that were damaged or destroyed in the crash.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If the accident leaves you with a permanent injury or visible scars, you can be compensated for how that affects your life—not just physically, but also emotionally.
- Wrongful Death (if applicable): If someone dies in a motorcycle accident, their family may be able to get compensation. This can help pay for funeral costs, the loss of that person’s support, and the sadness and loss the family feels.
We build a claim that reflects every element of your present and future losses, consulting medical, economic, and vocational experts to establish the highest value for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents in Chicago
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from clients. If you don’t see your question here, don’t hesitate to reach out—our attorneys are available to help.
What makes motorcycle accidents different from car accidents legally?
Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries, and riders face unique biases from insurance companies who may try to blame them automatically. Legally, these cases require specialized handling to prove liability and secure fair compensation.
Can I recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet during the accident?
Illinois does not have a mandatory helmet law, so you can still pursue compensation. However, the defense may argue that not wearing a helmet contributed to your injuries, which could affect the settlement.
What should I do after a motorcycle crash in Chicago?
Immediately call 911, seek medical care, document the scene with photos, gather witness details, and avoid speaking extensively with insurance adjusters. Contacting a lawyer quickly ensures your rights are protected from the start.
What compensation is available after a motorcycle accident?
You may recover medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and compensation for permanent disability. If the crash caused fatalities, families may pursue wrongful death claims.
How long do motorcycle accident cases take to settle?
Simple cases may settle in a few months, while serious injury claims that require litigation could take a year or longer. The timeline depends on the complexity of the accident and willingness of the insurer to negotiate fairly.
Client Reviews & Case Results
Our clients trust us to handle their most important cases, and we are proud of the results we have achieved. We have helped many injured riders get the compensation they need to pay for medical care, replace lost income, and rebuild their lives.
Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for motorcycle accident victims across Chicago.
$7 Million Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Phillips Law Offices is incredibly pleased to report that attorneys Stephen D. Phillips and Stephen J. Phillips recently secured a $7,000,000 settlement on behalf of a 28-year-old man who was seriously injured as a result of a motorcycle collision.
Our Process: What You Can Expect with Phillips Law Offices
We understand the stress and anxiety of a motorcycle accident. Our approach is simple, transparent, and focused on your best outcome.
Free Consultation
This means you can talk to a lawyer for free. They’ll listen to your story about the accident, help you understand if you have a good case, and explain your next steps so you know what to expect.
Immediate Investigation
Right after you hire them, the team starts collecting important information. They look for things like photos, witness statements, and details from the accident scene to make sure nothing gets lost or forgotten.
Identify Every Responsible Party
They work hard to find out exactly who was at fault for your accident. Sometimes it’s more than just one person—maybe a driver, a company, or even a city for bad road conditions. They make sure to include everyone who might be responsible.
Claim Preparation & Negotiation
The lawyers gather all your medical bills, evidence of lost wages, and proof of other ways the accident affected you. Then, they talk to the insurance company for you and fight for a settlement that truly covers what you’ve lost.
Trial-Ready Strategy
Even if most cases settle, they always get your case ready as if it might go to court. This helps them be fully prepared if they do need to argue for you in front of a judge to get you fair compensation.
Ongoing Support
Throughout the whole process, they keep you updated and answer your questions. You never have to wonder what’s happening—they’re there to guide and support you every step of the way.
Meet Our Team Of Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Stephen D. Phillips
Stephen D. Phillips is a highly respected motorcycle accident lawyer in Chicago and the managing partner at Phillips Law Offices. He has helped many injured motorcyclists and their families get fair compensation after serious crashes. Stephen is known for winning record-setting settlements and verdicts, making sure his clients get the money they need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain. He has been honored as one of the top trial lawyers in Illinois and even in the United States. Stephen’s caring approach and deep legal knowledge make him a strong advocate for accident victims. If you need help after a motorcycle accident in Chicago, Stephen D. Phillips is a trusted choice.
Terrence M. Quinn
Terry M. Quinn is a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer at Phillips Law Offices in Chicago. He has many years of experience helping people who have been hurt in motorcycle crashes get the compensation they deserve. Terry is known for his dedication to his clients and his ability to handle tough insurance companies. He works hard to make sure accident victims get money for their injuries, lost income, and other damages. Terry’s friendly and honest approach helps clients feel comfortable during a difficult time. If you need a lawyer who will fight for your rights after a motorcycle accident, Terry M. Quinn is ready to help.
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips is an experienced lawyer at Phillips Law Offices who focuses on helping motorcycle accident victims in Chicago. He understands how serious motorcycle injuries can be and works hard to get fair compensation for his clients. Stephen is known for his careful attention to each case and his strong negotiation skills with insurance companies. He helps clients recover money for medical expenses, lost work, and pain caused by accidents. Stephen’s commitment to justice and his caring attitude make him a trusted choice for anyone hurt in a motorcycle accident. If you need support and results, Stephen J. Phillips is here for you.
Talk to a Top-Rated Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, don’t go through the process alone. Phillips Law Offices has helped countless riders and families in Chicago and across Illinois win the compensation they’re owed. Let us do the same for you.
Our attorneys are available to review your claim, explain your options, and guide you through every step with honesty and care. There are no fees unless you win.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Call (312) 598-0917 or complete our online form to connect with a motorcycle accident lawyer today. We’re available to meet in person, by phone, or video.
We serve motorcycle accident victims throughout:
If you can’t visit us, we’ll come to you.



