As a rider, you share the road with other motorists. You follow the same laws, you purchase the same minimum amount of accident insurance, and you plan to arrive at your destination safely. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen and you need to be prepared for a motorcycle crash every time you get on the road.
How to Protect Yourself Before a Motorcycle Accident
Before you take your motorcycle out on a public road, it is important to know about…
- Illinois motorcycle laws. Some of the laws that you are required to follow are the same as the laws that you must follow when you drive a car, and others are unique to motorcyclists.
- Illinois insurance requirements. Motorcyclists are required to carry the same minimum amounts of insurance as other motorists and may also purchase additional coverage to protect themselves from the financial consequences of a crash.
Following the motorcycle laws may reduce your chances of being found partially at fault for the crash and having at least the required amount of insurance could protect you financially in some circumstances.
Tips for Protecting Yourself After a Motorcycle Accident
If you have already been in a crash, then it is also important to know…
- How to get a copy of your police report. You may request a copy of your police report from the local police department or the Illinois State Police, depending on who investigated your accident.
- How to deal with insurance adjusters. Insurance adjusters have a job to do and that job is to get you to settle your case for as little money as possible. Thus, it is important to be wary of insurance adjusters and to let an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer negotiate with adjusters on your behalf.
- What to avoid doing after a motorcycle accident. Certain mistakes can reduce your chances of making a fair recovery. You need to know what those mistakes are so that you can avoid them.
- That there is a bias against riders. Many people assume that a motorcycle crash is the fault of the rider involved in the accident, but often that is not true. This bias could impact your recovery if you do not know how to overcome it.
It is also important to know that you have rights. You have the right to learn more about pursuing justice and you can begin doing that right now by downloading a free copy of our book, The Ultimate Guide for Motorcycle Accident Victims. You also have the right to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer and you can do that right now by calling us at 1-800-800-5678 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.