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Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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Chances are, if you are a driver of any kind, you have been or will be involved in a car accident. For motorcyclists, the chances of an accident are much higher. Approximately three-fourths of motorcycle accidents involve collision with another vehicle, usually a passenger automobile; the other one-fourth of accidents are single vehicle accidents where only the motorcycle is involved. Many of these accidents occur because other drivers on the road are not aware of the rules and laws pertaining to motorcycles, or neglect to see the bike in time. Others are negligent and careless, and end up causing a tragic accident. Victims of motorcycle accidents caused by another driver have rights to file a lawsuit against the responsible party to seek damages and compensation, with the help of a qualified Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer/attorney.

When you find the lawyer who will represent you, he or she will go through a process in order to build your case and make it as strong as possible. This may include gathering evidence using experts and law enforcement, talking to witnesses and taking statements, reviewing insurance and medical bills, and much more. You will want a specialized motorcycle accident lawyer/attorney because they will be familiar with the specific laws when it comes to motorcycle riding and driving, helmet laws, and the culture overall. Although a general personal injury lawyer can accomplish these same tasks, having someone with such specific knowledge and specialized experience will be a big help to your case.

Automobile and truck drivers do not treat motorcycle drivers the same way on the road, and are more likely to be ignorant of the traffic laws and rules of the road for motorcycles. Intersections are the most likely place for the motorcycle accident, with the other vehicle violating the motorcycle right-of-way, and often violating traffic controls. In Indiana, as elsewhere, motorcycles represent a small fraction of registrations and miles driven on the roads, but contribute greatly to the number of motor vehicle accidents each year. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in traumatic injury and death due to the lack of outer protection that a car or truck would normally provide. A larger share of injuries involve head trauma because many drivers do not wear helmets, even in states where the law mandates them.

These factors, which make motorcycle accidents unique, each have their own legal implications. Traumatic bodily injury often results in a long period of rehabilitation and a substantial loss of work, which needs to be documented accurately and comprehensively if recovery from a negligent party is being sought. A motorcycle accident victim who is unable to testify due to death or extensive injury cannot offer evidence, so forensic accident reconstruction experts and engineers trained in collision dynamics must be available. Motorcycle accident lawyers/attorneys must cultivate the expert and lay witnesses necessary to build a case on behalf of a motorcycle operator.

When law enforcement cites a motorcycle operator involved in an accident, the issues surrounding those charges need to be dealt with as well. Finding an attorney who is prepared and experienced in the unique factors surrounding the motorcycle accident case is critical in order to get compensation for mental or physical injuries, damage, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and any other damages resulting from the motorcycle accident.

In Indiana, helmet, registration, and equipment laws are in place to help reduce accidents, but little is in place to educate other drivers as to their obligations on the road with motorcyclists. Indiana law requires motorcycles to be registered and insured, and requires protective headgear and eye wear for operators under the age of 18. An experienced attorney has to deal with a growing sentiment among judges, juries, regulators, law enforcement, and medical professionals that motorcycle riding is inherently risky and that the injuries negligently inflicted upon them by other drivers are actually caused by their decision to ride a motorcycle.