Lombard Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Seasoned Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Injured Riders

Motorcycling offers a unique sense of freedom, but it also exposes riders to risks that occupants of passenger vehicles simply do not face. Unlike drivers protected by airbags, seat belts, and the steel frame of a car, motorcyclists have very little protection in a collision. Even relatively low-speed crashes can result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Lombard, Illinois, because of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face and have decades of experience helping injured clients throughout DuPage County pursue the compensation they deserve.

Whether your crash occurred on Roosevelt Road, North Avenue, Main Street, Highland Avenue, Butterfield Road, Finley Road, or near Interstate 355 or Interstate 88, our experienced Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to help you understand your legal rights and pursue maximum compensation.

“Motorcycle riders are held to an unfair standard on our roads. Too often, insurance companies assume a rider was speeding or reckless before they even investigate what really happened. We’ve seen firsthand how a thorough, aggressive investigation, reconstructing the crash, pulling traffic camera footage, and holding negligent drivers accountable, can completely change the outcome of a case. Every rider deserves an advocate who understands motorcycles and won’t let bias against bikers stand in the way of fair compensation.” — John J. Malm, Lombard injury attorney

Motorcycle Accidents by the Numbers

Illinois motorcycle crash data, compiled by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), paints a sobering picture of how dangerous riding can be, even though motorcycles make up a small fraction of vehicles on the road.

• Motorcycle crashes accounted for only about 1.1% of all crashes in Illinois in 2024, yet they made up 13.1% of fatal crashes statewide, a disproportionate share given how few motorcycles are actually on the road compared to cars and trucks.
• In 2024, Illinois recorded 303,913 total motor vehicle crashes, including 1,085 fatal crashes.
• Motorcycle-related deaths fell from 162 in 2023 to 147 in 2024, a 9.3% year-over-year decrease, though motorcyclists remain among the most vulnerable roadway users in the state.
• Historically, IDOT data shows that in a recent reporting year there were roughly 2,973 motorcycle accidents statewide, resulting in 2,266 injuries and 119 deaths — meaning motorcyclist fatalities accounted for roughly 11.5% of all Illinois traffic deaths that year, despite motorcycles representing a small share of registered vehicles.
• Illinois is one of only three states with no universal helmet law for adult riders, and IDOT data shows that approximately 60% of motorcycle fatalities in the state involve a rider who was not wearing a helmet.
• Cook County consistently leads the state in motorcycle deaths, accounting for roughly 30% of all motorcycle fatalities in Illinois, with DuPage County and other collar counties also seeing a steady share of serious crashes each year.
• Alcohol impairment is a factor in an estimated 28% of fatal motorcycle crashes in Illinois.
• The Illinois Secretary of State’s office reports that there are more than 315,000 licensed motorcycles registered in the state, meaning hundreds of thousands of riders share the road with cars and trucks every riding season.

While these numbers are statewide, Lombard is not immune. The village sits along major DuPage County corridors, including Illinois Route 53, Roosevelt Road, St. Charles Road, and Finley Road, that see heavy daily traffic and have been the site of serious multi-vehicle crashes, including collisions involving motorcyclists. Local news outlets have reported multiple crashes on Route 53 in and around Lombard in recent months, including at least one that resulted in the death of a motorcycle rider.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen in Lombard

Motorcycle crashes rarely happen for just one reason. In most cases, a combination of driver behavior, roadway conditions, and the inherent vulnerability of the motorcycle itself work together to turn an ordinary commute into a catastrophic event. Some of the most common causes we see in Lombard and the surrounding DuPage County area include:

