If you’re a motorcyclist who’s recently been involved in an accident with a car, you already know how serious and terrifying it can be. Even a low-speed crash can cause devastating injuries to a rider. Unfortunately, the road to financial and physical recovery can be just as rough, especially when insurance companies look for every reason to downplay your claim.
This post is for motorcycle riders in Illinois who’ve been hit by a car. We’ll cover your key concerns, common defenses insurance companies use against bikers, and how legal help can make the difference.
Top Concerns for Injured Riders
- Who pays for my hospital bills?
- Will my insurance go up even though I wasn’t at fault?
- What if the police report blames me?
- How do I prove I wasn’t speeding or weaving?
- Should I give a recorded statement?
Here’s What You Need to Know
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone: They may sound sympathetic, but their questions are carefully crafted to get you to admit fault or inconsistency. Let your attorney handle all communication.
Common Insurance Defenses in Motorcycle Accidents
- “The rider was speeding.” – Speed estimation is notoriously unreliable. A lawyer can bring in reconstruction experts to counteract this.
- “The motorcyclist was lane splitting.” – Illinois law does not legalize lane splitting, but that does not absolve a driver’s responsibility to check mirrors or blind spots.
- “They weren’t wearing protective gear.” – Gear isn’t mandatory, and fault is based on the cause of the crash, not your attire.
Why These Cases Are Legally Complex
Motorcyclists are often presumed to be reckless, which unfairly colors insurance investigations. Also, serious injuries mean higher medical bills and lost wages, so insurers push harder to reduce payouts.
A good motorcycle lawyer will usually:
- Analyze police and medical reports
- Challenge flawed accident reconstructions
- Coordinate your treatment with lien-based providers
- Negotiate or litigate to maximize your compensation
At Fabbrini Law Group, we’ve represented motorcycle accident victims across Illinois, from city intersections to rural highways. We understand the unique challenges riders face and how to defend against biased insurance narratives. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today to discuss your case.