How Are Motorcycle and Car Accident Claims Different?

 Posted on June 11, 2025 in Car Accidents

In 2023, Illinois saw 299,133 motor vehicle collisions, with 3,417 of them involving motorcycles. Overall, 87,573 people were injured and 1,240 lost their lives in these accidents. Sadly, most of these crashes could have been avoided if motorists and motorcyclists had not made negligent driving errors. However, when negligence contributes to causing a collision, you could have the grounds you need to pursue compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Motorcycle and car accident claims share basic steps, but there are key differences that can affect the outcome of your case. Our experienced Barrington, IL motorcycle accident lawyers understand these differences and how to achieve optimal results.

What Factors Are Different in Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Every accident has unique factors. Some aspects of a specific claim can make it more challenging for you to obtain as much compensation as you deserve. Motorcycle accident claims have several complications that you need to be aware of. We know how to overcome these challenges, so you do not have to face them alone.

Motorcyclist Injuries Are Often More Severe

In the 3,417 Illinois motorcycle crashes in 2023, 2,373 motorcyclists were injured, 917 suffered incapacitating injuries, and 168 were killed. Although motorcycle accidents accounted for only 1.1 percent of all crashes in the state, they represented 14.1 percent of fatal and 3.6 percent of injury-producing accidents.

On June 5th, 2025, a speeding motorcyclist died after he crashed into a car in Buffalo Grove. The motorcycle was found around 300 feet away from the point of impact, demonstrating just how fast that motorcycle was traveling.

Motorcyclists have less protection than people in cars. Even if a biker is wearing a helmet, there are no seat belts, airbags, or metal frames to absorb the impact in a collision. This means that injuries from motorcycle crashes are often more serious. Medical bills are usually higher, and recovery time is longer. The higher the value of your claim, the more resistant the liable insurance company is likely to be.  

Bias Against Motorcyclists Is Common

Many people wrongly assume that all motorcyclists take more risks or drive recklessly. Insurance companies may use this bias to deny or reduce a claim. This is not fair, but it happens often. Although some bikers do contribute to or cause many accidents, they are not at fault in every collision.

In Illinois, modified comparative negligence laws allow injured victims to seek compensation from other at-fault parties if they are not over 50 percent to blame for their accident. However, the amount of compensation you can collect is reduced by your percentage of fault. Riders must usually work harder to prove they were not at fault to protect their claim for compensation.

Helmet Laws Can Affect Claims

In Illinois, riders are not required to wear helmets. However, if a biker who is not wearing a helmet sustains a head injury, insurance companies may state that the injury was worse because of that choice in an attempt to reduce or eliminate your payout. Even though it is legal to ride without a helmet, doing so can become a problematic factor in your claim.

Proving Fault and Liability Can Be More Complex

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see. Drivers often say they did not see the rider before the crash. This does not excuse careless driving, but it can make proving fault more difficult.

Insurance Coverage May Be Insufficient

The value of a motorcycle accident case is often quite high. Some drivers do not carry enough insurance to cover the full cost of a motorcycle crash injury or death. A rider’s uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage could help, but even your own insurance carrier does not want to pay your claim fairly.

Discuss Your Case With Our Skilled Cook County, IL Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle accident claims can be very complex, and securing the maximum amount of compensation available takes the determined advocacy of our dedicated Lake County, IL personal injury attorneys. We offer free consultations, so schedule yours today. Contact us at 224-900-HURT or online to get started.