Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Helping Victims Seek Justice and Make a Full Financial Recovery

Many people mistakenly believe that motorcycle accidents are always the rider’s fault. In the vast majority of these cases, the reality is far different. Even the most experienced and safety-conscious riders can find themselves victims of negligent drivers on the road. Unfortunately, when an accident happens, riders often get the worst of it because they don’t have any protection from the impact of the crash, making life-threatening injuries and even fatalities more common.

In 2019, there were almost 2,600 motorcycle accidents in Indiana, resulting in over 110 fatalities. Remember, staying alert and practicing defensive riding can help minimize the risk of accidents, but it’s crucial to share the road responsibly to keep all motorists safe. If another driver fails to uphold this responsibility, it can mean disastrous consequences for a rider.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, the Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorneys at Wade Injury Lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process. We have helped clients in and around the Indianapolis area get the compensation they deserve through personal injury claims. We offer a free initial consultation, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to us today. Call 765-563-4644 to speak with our highly skilled legal team.

Why Do Indianapolis Motorcycle Accidents Happen?

Multiple factors can cause motorcycle accidents in Indianapolis. In some cases, wet or wintry weather can make driving conditions dangerous, but many of these accidents involve the negligence of other drivers. All motor vehicle operators, including motorcycle riders, have an obligation to the others who share the road to drive in a responsible manner that protects the safety and well-being of everyone. Unfortunately, some drivers don’t take this responsibility seriously and put others’ lives at risk.

Here are some common types of driver negligence that lead to motorcycle accidents:

Drunk or impaired driving. Someone can be impaired even if they aren’t drinking or using illegal substances, as this can happen even with the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Distracted driving. This can include things like texting, making phone calls on a cell phone, or being distracted by passengers.
Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes. This is especially dangerous for motorcycles because they are smaller and harder to see, and drivers may not be specifically looking for them.
Ignoring a motorcyclist’s right to share the road. When drivers don’t recognize this right, they could try to go around a motorcycle or engage in other dangerous driving behaviors that can put everyone at risk.
Unsafe left turns in front of oncoming motorcyclists. Inexperienced drivers may have more difficulty judging how fast a motorcycle is coming, which could lead them to make a turn when there isn’t actually enough time.
If a driver is going faster than the posted speed limit, it could mean they don’t have enough time to stop or adjust their driving to avoid an accident.
Not maintaining an assured clear distance ahead. A driver following a motorcycle too closely can cause an accident if the motorcycle has to make a turn or slow down for traffic.

Even seasoned riders can be vulnerable to motorcycle accidents. An experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer is crucial to determine fault and seek fair compensation. They will investigate the scene thoroughly and uncover the truth. If you’ve been injured, the experienced attorneys at Wade Injury Lawyers can help.

What Types of Injuries Can Happen From Motorcycle Accidents?

The lack of protection offered by motorcycles, combined with negligent drivers on the road, make Indianapolis motorcycle accidents particularly dangerous. Riders are often thrown from their motorcycles, which can result in an additional impact after the crash itself. In some cases, riders may be trapped under their motorcycles. Even with helmets and safety gear, riders can suffer a range of devastating injuries, including:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries are severe and can include concussions from blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries if another object goes through part of the skull. These can lead to personality changes, memory issues, and difficulty with everyday tasks. It can take months or years to recover from a traumatic brain injury, and full recovery is not always possible in every case. If you are left dealing with ongoing deficits, you may be entitled to compensation.
Severe Burns: While leather clothing can offer some protection against the pavement, road rash can be extensive and leave permanent scarring. It can also require lengthy hospital stays and ongoing medical treatment to keep the area clean and watch for infection. Motorcycle accidents can also cause burns from engine parts or contact with the pavement. If the gas tank ruptures, fuel can be spilled on or near a rider and then catch fire from the crash. This can lead to large-scale, severe burns that require extensive medical treatment.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: If there is a direct impact on the rider’s spinal cord or their back is twisted as a result of the accident, it can cause injury to the spinal cord, which can have a devastating effect on the entire nervous system. These life-altering injuries can require ongoing medical care and significantly impact mobility and ability to work. In some cases, riders may be permanently paralyzed or confined to a wheelchair, which can alter many aspects of their lives.
Internal Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause internal bleeding and organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent. This is more likely to happen if the rider is thrown into the other vehicle or object, but it can also happen just from the impact with the pavement. Because the injuries are internal, it can take several days for them to be diagnosed, which is why it’s essential to seek immediate medical treatment and alert your healthcare provider if there are any additional symptoms or issues in the days or weeks after the crash.
Broken Bones: Riders often sustain injuries to their extremities during an accident, and broken arms, legs, and wrists are especially common. If the bone is broken in several places, it can require surgery to reset, and there could be loss of function in the hands or feet.
Lacerations: Riders can end up with significant cuts from an accident due to broken glass on the road or mangled plastic and metal from the vehicle or motorcycle. Deep lacerations to the face may require plastic surgery to fix, and riders can also experience significant blood loss if the cuts are near major arteries.

Beyond the immediate medical bills, motorcycle accident injuries often have long-term consequences, impacting a rider’s physical and emotional well-being. These issues are generally included in motorcycle accident cases under pain and suffering. Some common mental and emotional consequences include:

Recovering from injuries can take a significant amount of time, and those who aren’t able to get back to their everyday routines may struggle with depression. This can affect every aspect of their lives, including their ability to work and their relationships.
Your brain is hard-wired to avoid danger. After you’ve been in an accident, it’s common to experience anxiety surrounding riding or even driving a car. In some cases, this can expand to generalized anxiety, which can make it difficult for the victim to participate in their normal activities.
Post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can happen after a motorcycle accident, and it can include the anxiety and depression symptoms above, as well as nightmares and flashbacks. PTSD requires treatment from a mental health care professional, and the expenses related to this could be part of your compensation.

