Do I have to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company after a motorcycle accident?

No. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company. These statements are used by the insurer to find inconsistencies or admissions that can be used to reduce your claim. It is advisable to consult an attorney before providing any statement.

What if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover my motorcycle accident injuries?

If the at-fault driver's policy limits are insufficient, your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may provide additional compensation. This coverage bridges the gap between the at-fault driver's policy limits and your actual damages. Check your motorcycle insurance policy or have an attorney review it to determine what UIM coverage is available.

How long should I wait before accepting a settlement offer for a motorcycle accident?

You should not accept any settlement offer until you have reached maximum medical improvement, meaning your doctors have determined that your condition has stabilized and no further improvement is expected. Accepting a settlement before this point risks undervaluing your claim because the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact is not yet known.

Dealing With Insurance After a Motorcycle Accident in Illinois

When you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Illinois, dealing with the insurance company is one of the most important — and most frustrating — parts of the process. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and motorcycle riders face additional challenges because of widespread bias against motorcyclists. Knowing how to handle insurance communications, what to expect during the claims process, and when to involve an attorney can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

The First Call from the Insurance Adjuster

The at-fault driver’s insurance company will typically contact you within days of the accident — sometimes within hours. The adjuster may sound sympathetic and concerned, but their job is to gather information that helps the company pay as little as possible. They may ask you to describe the accident, discuss your injuries, or provide a recorded statement. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, and doing so often hurts your claim. Even casual statements like “I’m doing okay” can later be used to argue your injuries are not serious.

Common Insurance Tactics in Motorcycle Cases

Insurance companies use several strategies to reduce motorcycle accident payouts. They may argue the rider was speeding or riding aggressively, even without evidence. They may claim the rider was not visible enough or was positioned incorrectly in the lane. They may attribute injuries to pre-existing conditions rather than the crash. They may request broad medical authorization forms to search your full medical history for unrelated issues. They may offer a quick, low settlement while you are still in pain and unsure of the full extent of your injuries. Understanding Illinois motorcycle laws and your rights as a rider helps counter these tactics.

Your Own Insurance: UM/UIM and MedPay

Your own insurance policy may provide important coverage after a motorcycle accident. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are insufficient to cover your damages. Medical payments (MedPay) coverage can help pay medical bills regardless of who was at fault. Review your policy carefully — or have your attorney review it — to identify all available coverage. Illinois requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, but these minimums are often inadequate for serious motorcycle injuries.

When to Accept or Reject a Settlement Offer

Never accept a settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact. Early settlement offers are almost always too low because they are made before the full scope of medical treatment, lost income, and permanent impairments is known. Once you accept a settlement, it is final — you cannot seek additional compensation if your condition worsens or if you discover additional injuries later. An attorney can help you evaluate whether an offer fairly compensates you for the types of injuries common in motorcycle crashes and their long-term consequences.

Documenting Your Claim

Strong documentation is essential to overcoming insurance resistance. Medical records from every provider who has treated your injuries. Bills and receipts for all accident-related expenses. Photographs of your injuries at every stage of healing. A daily symptom journal noting pain levels, limitations, and emotional effects. Employment records showing missed work and any reduction in duties or pay. Repair estimates or total-loss valuations for your motorcycle. The more thorough your documentation, the harder it is for the insurance company to undervalue your claim. Our guide on what to do after a motorcycle accident provides a step-by-step checklist.

When to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you have suffered anything beyond very minor injuries, consulting an attorney early in the process is strongly recommended. Insurance companies treat unrepresented riders differently — and not in your favor. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can handle all communications with the insurer, protect you from recorded statement traps, identify all available insurance coverage, calculate the full value of your claim, and negotiate from a position of strength. Parker & Parker handles motorcycle accident cases on a contingency-fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call 309-673-0069 for a free consultation.