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Those who drive on public roads have a responsibility to secure accident insurance, and that applies to motorcycle riders as well. While the two are not all that different, it is still smart to talk with a practiced motorcycle accident attorney first so that you know what to look for. You have multiple choices to make when purchasing motorcycle insurance in Cicero.
It is important for any rider to purchase proper liability insurance for their motorcycle, and it is recommended that they get it from a reputable and well-known national insurance company. There are many small substandard insurance companies which provide state minimum coverage that people should stay away from. The slogan “You get what you pay for” is generally applicable when it comes to insurance.
There are different categories of insurance to consider. The two main types are liability-only and full coverage. Some additional types of insurance coverage are uninsured and underinsured motorist, and towing and roadside assistance coverage. It is important for a person to examine all possible coverages for motorcycle insurance in Cicero so that they are prepared in case the worst happens.
When someone purchases insurance for their motorcycle, they can purchase either liability-only or full coverage. Liability-only means that the insurance will cover any damages which the rider causes to someone else. It will not cover any damages to their motorcycle, however. Full coverage means that the insurance company will pay for any damages which they cause but will also cover them and their motorcycle if someone else causes the accidents.
Depending on the value of their motorcycle, full coverage may be advisable. The only advantage of liability-only is it is cheaper but if that rider is struck in an accident, they cannot compensate for their totaled vehicle.
The minimum liable insurance for motorcycles in Illinois is $25,000. This means that if they cause an accident, their insurance will pay up to $25,000 in damages. If the accident is more serious, the person could be held personally responsible for the damages above $25,000. While $25,000 is the state minimum, it is always advisable to have liability insurance in an amount in excess of the state minimum.
When someone purchases insurance for their motorcycle, they will have limits of liability. This means the insurance company is not responsible for paying for any damages which exceed a certain dollar amount. However, some people will purchase excess or umbrella coverage. This is a separate insurance policy which covers liability damages if the cost exceeds their underlying policy limits.
While umbrella coverage is not always necessary, it is worthwhile to discuss local motorcycle insurance with a lawyer before purchasing anything.
The damages recoverable in a motorcycle accident are the same as those in any automobile crash. Provided that the other party is determined to be at fault, an injured motorcyclist could receive compensation for their economic damages, including medical bills, therapy visits, property or vehicle damage, and lost wages. A motorcyclist is also entitled to receive compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and disfigurement.
No one wants to consider that they might get in a serious accident and sustain major injuries but it is important to plan for such an event. Making sure you have the right motorcycle insurance in Cicero is the right first step. Call a lawyer if you have been injured and need help sorting out how your insurance will cover the costs.