Riding a motorcycle in the Windy City requires that you be familiar with the various motorcycle laws in Chicago, Illinois. These rules primarily aim to protect you as a rider and keep you from sustaining a serious or fatal injury in a motorcycle crash. Nevertheless, accidents do happen.
The Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers represent bikers involved in wrecks and help them recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. If you’ve been involved in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation at (312) 635-5400 to discuss your rights and legal options.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Motorcycle Accident in Chicago, IL
Motorcycle accident claims in Chicago, IL, can be complex legal matters. The injuries you may sustain can be severe. Couple that with the laws applicable to your case, and both are two key factors that demand attention from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney familiar with these legal matters.
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers is a wise choice for Chicago motorcyclists needing effective and knowledgeable advice and representation for several reasons:
- We have decades of experience handling motorcycle accident injury claims
- We offer a client-centered approach aimed at getting you the help you need
- We are available 24/7 and will travel to meet with you
- We do not collect any upfront fees when we take your case
Our experienced injury attorneys have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for Illinois injury victims. We’ll help you by pursuing a fair settlement for your claim, but we are not afraid to take the case to trial if necessary to protect your legal interests. Contact our Chicago personal injury lawyers today to begin the process.
4 Chicago Motorcycle Laws to Know
In addition to general motor vehicle laws that apply to motorcycles and traditional automobiles, some Chicago laws apply solely to motorcycles and their riders.
Four of the most important of these are as follows:
1. The Need for a Separate License to Ride
If you wish to legally operate a motorcycle in Chicago, you must first obtain a motorcycle license. You are not eligible to obtain a permit until you are at least 16 years old, and you must wait until you are 18 to acquire your full motorcycle license. A regular driver’s license does not permit you to operate a motorcycle.
2. Eye Protection Requirements
Neither a Chicago-specific ordinance nor any Illinois statute requires motorcyclists to wear a helmet; the decision is entirely personal. Regardless of whether a motorcyclist chooses to wear a helmet, they must wear some form of eye protection while riding. Examples of appropriate eyewear include shatterproof glasses or goggles.
Proper eye protection prevents a motorcyclist from being suddenly blinded by road debris or any other foreign objects entering their eyes. If that happens, a motorcyclist can lose control of their bike and crash, potentially injuring or killing themselves.
You do not need to wear separate eye protection if your motorcycle has a windscreen or if you wear a helmet equipped with a visor; the law considers either of these devices to be sufficient eye protection.
3. Lane Splitting vs. Lane Sharing Rules
Lane splitting refers to the practice of using the dashed white lines that separate traffic lanes running in the same direction as distinct “lanes.”
Illinois law prohibits motorcyclists from lane splitting under any circumstances; they must occupy a single lane of travel and follow the law to move from one lane to another. However, they are permitted to “lane share:” ride two abreast in a single lane of travel.
4. Motorcycles Are Motor Vehicles
Motorcycles are considered motor vehicles under Illinois law, which means they are entitled to the same rights as car and truck drivers. That distinction is especially important at intersections where right-of-way laws are applicable. Other drivers must afford motorcycles the same regard as they would another car or truck.
Similarly, the law does not afford motorcyclists any special exemptions from traffic laws. For example, a motorcyclist riding under the influence of alcohol can be arrested, charged, and prosecuted in the same way a driver of a car or truck can.
Contact Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Chicago motorcyclists can sustain severe injuries in an accident, even if they are following the law. If that happens to you, do not hesitate to reach out to Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers. Our experienced team will walk you through the process of filing a claim and securing the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries.
We offer prospective clients in Chicago a free initial consultation so you can get to know our firm and hear how we can assist you with your case. Contact our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys today to schedule your complimentary case review.