Motorcyclists face unique risks on Illinois roads. Without the protection of a steel frame, airbags, or reinforced doors, riders are far more exposed than occupants of passenger vehicles. When a collision occurs, the injuries are often severe and life-changing.
If you’ve suffered motorcycle accident injuries Illinois riders commonly experience, understanding the medical, legal, and insurance implications is essential. Motorcycle injury cases often involve complex liability disputes, bias against riders, and significant long-term damages.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the most common motorcycle accident injuries in Illinois and how these injuries are evaluated under state law.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Often Cause More Severe Injuries
Motorcycle crashes frequently result in more serious injuries than car accidents for several reasons.
No Protective Frame
Passenger vehicles provide structural protection, including seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones, and reinforced frames. Motorcycles offer none of these safeguards. Riders absorb the full force of impact.
Lower Visibility
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars and trucks. Drivers frequently claim they “didn’t see” the motorcycle before turning or changing lanes.
Ejection from the Bike
In many collisions, riders are thrown from the motorcycle, increasing the risk of secondary impact injuries when they strike the pavement or other vehicles.
To learn more about how motorcycle crashes occur, visit our
Motorcycle Accident Attorney page.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Illinois
1. Road Rash and Friction Burns
Road rash occurs when a rider slides across pavement after being ejected. While some cases are superficial, severe road rash can:
- Require skin grafts
- Cause permanent scarring
- Lead to infection
Protective clothing can reduce severity, but it does not eliminate risk.
2. Broken Bones and Fractures
Motorcyclists often suffer fractures in:
- Arms and wrists (instinctive bracing during fall)
- Legs and ankles
- Collarbones
- Ribs
Complex fractures may require surgery, hardware implants, and extended rehabilitation.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (With and Without Helmets)
Head injuries are among the most serious motorcycle accident injuries Illinois emergency rooms treat.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment.
Illinois does not require helmets for riders over 18 (625 ILCS 5/11-1404). However, even helmeted riders can suffer brain trauma in high-speed collisions.
For more information on brain injuries, visit our
Brain and Spinal Cord Injury page.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
High-impact motorcycle crashes can damage the spinal cord, resulting in:
- Herniated discs
- Fractured vertebrae
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
Spinal cord injuries often require lifelong medical care and adaptive equipment.
5. Internal Organ Damage
Blunt trauma can damage vital organs such as:
- Lungs
- Liver
- Spleen
- Kidneys
Internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but can become life-threatening.
6. Amputation and Crush Injuries
Severe motorcycle crashes may result in traumatic amputation or crush injuries requiring surgical amputation.
These injuries have profound physical and psychological consequences.
7. Disfigurement and Scarring
Facial injuries and permanent scarring can affect both appearance and emotional well-being.
For additional insight into injury implications, see our related blog:
Legal Implications of Common Motorcycle Injuries.
The Role of Protective Gear
Illinois does not require motorcycle helmets for riders over 18 (625 ILCS 5/11-1404).
However, protective gear — including helmets, reinforced jackets, gloves, and boots — can reduce injury severity.
Insurance companies sometimes argue that failure to wear a helmet contributed to injuries. This does not automatically bar recovery.
For more information, see:
I Was Not Wearing a Helmet — What Now?
Insurance Company Bias Against Motorcyclists
Unfortunately, bias against riders can affect motorcycle injury claims.
Insurance adjusters may:
- Assume the rider was speeding
- Argue the rider took unnecessary risks
- Suggest assumption of risk
Illinois law does not allow insurers to deny claims based on stereotypes.
To understand this issue further, read:
Overcoming Bias in Motorcycle Accident Cases.
Damages Available Under Illinois Law
Victims of serious motorcycle accidents may recover:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of normal life (IPI 30.00)
- Emotional distress
Loss of normal life addresses how injuries affect daily activities and quality of life.
For a broader overview of injury claims, visit our
Personal Injury page.
Comparative Fault in Illinois (735 ILCS 5/2-1116)
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule.
If a motorcyclist is found less than 51% at fault, they may still recover damages. Compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
To learn more, see:
Illinois Comparative Fault Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are motorcycle accident injuries usually worse than car accident injuries?
Yes. The lack of structural protection increases the risk of catastrophic injury.
Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet?
Potentially, yes. Illinois does not mandate helmets for adults, though comparative fault arguments may arise.
What damages are available for permanent injuries?
Compensation may include future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and loss of normal life.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle injury claim in Illinois?
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident.
Contact Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law
Serious motorcycle accident injuries Illinois riders suffer can affect every aspect of life. Understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery.
Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law represents injured motorcyclists throughout Peoria and Central Illinois.
Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law
300 NE Perry Ave
Peoria, IL 61603
Phone: 309-673-0069
Contact us today to discuss your case.