Motorcycle Crash Victim Awarded Millions After Insurance Dispute
- – A Madison County jury has awarded $27.5 million to a 21-year-old man injured in a motorcycle crash that occurred on July 4, 2023, in Highland, Illinois.
- The plaintiff, represented by attorneys Mary Simon and Tim Cronin of Simon Law, sustained significant injuries when the pickup truck driver attempted to cross the intersection without the...
- The $27.5 million award includes $75,000 in punitive damages and $421,213.56 to cover medical bills.
Madison County Jury Awards $27.5 Million to Motorcycle Crash Victim
MADISON COUNTY, Ill. – A Madison County jury has awarded $27.5 million to a 21-year-old man injured in a motorcycle crash that occurred on July 4, 2023, in Highland, Illinois. The unanimous verdict was reached after a four-day trial before Judge Patrick King, finding the driver of a pickup truck 100 percent at fault for the collision at the intersection of Route 160 and Broadway, according to court documents and statements from attorneys involved.
The plaintiff, represented by attorneys Mary Simon and Tim Cronin of Simon Law, sustained significant injuries when the pickup truck driver attempted to cross the intersection without the right of way, striking his motorcycle. The collision resulted in torn ligaments and tendons in his knee, multiple fractures to his lower leg, and required four surgeries.
The $27.5 million award includes $75,000 in punitive damages and $421,213.56 to cover medical bills. The remaining portion of the award compensates the plaintiff for pain and suffering, loss of normal life, emotional distress, and disfigurement.
“Our client continues to live with daily pain, mobility limitations, and post-traumatic stress from the violent crash,” said Mary Simon. “This was a completely preventable collision. The defendant knew he couldn’t see and went anyway. That split-second decision changed the course of a young man’s life.”
The case was brought to trial after initial settlement offers proved insufficient. According to a LinkedIn post from Simon Law on November 6, 2025, the jury deliberated for just over two hours before reaching its decision.
The award highlights the potential for substantial payouts in motorcycle crash lawsuits, particularly when negligence is clearly established. Experts note that motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries and significant financial burdens for victims and their families.
While no amount of money can fully undo the trauma experienced by the plaintiff, the $27.5 million award aims to help him rebuild his life and cover the costs associated with his ongoing medical care and diminished quality of life.