Motorcycle Accidents

Northern Illinois

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcyclists face some of the most life-threatening crashes on Illinois roads. At Shindler & Shindler, our northern Illinois personal injury lawyers turn what seems like an uphill battle against biased insurers into victories for bikers who deserve respect, and full compensation.

Why Choose Shindler & Shindler

When you partner with our firm, you get brothers Rob and Keith Shindler on your side – trial-tested attorneys who treat every case as if it were their own family’s.

With deep roots in northern Illinois, we know how to investigate commercial drivers, interpret federal trucking regulations, and push insurers to pay full value on catastrophic injury claims. And because we work on contingency, you won’t pay a penny unless we win.

Case Results

From split-second decisions on winding Algonquin byways to high-speed openings on I-90 near Rockford, Rob and Keith Shindler know motorcycle crashes inside and out. You’ll get two attorneys who answer the phone themselves, build cases around your injuries, and refuse to settle for less than you deserve—all on a contingency-fee basis so there’s zero risk in getting the legal firepower you need.

$12M

Railroad Worker

Railroad worker who was permanently injured after not being provided proper protective equipment.

$850K

Injured Illinois Truck Driver

Injured Illinois truck driver in an accident in TN and hit by an Iowa licensed driver.

$650k

Injured Worker

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes

Left-Turn Collisions

When a driver attempts a left turn across oncoming traffic, they must accurately judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles, including motorcycles, which can be harder to spot than cars. A momentary miscalculation can send a bike rider into the side of a vehicle at high speed. These collisions frequently occur at urban intersections and suburban crossroads without dedicated left-turn signals. Because motorcycles are smaller and often moving faster than cars anticipate, left-turn crashes can result in severe injuries such as broken bones, road rash, and traumatic brain injuries—even when the rider is wearing a helmet.

Lane-Change Accidents

Motorists who merge lanes without checking their mirrors or blind spots put motorcycles at extreme risk. A car drifting out of its lane into a rider’s path can cause the motorcyclist to swerve abruptly, lose control, or become trapped between vehicles. These accidents often happen in congested highway traffic or multi-lane urban boulevards. Lane-change collisions can lead to high-impact side strikes or force riders into guardrails, resulting in sprains, fractures, and head trauma.

Road Hazards

Unlike cars, motorcycles are highly sensitive to road-surface irregularities. Potholes, loose gravel, oil or diesel slicks, and debris such as fallen branches or litter can easily destabilize a bike. A sudden bump or loss of traction may throw a rider off balance, causing them to slide under a vehicle or collide with nearby obstacles. These hazards are common on less-maintained county roads, new-construction zones, or near industrial areas where spills occur. Injuries from road-hazard crashes vary from minor abrasions to life-threatening spinal injuries.

Rear-End Impacts

Riders frequently become victims of rear-end collisions when stopped in traffic, braking suddenly, or slowing for a red light. A distracted or tailgating driver may not react in time, plowing into the back of a motorcycle. Because riders sit upright and unprotected, these impacts can launch them several feet, often causing multiple injuries—fractured vertebrae, rib breaks, and internal organ damage. Such crashes are especially common near shopping centers, entertainment districts, and busy commuter routes.

Dooring Incidents

“Dooring” occurs when a parked-car occupant opens a door directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Urban streets with parallel parking—downtown business districts, restaurant corridors, or residential blocks—are hotspots for these incidents. A rider may have no time to brake or swerve, resulting in a collision with the door or the rider being thrown into traffic. Dooring can cause fractures, contusions, and neck or spine injuries, and it’s often entirely preventable if drivers and passengers check for oncoming traffic before exiting their vehicles.

Our Step-By-Step Approach

Thorough Case Evaluation

Talk directly to Rob or Keith on your schedule. No long waits for a call back.
Review all medical records and accident reports.

Reconstruction & Expert Analysis

Collaborate with motorcycle-experienced accident reconstructionists.
Consult orthopedists and neurologists for long-term impact.

Demand & Negotiation

Quantify every economic loss (bike repair, lost wages) and noneconomic cost (PTSD, chronic pain).
Leverage strong evidence to force insurers to offer top dollar.

Trial-Ready Representation

If negotiations stall, we file suit immediately—armed with expert affidavits and rider-specific legal strategy.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash

Secure Medical Help—even minor bruises can mask serious injuries.
Photograph the Scene—bike damage, road conditions, and your protective gear.
Get Witness Info—riders often lose evidence when a scene clears quickly.
Call Shindler & Shindler—we preserve evidence, assign expert witnesses, and manage every deadline.

Ready to Get Started?

Catastrophic truck accident injuries need a firm that plays to win. Contact Shindler & Shindler today for a free consultation. Speak directly with Rob or Keith and start building your case now.

Client Testimonials

Rob Shindler is not only a phenomenal lawyer, he is a person that does not see his clients simply as legal cases to be resolved but as individuals with legitimate concerns. Every time I was inclined to worry, he reminded me that this was his job, not mine.

I contacted Shindler & Shindler. I spoke with Rob Shindler. Mr. Shindler took 15 minutes of his valuable time to explain my case, and he provided very informative information to use to expedite the proceedings. Great experience with S&S I would highly recommend!!

Keith Shindler helped my sister with a legal matter and got her a really good deal in the end. She is very pleased with the results of her case. We are proud to call him our new family attorney for any legal matters/questions we may have.