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Standing Up For Motorcycle Accident Victims In Indiana

Motorcycle accidents, like bicycle accidents can be more dangerous than a collision between two cars. A motorcyclist is exposed and not shielded by the protections of a car. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you are aware that you have incurred physical, emotional and financial losses. You should not have to deal with the burden of medical bills, lost wages, motorcycle repairs, and the pain from injury after an accident because of someone else’s negligence.

Contact an Indiana motorcycle accident attorney at Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler to discuss your options, ask your questions and learn how you can receive maximum compensation for your injury.

Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents: What To Know

Even if a motorcyclist takes every safety precaution when riding on the road, accidents are still common in Indiana. It is important that motorcyclists wear protective gear when riding and follow traffic laws accordingly because too often are they found in situations where they must protect themselves from a collision with another vehicle. Motorcycle accidents can occur for many reasons, including the negligence of a driver or third party.

Negligence of a driver: Unfortunately, most of the motorcycle accidents that occur could have been prevented if the driver of the other vehicle was simply paying attention. Often, drivers of a vehicle do not examine the roads for motorcycles and end of causing a collision. These accidents occur because the driver is not looking, is speeding, does not give indication of switching lanes, or does not give the motorcyclist enough space in a lane.

Negligence of a third party: Motorcyclists have to keep their eyes moving at all times on the road, including being aware of the conditions of the road. However, no one can see everything, and some items in the road are unavoidable.  For instance, a pothole may be no obstacle for a large vehicle, but it can be a serious risk for a motorcycle. It is the responsibility of local and federal governments to provide drivers with safe roadways.

Involved In A Motorcycle Accident In Indiana?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, follow these basic steps to make sure your claim is eligible to receive maximum compensation for your injuries and expenses.

  • Seek medical attention immediately if you have suffered an injury. Your health should be your No. 1 concern after a motorcycle accident.
  • Contact the police and file a police report.
  • Obtain all medical files, contact information about drivers and eyewitness involved in the accident, photographs of the scene, and any other information pertinent to the accident.
  • Do not give insurance companies your recorded statement. What you say will most likely be used against you.

Motorcycle Accidents And Compensation: What To Know

The roadways of Indiana can be exceedingly dangerous for motorcyclists. Our team understands this firsthand since we have helped thousands of Indiana clients who have suffered injuries in motorcycle accidents. Whether a reckless driver failed to see you or a negligent property owner created dangerous conditions, we can help you recover full compensation for your damages.

On this page, we have answered a few of the questions that our clients often ask us regarding motorcycle accidents. Read on to learn what we have to say and to get answers to some of the questions you may have.

What are some of the risks motorcyclists face?

Riders often face even more dangers than drivers. Some of these dangers include:

  • Inattentive drivers
  • Reckless drivers
  • Speeding drivers
  • Slippery roads
  • Improper road maintenance
  • Grass clippings on the roadway
  • Loose dogs or other pets
  • Dangerous or defective motorcycle parts

These are only a few examples of the negligence that motorcyclists may encounter every day.

Where do Indiana motorcycle accidents typically occur?

Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, but certain areas are riskier than others. Intersections, busy roads and highways are common locations for motorcycle wrecks. Factors such as distracted driving, speeding and the lack of visibility after dark can all contribute to motorcycle accidents.

How is a motorcycle accident case investigated?

Motorcycle accident investigations typically involve gathering evidence, including the police report, witness statements and video from surveillance cameras and dash or helmet cameras. Photographs, too, are essential pieces of evidence, since they can show the aftermath of a wreck and help accident reconstruction experts determine how a wreck happened.

What can motorcyclists do to increase safety on the road?

Motorcyclists can take several measures to improve their safety levels and avoid accidents. For the best results:

  • Wear protective gear, including helmets, gloves and appropriate clothing.
  • Always follow traffic laws and obey speed limits.
  • Stay visible by using headlights, reflective gear and good lane positioning.
  • When stopped at intersections, try to make eye contact with other drivers.
  • Attend motorcycle safety courses to improve rusty riding skills.

Unfortunately, all the precautions in the world cannot make other drivers more attentive or cautious around motorcyclists.

Can I recover compensation if an unattended dog runs out of its yard into my bike?

Yes. Pet owners have an obligation to keep their animals from causing harm to other people. This includes more than just preventing dog bites. It also means not allowing their dogs to interfere with the path of riders.

Can I recover compensation if I crashed because a person blew their fresh-cut grass into the road?

Yes. Because they make the road so slippery, grass clippings are incredibly dangerous for motorcyclists. However, many property owners disregard local safety laws and leave fresh-cut grass clippings in the street. You may be able to recover compensation if someone else’s lawn clippings contributed to your motorcycle crash.

Is it worth hiring a motorcycle accident attorney?

You should always have an attorney on your side if you have experienced a motorcycle crash. First, you need someone who understands the overwhelming legal and administrative tasks that you must follow to collect compensation. Second, you need someone who can advocate for your rights, as many individuals and insurance representatives often try to place the blame for a motorcycle accident on the rider.

What options are available for family members after a fatal motorcycle accident?

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries to the motorcyclist. Sometimes, a rider does not survive. In those situations, family members who are left behind often want to know how to seek justice.

In Indiana, the personal representative of the deceased motorcyclist’s estate can pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate. If the claim is successful, the estate can recover compensation for the deceased’s medical expenses, the value of their lost wages or services to their family, plus funeral and burial costs. However, the statute of limitations for an Indiana wrongful death, which controls how long someone has to file a personal injury claim, is only two years. That makes it critical to act quickly.

Ask More Questions About Recovering Compensation

Our team members can answer even more of your questions. Having handled thousands of cases, there is probably no situation we have not encountered when it comes to motorcycle accidents. Contact our Indianapolis office to ask more questions to an attorney. Call 317-842-5800 or send us an email to schedule an initial consultation.