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Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Last updated on May 15, 2025

When life takes an unexpected turn on the road due to a motorcycle injury, you need attorneys who have a deep understanding of the law and a passion for riding. At Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler, we are experienced personal injury lawyers who are proud to represent Indiana motorcycle accident victims.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers share family values and want to do what is best for you and your loved ones. We are known throughout Indianapolis for our integrity and consistent record of positive outcomes for our clients. If you’ve suffered a motorcycle injury, you can trust us to handle your case with the care and dedication it deserves.

We had the pleasure of working with Dustin. He was very real and honest with us about our case. He always answered my questions and was there for our family during and after our lawsuit. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome on our case, thanks to Dustin. Highly recommend! – Billie W.

Firsthand Experience As Motorcycle Advocates

The reality of motorcycle riding in Indianapolis can be harsh. In 2020, there was a stark 23% increase in motorcyclist fatalities from the previous year, with 138 riders losing their lives.

As a local motorcycle accident law firm, we have a unique perspective on these challenges.Many of our staff are avid motorcycle advocates who often take part in fundraising and awareness-raising rides for charitable causes. We frequently sponsor charity rides and are longtime sponsors of Steel Horse Thunder, Indiana’s only program for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts.

We’ve stood by many injured riders, offering them the support and guidance needed to navigate the aftermath of an accident. Our firsthand experience in the courtroom equips us with the insight necessary to effectively represent riders.

Meet Our Motorcycle Injury Lawyers

At Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler, we’re a small, family-based firm whose attorneys have chosen their careers because they have a passion for helping those who have been injured through no fault of their own. When you work with us, you’re never just a “file” or a number in our system — our attorneys meet with you personally and will fight hard to advocate for your needs and rights.

Matt and his team were incredible to work with. They showed genuine concern during my recovery process, took extra time to explain all the steps, and fought for me behind the scenes. I was treated with heartfelt care and respect, as a member of the Ladendorf family. While I hope that I never have another need to hire them, I absolutely wouldn’t hesitate to do so. – Anna M.


Daniel Ladendorf	Dustin Fregiato	Matthew Bigler	Taylor Ivy	Mark Ladendorf

What To Know About Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Claims

Recovering from a motorcycle accident isn’t just about healing from injuries. It’s also about securing the compensation you deserve. Injured riders in Indianapolis may be entitled to damages such as:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Loss of enjoyment of life

Understanding Indiana’s Liability Laws

Remember, Indiana has a statute of limitations of two years for personal injury claims. Acting promptly ensures that you do not miss the deadline.

Indiana operates under a fault insurance system, meaning that victims must demonstrate that the other party was responsible for the accident to recover damages. In Indiana, the individual who causes a motorcycle accident is liable for any damages resulting from the incident, which reinforces the importance of determining fault early in accident claims.

Comparative Fault Laws

The comparative negligence principle in Indiana states that a victim’s compensation can be reduced by their percentage of fault, with no recovery possible if the victim is over 50% responsible.

If a motorcyclist is determined to be over 50% at fault in a collision, they are barred from recovering any damages under Indiana’s comparative fault laws.

Insurance companies may utilize stereotypes about motorcyclists being reckless to shift blame and deny reasonable compensation, which necessitates strong evidence from victims to support their claims.

Helmet Regulations in Indiana

In Indiana, individuals under the age of 18 and non-licensed permit holders are required by law to wear safety helmets while operating or riding a motorcycle. The Indiana Code mandates that all new riders must wear a helmet, along with eye protection, during their learning period.

Insurance Coverage Specifics in Indiana

Indiana requires motorists to have Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability coverage, which addresses costs incurred due to damages caused in an accident. In a motorcycle accident, you would initially rely on the liable driver’s liability insurance to cover damages, assuming they are at fault.

An Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) claim can be pursued against the rider’s own insurance provider for additional damages in the event that the rider had UIN coverage at the time of the motorcycle accident.

It is essential for motorcycle accident victims to file all medical bills with their health insurance. Consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters is advised to ensure your rights are protected and to avoid potentially misleading linguistic traps.

Learn more about important insurance information for motorcyclists here, or download our insurance flyer.

Do You Really Need to Hire an Attorney for Motorcycle Accidents?

Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney increases your chances of securing a larger settlement. Attorneys are skilled in navigating the complexities of the legal process, which helps ensure that motorcycle accident victims receive the maximum compensation for their injuries, pain, and suffering.

Here are some of the reasons to have an experienced motorcycle attorney at your back:

You can take advantage of your lawyer’s experience in both the law and case strategies to deliver the best outcome for you
Legal representation is crucial because any statements made to police or insurance providers can significantly impact your case later on.
Motorcycle accident lawyers can manage negotiations with insurance companies, which often employ tactics to minimize their payouts to victims.
Engaging a lawyer reduces the risk of making costly mistakes that could adversely affect the outcome of your case following a motorcycle accident.

Matt, Cathy, and the rest of the team at Ladendorf Law are the best! Matt truly cared about my injury and wanted to do everything he could to pay off my medical bills and compensate me for my injury. He really goes to bat for your best interests and treats you like family. It was a great experience to work with such a professional and caring group of people! – Andrew B.

The Role of an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

What does a motorcycle attorney do, actually? An experienced motorcycle accident attorney assesses the facts of the case to establish liability, which may involve investigating multiple parties potentially responsible for the accident.

They utilize resources such as accident reconstruction specialists, expert witnesses, and surveillance footage to build a strong case and demonstrate fault. Motorcycle accident lawyers are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies, employing strategies to counteract tactics aimed at minimizing payouts to victims.

Given Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, these attorneys help clients understand how partial fault may impact their compensation claims. The lawyers can seek comprehensive compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, ensuring all aspects of the victims losses are addressed.

Understanding Compensation in Motorcycle Accident Claims

In a motorcycle accident claim in Indiana, injured parties may seek compensation for various damages, including injury, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and property damage. Compensation in motorcycle accident claims is typically divided into economic damages, which cover measurable losses such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, which account for intangible losses like pain and suffering.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses in motorcycle accident claims encompass both immediate and future costs, such as treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medical devices.

Motorcycle accident injuries often lead to expensive medical bills that can accumulate during a prolonged recovery period. The evaluation of a motorcycle accident case regarding medical expenses may take awhile as it involves collecting medical bills and records from providers. The total value of a motorcycle accident case cannot be determined without knowing the extent of medical expenses incurred and any ongoing treatment required.

In cases where a motorcyclist is hospitalized, they may face significant financial burdens from continuing medical costs tied to their recovery. The combination of medical expenses, lost income, and recovery contributes to the overall financial impact of motorcycle accident injuries on victims.

Lost Wages

Lost wages encompass compensation for the time off work resulting from the motorcycle accident and any potential loss of earning capacity. Compensation for lost wages can include both current income lost due to the accident and future earnings that may be impacted by the injuries sustained.

The evaluation of lost wages will require documentation of the individual’s job status and income prior to the accident, along with any medical records that affect the ability to return to work.

Motorcycle accident claims can secure compensation for lost wages not only for the immediate time frame of recovery but also for long-term impacts if the injuries result in the inability to work.

Non-Economic / General Damages

Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, compensate for losses that do not have a set monetary value, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life. Unlike economic damages that cover measurable losses like medical expenses, non-economic damages acknowledge the immeasurable suffering experienced by the victim.

Examples of non-economic damages can include catastrophic injury, chronic pain, disfigurement, loss of consortium, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Severe injuries, such as paralysis from a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury, usually result in higher non-economic damages compared to less severe injuries.

Motorcycle Injury Lawyers Who Know Indiana

Having local attorneys from Marion County means having advocates who are familiar with the Indianapolis landscape. While a motorcycle accident can occur anywhere, we understand the risks riders face when dealing with heavy traffic on 465, Interstates 65, 69, 70 and 74, US Highways 31, 36, 40, 52, 136 and 421, and the many state roads throughout Indiana.

Our office is conveniently located near the Marion County Superior Court, the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana and hospitals, including:

Community Hospital North
IU Health Methodist
Ascension St. Vincent
Franciscan Health

This makes it easy for you to find us and for us to represent you effectively. We are also happy to make house visits or hospital visits.

Let Us Ride With You During Your Claim

After a motorcycle accident, you deserve a team that understands both the thrill of the ride and the stakes of the claim. Let Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler be your guide to recovery and justice. Contact us today at 317-597-5887 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation.