Chicago, IL, has no shortage of roads to explore — and what could be more exciting than exploring those roads by motorcycle? At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we understand the thrill of riding a motorcycle, but we’ve also seen the devastation that comes with motorcycle wrecks.
Before you hop in the saddle, we urge you to fully understand and abide by Chicago motorcycle licensing requirements. We hope that you’ll never need us, but if you ever need to contact an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer, our firm is only a phone call away at (312) 635-5400.
How Powell And Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help Motorcyclists In Chicago, IL
Making sure you’re a properly licensed and confident motorcyclist before hitting the road can go a long way toward keeping you safe. However, no matter how careful you are, there’s still a chance you could be injured by a careless motorist.
If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a motorcycle accident in Chicago, Illinois, our firm is here to help. Here are a few reasons to consider us:
- We have more than 35 years of combined experience
- We have recovered more than $250 million in compensation for our clients
- We have won more than 75 verdicts and settlements worth more than $1 million each
- We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies
- We are committed to assisting you through your physical, mental, and financial recovery
- We have an extensive network of experts to aid in your case if needed
- We take the time to get to know each client and fight for them like they’re family
If you need a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney, call us today to set up your free consultation.
What Are The Chicago Motorcycle Licensing Requirements?
If you want to legally ride a motorcycle in Chicago, simply having a standard driver’s license isn’t enough — you must have an “M” classification on your driver’s license. This means you have passed a test and proven you can safely operate a motorcycle.
Despite this legal requirement, many people ride motorcycles without the necessary qualifications. The Illinois Department of Transportation notes that more than 20% of motorcyclists do not have the “M” classification needed to ride.
An Overview Of The Licensing Process
Before you can earn an “M” classification, you must have a standard Illinois driver’s license. Because you have to prove your knowledge of road signs and traffic laws to earn your driver’s license, the process of obtaining an “M” classification is often more efficient.
Illinois recommends that everyone who intends to ride a motorcycle take a free motorcycle safety course. The course is required for motorcyclists ages 16 to 17 and optional for riders 18 and older. The licensing process generally follows these steps:
- You complete a motorcycle safety course
- You earn a completion card for the course
- You present the card at any Illinois Secretary of State Driver’s Services Facility
At this point, motorcyclists who are at least 18 will receive an “M” classification without having to take a test. Younger motorcyclists will be required to pass both a written and a driving test.
If you’re an experienced adult rider who doesn’t need to take a motorcycle safety course, you can choose to take a written and driving test instead. If you pass the test, you’ll receive your “M” classification.
Why Are Licensing Requirements So Important?
Some people may think that if they know how to ride a motorcycle, there’s no need to obtain an “M” classification. However, in addition to breaking the law, operating a motorcycle without the proper license classification may jeopardize any personal injury claim you file if you’re involved in an accident.
When it comes to recovering compensation after an accident, motorcyclists already face hurdles. Insurance companies and even courts often view motorcyclists as irresponsible, and they may hesitate to award them compensation.
This bias is worsened when the affected motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and were not properly licensed, you may face even more of a challenge securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Chicago Motorcycle Accident Law Firm For A Free Consultation
It’s easy to forget the hazards that come with riding a motorcycle until you’re involved in a life-altering accident. Dealing with the fallout of a motorcycle accident can be physically, mentally, and financially devastating. If you didn’t cause the crash, the responsible party must be held accountable.
The Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers team takes pride in standing up for injured people and helping them navigate the often-confusing legal system. If you’ve been injured in a hit and run or other motorcycle accident you didn’t cause, don’t wait — get in touch with us today for a free consultation!