When a motorcycle crash happens due to someone else’s negligence, it can profoundly affect an injured motorcycle rider’s life. If you or a family member has been in such a traffic accident, reach out to an experienced Fort Wayne motorcycle accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm to take legal action. Call for a free consultation on your motorcycle accident claim today.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident in Fort Wayne?
Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Motorcycle accidents on Indiana roads can occur due to:
- Collisions with vehicles making left turns
- Crashes at intersections
- Lane splitting incidents (lane splitting is prohibited in Indiana)
- Dooring accidents
- Sudden lane changes
- Road hazards (potholes or debris)
Common causes of motorcycle accidents include aggressive driving, distracted driving, reckless driving, drunk driving, running red lights, and failing to obey other traffic laws.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Fort Wayne
Motorcyclists face more severe and catastrophic injuries in crashes with larger passenger vehicles due to their smaller size and lack of protection. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Common severe injuries include road rash, head injuries (including traumatic brain injuries), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, emotional trauma (like PTSD), and permanent injuries. In some cases, these injuries can lead to fatalities.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, follow these steps:
- Get medical attention immediately.
- Follow your doctor’s advice and keep medical records.
- Stay at the crash scene and follow the police officers’ instructions.
- Call 911 and obtain a police report.
- Take photos of the scene and damage.
- Collect information from other vehicles and witnesses.
- Don’t admit fault or apologize.
- Seek legal representation for a possible personal injury lawsuit.
Compensation for Fort Wayne Motorcycle Accident Victims
When motorcycle accidents occur due to another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. A Fort Wayne motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover economic damages and non-economic damages. This can include medical bills (including future medical treatment), lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses (like mileage to medical appointments). In cases involving traffic fatalities, we can also assist with wrongful death claims to help you move forward.
Why Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Dealing with the legal system can be confusing. While handling your motorcycle accident case, a personal injury attorney can provide:
In-Depth Legal Knowledge
With thorough knowledge of Indiana law, we guide you through the legal process.
Investigative Skills
We investigate the motorcycle crash to determine its cause, gather evidence (such as witness statements and statements from accident reconstruction experts), and identify who is at fault.
Negotiation Skills
We work with insurance companies to secure full and fair compensation for clients.
Court Experience
If an insurance company refuses a fair settlement, we fight for your rights in court.
What Is My Fort Wayne, IN, Motorcycle Crash Case Worth?
When your Indiana motorcycle accident causes serious injuries or permanent disability, a personal injury lawyer evaluates the full extent of your motorcycle-car accident case to seek maximum compensation.
We consider the severity of your injuries, current and future medical expenses, lost income, damage to personal property, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, shared fault among the parties involved, and available insurance coverage.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
According to the Indiana Office of Court Services, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana is typically two years from the accident date. There may be some exceptions to this time limit, so be sure to consult an experienced personal injury attorney promptly to avoid missing the chance for financial recovery.
What If I Was Partially to Blame for My Motorcycle Crash?
Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule (Indiana Code § 34‑51‑2), your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and awarded $10,000, your payout is reduced by $2,000. If you’re over 51% at fault, you won’t be able to recover any damages.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
When an accident happens and motorcyclists suffer injuries due to an at-fault party’s negligence, our legal team is here to provide a legal consultation. We manage the entire motorcycle injury claim for injured clients, hold responsible parties accountable, and work to secure the financial compensation you deserve.
Free Case Evaluation
Our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your personal injury case. The experienced attorneys from the Fort Wayne office of our law firm can prove negligence of an at-fault driver and hold them responsible for your bodily harm.
(312) 223-1700