Far too often, motorcycle accidents happen in Greenwood, Indiana, because the drivers of other vehicles were careless on the road. Texting while driving, speeding, and other negligent behaviors can easily become catastrophic or deadly for motorcycle riders. This is why so many riders end up with serious, permanent injuries.
In the aftermath of a devastating motorcycle accident, life as you knew it may never be the same. You may be facing years of rehabilitation and medical care, or you may have lost the financial support of your family’s breadwinner. It is critical that you get the full compensation it will take to move forward.
A motorcycle accident attorney in Greenwood can be a strong advocate and source of support. Insurance companies count on the victims of motorcycle accidents not being aware of their rights. We will make sure you understand your options and fight to make sure you get what you need to focus on your recovery.
Getting Motorcycle Accident Claim Compensation in Indiana
How much compensation can you get in a motorcycle accident claim? There is no “one-size fits all” answer to this question because every case is unique. However, these claims often have sizable settlements or awards due to the severity of the victims’ injuries.
Yosha Law settled one Indiana motorcycle accident claim for $3 million. The motorcycle rider was injured when construction equipment was negligently left protruding into the road. The insurance company offered the injured party $200,000. If they had settled for the initial offer, they would not have been left with enough to cover their accident-related costs.
This is why we fight for the rights of motorcycle riders. We are passionate about seeing that justice is served on your behalf.
How Much It Costs to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Greenwood
Justice should not only be available to those who can afford it. This is why our motorcycle accident lawyers in Greenwood, IN, work on a contingency basis. We don’t get paid until after your case is resolved. During your consultation, the terms of the condition and the percentage we take will be discussed with you in detail.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
There are steps motorcycle riders in Greenwood can take to protect your claim, even before your lawyer takes over. By following these tips, you might be preserving your chance to get the largest possible settlement.
- Contact 911 and file a police report. Request an ambulance if necessary.
- Exchange insurance information with all involved parties.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident, any vehicles involved, and any injuries.
- Get medical treatment, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. You may be in shock and not realize the full extent of your injuries yet.
- If possible, get the contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash.
- Do not apologize or accept responsibility for the motorcycle accident in any way.
- Do not post about your accident on any social media. It could be used against you.
- Reach out to a Greenwood car accident lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accident claims.
Why You Should See a Doctor After Your Motorcycle Accident
Perhaps you miraculously walked away from your motorcycle accident with minor cuts, scrapes. and bruises. You felt like you could recover from these injuries on your own, only later to learn that your untreated injuries would lead to an infection, stroke, or even heart attack.
Even minor injuries can worsen with time, and you will need documentation of this if it happens to you. Greenwood motorcycle lawyers will need records of your medical appointments when gathering evidence for your personal injury case.
Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries You Can Get Compensation For
Operating a motorcycle on the open road also means more significant exposure to the elements and a sacrifice of a level of protection from a vehicle collision.In Indiana, helmets are not required for motorcycle operators over the age of 18. However, helmets and protective eyewear may diminish your risk of severe eye injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Along with eye injuries and TBIs, motorcycle accidents may result in:
- Torn ligaments
- Severe limb sprains
- Bone fractures
- Subdural hematomas
- Limb amputations
- Facial injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Road rash
The Time Limit to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Indiana
According to IC § 34-11-2-4, in Indiana, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident. This time limit is known as a statute of limitations. This is the time period in which you are allowed to file a claim. Once this window has closed, in most cases, you will no longer be eligible to be compensated for your motorcycle accident damages.
Damages You Can Recover After a Motorcycle Accident
There are many different types of damages you can recover after a motorcycle accident in Greenwood, IN. Reasons for compensation can include, but are not limited to:
Pain and Suffering
Damages in this category compensate victims for the pain they’ve endured–both physically and mentally. their accident has caused them. This type of damages falls under the umbrella of what is referred to as “non-economic.” This means there is no set amount as you’d have in the case with economic damages, which are those that have associated bills.
Emotional Distress
If you find yourself dealing with emotional and psychological trauma after your motorcycle accident, any professional mental health services you seek and diagnoses you receive may entitle you to compensation. For example, you may be covered for treatment for post-accident PTSD.
Medical Expenses
You may be entitled to funds to pay for ongoing and past medical expenses including doctor’s visits, emergency care, and surgeries. This can include the costs of covering for in-home medical care or special equipment, such as wheelchairs or prosthetic limbs.
Lost Wages or Potential Income
After a motorcycle accident, you are likely to have injuries that are severe enough to make you miss work – possibly for a long time. You may receive compensation for lost work time, and any time you may lose in the future as a result of your accident. You could recoup bonuses, benefits, and tips as well as salary.
Lost Earning Potential
If your injuries made it impossible to continue in your current profession, or you had to stop working altogether, your motorcycle accident attorney Greenwood, IN, will calculate the amount of money you would have made if you’d been able to continue working. We can also calculate the lost earning potential of a deceased loved one. We will seek compensation for this.
Motorcycle Repair or Replacement
If you’ve had to make repairs or have had to replace your motorcycle as a result of your accident, your lawyer will use bills and any other pertinent documentation so you can recover these costs.
Loss of Consortium
Another type of non-economic damages you may be able to recover is loss of consortium. This legal term describes the loss of the companionship and intimacy you used to enjoy in your marriage before your spouse was seriously injured or killed.
Funeral and Burial Costs
When a motorcycle crash leads to a wrongful death, you may also be able to seek compensation for the cost of the funeral, burial, and cremation.
Important Indiana Motorcycle Accident Facts You Should Know
The 2019 Indiana Traffic Safety Facts report listed 150 total motorcycle crashes in Indiana.
It’s important to know these statistics to increase road awareness, but ultimately you may not have control over whether a motorcycle accident or its results.
- Indiana motorcycle accidents and fatalities increased from 2019 to 2020.
- Motorcycle collisions increased by 8% from 2,568 in 2019 to 2,778 in 2020.
- 69% of all motorcycle collisions occurred during daytime hours
- 49% of all fatal motorcycle crashes occurred before nightfall.
- The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) estimates motorcycles accounted for 15% of vehicle fatalities, but were involved in only 2% of all vehicle crashes.
Any motorcycle rider in Indiana should keep these facts in mind when you’re riding. Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Filing a legal claim with the help of a Greenwood motorcycle accident attorney when another party causes an accident holds negligent drivers accountable.
How a Greenwood Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Assist You
In the aftermath of the trauma of your motorcycle accident, you may find retaining a motorcycle lawyer can help you with your mounting burdens. It’s important that you find an attorney who is committed to fighting for you. Compensation won’t bring back what you’ve lost as a result of your accident, but it may help you find justice.
If you choose to work with our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers, we will guide and support you through the legal process. We’re here to support you in the aftermath of your motorcycle accident. We will fight for you, advise you on your case, and explore possible compensation.
We will use our vast resources to collect evidence for you (including, but not limited to, utilizing forensic experts), and will build your strongest possible case. If you retain our expert attorneys, we’ll negotiate your settlement, and if your case goes to trial, we will fight for you in court.
Call Us for a Free Consultation After a Motorcycle Accident in Greenwood
You don’t have to battle large insurance companies on your own. We treat each case individually, and we will always bring your personal needs into account. Our goal is to help you find justice.
An attorney who is willing to go the extra mile in your case may be the difference between compensatory justice and medical bills that leave you bankrupt. Call us for legal help. At Yosha Law, your no-obligation initial consultation is free of charge. Our Greenwood motorcycle accident lawyers will explain your options and your rights in Indiana.
