Illinois Road Hazards Pose Extra Risks to Motorcyclists 

 Posted on August 31, 2025 in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are less stable and less safe than cars and trucks. Without the protection of steel frames, airbags, or seatbelts, riders are directly exposed to the dangers of the road surface itself. In Illinois, hazards that might barely shake a passenger vehicle, such as a shallow pothole or a poorly painted lane marking, can cause a motorcycle to wobble, lose traction, or crash. For riders, these dangers can be life-changing.

In 2025, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) crash data continues to show that roadway conditions contribute to a significant percentage of motorcycle collisions each year. When these hazards combine with heavy traffic in busy areas like Route 30, Interstate 55, or big intersections, riders face increased risks that require both vigilance and legal protection if a crash occurs. With the help of a Joliet personal injury lawyer, motorcycle riders can pursue damages against whoever is responsible for an accident, whether that is a government agency in charge of the roads or another driver.

Common Road Hazards for Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists face unique vulnerabilities because even small defects or obstructions can disrupt balance and stability. Some of the most dangerous hazards in Illinois include:

• Potholes and uneven pavement: A pothole can bend wheels, damage suspension, or eject a rider from the bike entirely. Uneven asphalt patches are equally dangerous.

• Poorly marked or faded lanes: Without clear lane lines, riders may drift into traffic or misjudge turns, especially at night or in the rain.

• Loose gravel or debris: Road construction often leaves behind gravel or dust, which can cause a motorcycle’s tires to skid.

• Blind corners and curves: A curve with obstructed visibility leaves riders with little time to react to an oncoming vehicle or hidden hazard.

• Dangerous intersections: Intersections in Joliet with high crash histories often do not have proper signals, signage, or sightlines, increasing the chance of collisions.

In Illinois in particular, winters contribute to extensive pothole damage. Motorcyclists are disproportionately affected, particularly when cities delay repairs. County road crews often face budget constraints that leave dangerous stretches unrepaired, and the backlog in Illinois cities’ road maintenance is well documented.

These systemic issues create dangerous risks for riders who need smooth pavement to stay safe. Unlike drivers in cars, who may simply bump through these hazards, motorcyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or multiple fractures.

Who Is Responsible for Hazard-Related Crashes?

When a road hazard contributes to a motorcycle accident, liability can depend on several factors.

Government Entities

State or local governments responsible for road maintenance may be liable if they fail to repair potholes, repaint lane markings, or address dangerous intersections within a reasonable time. Illinois law allows injury claims against government entities, but strict notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines apply.

Suing a public entity such as the State of Illinois or a county requires compliance with the Court of Claims Act or the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/). These laws set strict notice procedures and limit certain claims. For example, governments are generally not liable for failing to initially improve a road, but they may be responsible for failing to maintain it once built.

Construction Companies

If a contractor leaves equipment, gravel, or debris in the roadway without proper warning signs, that company may share responsibility.

Private Property Owners

If a crash occurs on a privately maintained road, parking lot, or access road, the owner may be accountable for unsafe conditions. Whatever the situation, determining liability requires a careful investigation into maintenance records, construction contracts, and accident reports.

What If the Motorcyclist Was Also at Fault?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This means a rider who is 50 percent or less at fault may still recover damages, but the award is reduced by their percentage of fault. A rider who is more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover compensation.

For example, if a rider is speeding through a blind corner and strikes debris left by a construction crew, a court may find the rider 30 percent responsible and the contractor 70 percent responsible. If the damages equal $1,000,000, the rider would recover $700,000. This rule makes it crucial to collect and present strong evidence about the role of road hazards, even if the rider was not obeying every traffic rule perfectly.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

In the aftermath of a crash, the priority is immediate medical treatment. Beyond that, riders should take steps to preserve their rights:

• Report any road hazards to local police or IDOT so an official record is made.

• Take photographs of the scene, the hazard itself, and the motorcycle damage.

• Collect witness names and contact information.

• Keep riding gear and the motorcycle as evidence.

• Get legal advice right away so you know whether a claim against a government agency, contractor, or private party is possible.

What Damages Can an Injured Motorcycle Rider Sue For? 

Road hazard crashes frequently result in very serious injuries to motorcycle riders. This often includes severe orthopedic injuries, such as shattered foot bones requiring surgery. Traumatic brain injuries are also very common, even with helmet use, as are internal injuries and spinal cord injuries.

The financial impact of these injuries often reaches into the millions, factoring in medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and long-term care and rehabilitation. Large law firms with trial experience and a record of securing multi-million dollar settlements are best equipped to pursue full recovery against powerful government entities or large construction contractors.

Contact a Joliet, IL Motorcycle Crash Lawyer

From potholes to dangerous intersections, Illinois road hazards pose unique and potentially devastating dangers for motorcyclists. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash because of unsafe roads, you need a law firm with decades of experience, a proven record of multi-million dollar results, and the willingness to go to trial against negligent parties.

A Kendall County motorcycle accident attorney at Schwartz Injury Law can investigate your crash, build evidence of road hazard liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 708-888-2160 today to schedule a free consultation and protect your right to recovery.