• Left-turn collisions. The single most common type of motorcycle crash occurs when a car or truck turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Drivers frequently misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or simply fail to see it approaching.
• Unsafe lane changes. Motorcycles can easily disappear into a driver’s blind spot. A driver changing lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots can sideswipe or force a rider off the road.
• Distracted driving. A driver glancing at a phone for even a second or two is far less likely to notice a motorcycle in traffic than a car or truck.
• Limited visibility at intersections. Parked cars, trees, shrubbery, and buildings can obstruct a driver’s view of an approaching motorcycle, especially at busy intersections along Roosevelt Road or St. Charles Road.
• Motorcycles hidden between larger vehicles. On highways and multi-lane roads, motorcycles can become boxed in or hidden between larger vehicles like semi-trucks, buses, and SUVs, reducing the reaction time other drivers have to avoid a collision.
• Speeding and following too closely. Excessive speed reduces the time any driver has to react, and the consequences are magnified for a motorcyclist who has no protective shell around them.
• Impaired driving. Alcohol and drug impairment remain leading contributors to fatal crashes of all kinds, including motorcycle collisions, in DuPage County and statewide.
• Poor weather and road conditions. Rain, fog, snow, and even loose gravel affect motorcycles far more severely than passenger vehicles, reducing traction and rider visibility.
• Road defects. Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris that a car would barely notice can cause a motorcycle to lose control entirely.

Dangerous Roads for Motorcyclists in Lombard

Lombard experiences significant traffic due to its location near several major highways and commercial corridors. Busy intersections, heavy commuter traffic, and frequent turning movements increase the likelihood of motorcycle collisions. Roadways where serious crashes may occur include:

• Roosevelt Road (Illinois Route 38)
• North Avenue (Illinois Route 64)
• Butterfield Road (Illinois Route 56)
• Main Street
• Highland Avenue
• Finley Road
• Grace Street
• St. Charles Road
• Interstate 355
• Interstate 88

Intersections involving multiple turning lanes, heavy retail traffic, and limited visibility are particularly hazardous for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries Are Often Catastrophic

Because riders lack the protective structure of an enclosed vehicle, motorcycle accidents tend to produce injuries that are more severe than those seen in typical car accidents. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures, particularly among unhelmeted riders
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Road rash and severe abrasions from sliding across pavement
• Broken bones, including compound fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns from contact with hot engine or exhaust components
• Loss of limb, in the most serious collisions

These injuries frequently require extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and in many cases result in permanent disability. The financial toll of medical bills, lost wages, future care costs can be overwhelming for a rider and their family, on top of the physical and emotional recovery.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Lombard

The steps you take in the minutes, days, and weeks after a crash can significantly affect both your health and any potential legal claim. If you’re able to do so safely, consider the following:

• Call 911 and request police and medical response, even if injuries seem minor at first, as some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, aren’t immediately obvious.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible, and follow through with all recommended treatment and follow-up appointments.
• Document the scene with photos or video of your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s), the roadway, skid marks, and any visible injuries, if you’re physically able.
• Get contact and insurance information from any other drivers involved, along with names and contact information for witnesses.
• Avoid discussing fault with the other driver, witnesses, or insurance adjusters at the scene or afterward, as statements can be used against you later.
• Keep records of medical bills, repair estimates, missed work, and any other expenses related to the crash.
• Contact an attorney before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company, especially the other driver’s insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lombard Motorcycle Crashes

Do I need a lawyer after a motorcycle accident in Lombard?

You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but motorcycle claims are often contested more aggressively by insurance companies than typical car accident claims, due to lingering bias against riders. An experienced attorney can help level the playing field, gather evidence, and negotiate for full compensation.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Illinois?

In most cases, Illinois law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, such as claims involving a government entity, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What if I wasn’t wearing a helmet when I was injured?

Illinois does not require adult riders to wear a helmet, so the absence of a helmet does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation. However, insurance companies may try to use it to argue you contributed to your own injuries, which is one of many reasons experienced legal representation matters.

What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage to your motorcycle and gear.

What if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured?

Illinois requires drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which may apply if the at-fault driver had no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your losses. Reviewing your own policy with an attorney can help identify all potential sources of recovery.

How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident attorney?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and legal fees are only collected if we recover compensation on your behalf.

Contact the Trusted Lombard Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant: physically, financially, and emotionally. While the statistics make clear that riders face real dangers on Lombard’s roads, they don’t have to face the aftermath of a crash alone. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Lombard or anywhere in DuPage County, don’t wait to protect your rights. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurance companies move quickly to limit what they pay. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys fight for the full compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.