Motorcycle riders face a dramatically higher risk on Illinois roads than drivers of passenger vehicles — a motorcycle involved in a crash is 35 times more likely to result in death. In 2012 alone, there were 148 fatal motorcycle crashes in Illinois. When a car or truck driver's negligence causes a motorcycle accident, the injuries can be life-changing. Schwaner Injury Law aggressively pursues full compensation for injured riders.
Every case is different, but victims of motorcycle accident may be entitled to recover:
David J. Schwaner has spent over a decade fighting for Chicago injury victims. With a 96% case recovery rate and more than $10 million recovered for clients, he brings aggressive, experienced representation to every case — from initial consultation through trial if necessary.
You pay nothing unless we win. David handles all case costs upfront, so you can focus on your recovery while he focuses on your justice.
Illinois is one of only a few states with no mandatory helmet law, but wearing a helmet can significantly impact your injury severity and potentially your case. Regardless, you have the right to seek full compensation.
Possibly. If the defense argues your head injuries were worsened by not wearing a helmet, it could affect your damages under comparative negligence. An experienced attorney can counter these arguments.
Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases from the date of the accident. Do not wait — evidence disappears quickly.
Studies show that in most motorcycle-vehicle collisions, the car or truck driver is more likely to be at fault. Failure to see the motorcycle or check mirrors properly is the leading cause.
Yes, if you are less than 51% at fault under Illinois comparative negligence law, you can still recover. Your percentage of fault will reduce your total recovery proportionally.
Schwaner Injury Law offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. No fee unless we win. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you if you have a case — no obligation.
Available 24/7 · Free · No obligation · Confidential
From first call to final settlement or verdict — here's exactly how David Schwaner fights for motorcycle accident victims in Chicago.
We evaluate your motorcycle accident case at absolutely no cost. You'll speak directly with David Schwaner — not a paralegal or intake specialist — about what happened and what your case is worth.
We gather all critical evidence — police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, expert opinions, and witness statements. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence from being destroyed.
We prepare a comprehensive demand package and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. We never accept lowball offers. Insurance adjusters know that Schwaner Injury Law is prepared to go to trial.
Most cases settle before trial for fair compensation. If the insurer refuses to offer what your case is worth, David Schwaner takes it to Cook County court and fights for a jury verdict. We don't stop until you're fairly compensated.
You receive your settlement or verdict. Our fee comes only from your recovery — zero out of pocket costs to you. No fee unless we win, guaranteed.
Understanding Illinois law helps you protect your rights. Here's what every motorcycle accident victim in Chicago needs to know before speaking with an insurance company.
David Schwaner has recovered over $15 million for injured Chicagoans — including motorcycle accident victims with cases just like yours.
Over 15 years handling motorcycle accident cases in Cook County courts. David knows the judges, the process, and how to win.
Call or text David Schwaner anytime — day or night. Injured victims don't keep business hours, and neither do we.
No upfront costs. No fees unless we win your case. We advance all litigation expenses so you can focus on healing.
Illinois-specific answers to the questions injured victims ask most. If your question isn't here, call (312) 635-4000 — David answers personally.
Illinois gives motorcycle accident victims 2 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Because motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries requiring extended medical treatment, it's important to contact an attorney early — before the deadline creeps up and while evidence is still available.
Illinois does not require adult motorcyclists (age 18+) to wear helmets. However, insurance companies may argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of your head injuries. Under Illinois modified comparative fault rules, they could try to reduce your recovery. An experienced attorney can counter these arguments and protect your claim.
A driver's claim that they 'didn't see' a motorcyclist is not a valid legal defense — it may actually prove negligence (failure to keep a proper lookout). Illinois law requires all drivers to exercise ordinary care. David Schwaner will gather evidence including skid marks, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction to prove fault.
Absolutely. All motorcycle accident cases at Schwaner Injury Law are handled on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing until we recover compensation for you. We advance all investigation and litigation costs. Call or text anytime at (312) 635-4000 for your free consultation.
Motorcycle accident victims in Illinois can recover: medical expenses (ER, surgery, rehabilitation), future medical costs, lost income and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent disfigurement or disability. Illinois imposes no cap on compensatory damages, meaning juries can award full compensation for all your losses.
Schwaner Injury Law handles motorcycle accident cases throughout the Chicago metropolitan area including Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Cicero, Berwyn, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Waukegan, Libertyville, Gurnee, and throughout Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. Wherever you were injured in northeastern Illinois, David Schwaner can help. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation. Available 24/7, no fee unless we win.