When you meet with an attorney, make sure to explain all of your injuries and other issues from the accident, including any mental health struggles you are having. Your attorney isn’t there to judge and needs all the information and details to get you the most compensation.

What Should You Do After an Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident?

Immediately after a motorcycle accident, there are some crucial steps to take. First, seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Getting checked by a doctor helps rule out hidden injuries and creates essential medical records for your claim. It’s vital to get evaluated by a healthcare professional, even if you don’t think you are injured. Adrenaline from the accident can mask pain, and there are some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries and internal injuries, that may not be immediately apparent. A doctor can check for common injuries and provide information on potentially problematic symptoms you should watch for in the next few days.

It’s also important to call the police if you are able and no one else has. They will come to secure the scene, direct traffic around the accident, and start the investigation. They will collect evidence, such as photos of the accident scene, and coordinate the towing of the vehicles. They may also issue citations, which can help the insurance companies determine who was at fault for the accident.

Collect as much evidence at the crash scene as possible. Take pictures and videos with your cell phone camera, and try to get witnesses’ names, phone numbers, or license plates. Having witnesses who can corroborate your version of events can make a big difference in your case later on. Look around to see if there are traffic cameras or doorbell cameras that could have captured footage of the accident.

Lastly, contact an Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorney. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer will take proactive steps to build a strong case on your behalf. This may include gathering all relevant evidence, such as the police report, witness statements, and accident scene photos.

How Does Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents Work in Indianapolis?

Understanding how compensation is determined and what is included can help you better understand how much your case may be worth. Below are some common expenses and items an Indianapolis motorcycle accident settlement may cover.

Medical Expenses

This includes the cost of all accident-related treatment, including hospitalizations, ongoing care, and rehabilitation. A personal injury lawsuit is designed to ensure that you are compensated for any past and future financial losses you experienced due to someone else’s negligence.

Lost Wages

Lost wages include compensation for income lost due to your injuries and any impact on your future ability to earn. If your injuries were severe enough to impact your ability to do your job or necessitated a change to a lower-paying career, this could result in higher damages.

Pain and Suffering

This includes the physical and emotional trauma resulting from the accident. While it can be challenging to put a number on mental pain and anguish, an attorney can help you determine an amount, which is often a multiple of your financial losses.

Property Damage

Property damage includes the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged motorcycle and riding gear. The insurance coverage limits are generally high enough to cover this aspect, but it’s possible this could be a factor in a personal injury claim.

Home Modifications

If your injuries required changes to your living space so that you could move around freely and function independently, this could be part of your case. Common modifications include installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, or changing bathrooms and bedrooms to ensure you can get around and take care of yourself.

How Do Personal Injury Claims Work in Indiana?

When you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. However, it is important to understand how a personal injury claim is affected by Indiana state laws, such as fault, modified comparative negligence, and the statute of limitations.

Fault

Proving fault involves providing evidence that you did not cause the accident. However, fault in Indiana goes beyond why the crash happened. You must also show that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, such as driving safely and obeying traffic laws. You also must prove that the other party breached their duty of care and that this breach caused the accident. Finally, you must show that the accident caused you severe injuries.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that the amount of compensation you receive may be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. However, you can still recover damages even if you share some blame.

Statute of Limitations

In Indianapolis, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including motorcycle accidents, is two years from the date of your injury. It’s crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and maximize your chances of securing fair compensation. Still, it’s just as important to ensure you have a full understanding of your injuries and losses before filing a lawsuit. An attorney can help you find the right balance.

Why Should I Choose the Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Wade Injury Lawyers?

At Wade Injury Lawyers, we’ve handled numerous motorcycle accident cases, navigating complex insurance issues and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

Our Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers know how to fight for the compensation you deserve, considering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. They’ll keep you informed throughout every step of the process, answer your questions promptly, and work tirelessly to get you justice.

We understand how devastating a motorcycle accident can be. If you or a loved one has been injured, you shouldn’t face the aftermath alone. We prepare every case meticulously, including gathering documents, interviewing witnesses, and seeking expert testimony when necessary.

Our team has a proven track record of securing compensation for injured motorcyclists. Let Wade Injury Lawyers handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing. Schedule a consultation with us today by calling 765-563-4644.

Should You Hire Our Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

When you or a loved one is in a motorcycle accident, you must take immediate action by getting to safety, seeking medical attention, and reporting the incident to the authorities. Once you are safe and recovering, you should consider calling Indiana motorcycle accident attorneys like those at Wade Trial Lawyers.

At our law firm, we act quickly to uncover evidence in a thorough investigation. We will use our honed negotiating skills to get you a fair deal from the insurance company and, if necessary, seek compensation through court. We will provide excellent legal counsel and representation as you seek justice in your motorcycle accident claim.

Your time to act is now. At Wade Injury Lawyers, our mission is to restore the lives of accident victims with resolute legal advocacy. We want you to feel confident, protected, empowered, and motivated to get the compensation you deserve. Trust our assertive and detail-oriented firm to champion your rights against insurance companies and corporate entities.

Call 765-563-4644 to schedule a free consultation with our caring, capable legal team. We will get you the help you need to fully recover from your motorcycle crash.