Riding a motorcycle is not just a form of transportation and recreation—it’s a passion. This is why a motorcycle accident with debilitating injuries can seriously derail a motorcyclist’s life.
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham can help you get the compensation you deserve if you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident. Call us at 317-920-6400 today. We are ready to take your fight all the way to court, if necessary.
Unfortunate Realities for Indiana Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycle accidents are on the rise in Indiana. According to data from the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, motorcyclist crash deaths increased by 23% between 2019 and 2020, while motorcycle‐related injuries rose by 8%.
The report also found that over 70% of motorcycle crash injuries were caused by multi‐vehicle collisions. This is unsurprising since many drivers are unwilling—or just don’t know how—to share the road with motorcycles. Drivers may perform maneuvers that force bikers off the road, into another vehicle, or onto the roadway, making daily riding unnecessarily dangerous.
If you’re injured in a motorcycle crash, you may have to face:
Severe injuries. Without the framing of a car, a seatbelt, or airbags, motorcyclists have very little protection on the road and are much more at risk for traumatic injuries—or even fatal ones—than automobile drivers.
Biker bias. You’ve probably experienced biker bias—the negative stereotypes and prejudices that lead to unfair treatment of motorcyclists. Our team pushes past bias against motorcyclists so insurance companies determine liability based on cold, hard facts, not unjust assumptions.
Inability to work. Extensive injuries can make it impossible for you to earn a living for weeks, months, or even years. The loss of regular income can cause financial struggles even before you incur the costs of rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term treatment.
Insurance disputes. If another driver was responsible for your injuries, their insurer may be responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the loss of potential earnings. However, insurance companies don’t always hold up their end of the contract.
Injured motorcyclists deserve the best advocate possible. Our personal injury lawyers at WKW will help you fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
We can make a huge difference in your case by:
Preserving evidence. Evidence collected immediately after a motorcycle crash could be pivotal later in your case. We gather anything that may be relevant to your case, including pictures of the accident scene (including the road, skid marks, glass, and other oddities), eyewitness accounts, your helmet, and the motorcycle itself. Never fix your motorcycle before talking to a lawyer—it may be a key piece of evidence!
Going beyond the scene. Our search goes deeper than just the vehicle and driver who hit you. We will find out if there are other parties who may have inadvertently caused the crash, such as the manufacturer of a defective motorcycle part. We can also obtain the driver’s cell phone records to see if they were distracted during the crash.
Reconstructing the crash. After a thorough investigation, we use collected data to carefully create a picture of how the accident happened. Reconstructing the accident and demonstrating how each step led to your injuries often makes or breaks a case.
Negotiating with insurers. We act fast when it comes to dealing with insurance companies, using our negotiation skills and knowledge of insurance company tactics to put you in the strongest position possible.
Fighting all the way to trial. Should your case go to court, we know how to win through litigation. As a large firm, WKW has the ability to see cases all the way to trial–if that’s what it takes to get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let concerns about lawyer fees keep you from seeking the help you need after a motorcycle accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses.
Instead, your lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement you receive. This arrangement helps ease your financial burden and ensures that your lawyer is motivated to secure the highest possible settlement for you.
In Indiana, the person who causes a motorcycle accident is responsible for any damages. State law requires drivers to carry basic auto accident coverage, but most motorcyclists will often lose more than what minimum coverage allows in a crash.
If the at-fault person’s insurance policy isn’t enough to cover your accident losses, you could file a claim with your own insurer under the following:
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability. In Indiana, motorists are required to have this type of insurance coverage. It pays out damages when the policyholder is deemed responsible for a crash.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM). This type of coverage comes in handy if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to compensate you and your family. Minimums vary, but may include $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage pays out if the at-fault driver has no insurance whatsoever. You are provided this type of coverage unless you reject it in writing.
Umbrella Coverage. Due to the serious nature of motorcycle crash injuries, we recommend all bikers purchase umbrella coverage. Add-ons such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and custom parts and equipment coverage can help make up the difference when other insurance falls short.
Motorcycle accidents can place an enormous financial and emotional burden on victims. You and your loved ones should not have to worry about crash-related expenses now or in the future. Contact us today at 317-920-6400 or fill out our online form for a no-obligation, free consultation.