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Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riders injured in motorcycle accidents in Indiana may have the right to recover compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and suffering. An experienced Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer can help ensure that the at-fault parties are held fully accountable.

Riding a motorcycle can be a great way to take in the scenery and sights that Indiana has to offer, but it can also be dangerous. If you’ve recently been involved in an accident on your motorcycle in Indiana, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. You may have the right to recover compensation for your medical treatment, disability, and emotional distress. The experienced Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers at Stein Law are here to help you.

Collectively, our attorneys have over 75 years of experience fighting for injured riders and their families across Indiana. Our results speak for themselves–we’ve successfully recovered over $20 million in settlements and verdicts for clients like you.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s time to discover how our top-rated legal team can help you get the compensation you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to contact our law office, with locations in New Albany and Clarksville, to arrange a time for a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.

What causes motorcycle accidents in Indiana?

In addition to a regular driver’s license, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (IBMV) states that riders must obtain a motorcycle endorsement before they can hit the open road. This requires a passing grade of a safety course or skills exam with authorized personnel through Ride Safe Indiana. Licensed motorcyclists possess the knowledge to operate their vehicles safely and adhere to Indiana state motorcycle laws. Plus, all drivers in Indiana share a responsibility to follow posted safety laws and exercise caution. 

With data from the Automated Reporting Information Exchange System and IBMV, the Indiana University Public Policy reports that when an unsafe action caused a car accident with a motorcycle, the driver of the other vehicle was at fault 57% of the time.

The top unsafe actions include:

  • Failure to yield right of way
  • Improper lane usage
  • Improper turning
  • Unsafe backing
  • Unsafe lane movement
  • Disregarded signals

Additional causes of motorcycle crashes in Indiana include distraction, cognitive impairment, loss of control, and environmental factors.

How often do motorcycle accidents happen in Indiana?

The Indiana University Public Policy reports that 2,785 motorcycle accidents occurred across the state in 2020. This resulted in at least 1,969 non-fatal injuries and 134 fatal collisions. The fatality rate is a 19 percent increase from 2019, which saw 113 fatal motorcycle accidents.

That’s about 8 motorcycle crashes a day, around 6 of which result in an injury or death.

Why should I hire an Indiana personal injury lawyer after a motorcycle crash?

After you get into a motorcycle accident in Indiana, you will likely have a lot of questions. Vehicle crashes can be difficult, and related claims can be complicated.

What actually caused the crash? Who is to blame? Who is responsible for writing a check to cover the costs of your injuries and suffering? What happens when someone tries to blame you?

At the same time, you may face resistance from negligent parties and insurance companies as you seek compensation through an injury claim or lawsuit. Hiring an experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer to handle your case is the best way to ensure a successful outcome.

At the same time, you may face resistance from negligent parties and insurance companies as you seek compensation through an injury claim or lawsuit. Hiring an experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer to handle your case is the best way to ensure a successful outcome.

At Stein Law, our litigators understand how much is at stake with your motorcycle accident case. We are ready to demand accountability from those responsible for your injuries and suffering.

While you focus on recovering from your motorcycle accident and injuries, we will:

If negotiations aren’t successful, our respected Indiana trial attorneys will be prepared to bring your case to a judge and jury in Indiana. We thrive in the courtroom, and our reputation as successful litigators is well-known. This can work to your benefit, as insurers may be more inclined to settle than risk going up against us in court.

Contact our law offices in Clarksville or New Albany to learn more about our legal services. Our team is always standing by to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Indiana Laws That Can Affect a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

Various Indiana laws can affect your safety and your ability to recover compensation after a motorcycle wreck.

Motorcycle Helmet Requirements

Under IC 9-19-7-1 in the Indiana General Assembly for public laws, all riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a motorcycle helmet in Indiana. The helmet requirement also applies to anyone who has a motorcycle permit, rather than a full-fledged motorcycle endorsement.

While most adults may not be legally required to wear a motorcycle helmet, it’s the smart and responsible choice. In 2020, research conducted by the Fatal Analysis Reporting System found that 40% of fatal accidents involved non-helmeted motorcycle riders. 

Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the odds of suffering a severe traumatic brain injury or dying in a wreck. Additionally, choosing to not wear a helmet can affect a rider’s ability to recover compensation in a crash.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting, or riding between two lanes of traffic, is illegal in the state of Indiana. Riders must use the “full lane of traffic” in front of them. When a lane-splitting rider is involved in a crash, this violation of the law can be used to limit any damages they may be able to receive in a lawsuit.

Comparative Negligence

Indiana operates under a modified comparative negligence statute with a 51 percent bar to recovery. If you are found to be more than 51% responsible for the accident, you will not be able to recover compensation.

If you are found to be 51% or less to blame, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Damages will be reduced based on a rider’s contributory fault. Let’s say you have a motorcycle accident claim worth $100,000. You’re assigned 15 percent fault. You’ll be able to recover $85,000 when shared fault is factored into the equation.

Factors like failing to wear a motorcycle helmet or lane splitting could be considered negligence and, therefore, reduce any financial recovery available to an injured rider.

Statute of Limitations

Indiana’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years. The clock begins on the date of the motorcycle wreck or, in the case of a fatal crash, the victim’s death.

Once the statute of limitations expires, so does your right to file a claim and seek compensation from responsible parties.

You can protect your rights, set yourself up for a win, and increase the odds of meaningful compensation by enlisting the help of our experienced Indiana motorcycle accident attorneys. Call our Indiana law office to arrange a free consultation today.

Liability for a Motorcycle Crash in Indiana

Anyone who contributes to a motorcycle accident in Indiana can be financially responsible for the resulting damages.

Liable parties can include:

  • Drivers of passenger cars
  • Other motorcyclists
  • Passengers
  • Bicyclists or pedestrians
  • Truck drivers
  • Property owners
  • Vehicle manufacturers
  • Government agencies
  • Employers of at-fault parties

Once causation and fault are established, our motorcycle crash attorneys will aggressively seek compensation from anyone who directly or indirectly caused you to get hurt.

Damages Available to Motorcycle Accident Victims

Following a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial losses and the stress and suffering you experience. These are known as economic and non-economic damages, respectively.

Compensatory damages may include:

  • Present and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and income
  • Disability
  • Property damage
  • Rehabilitation
  • Pain and suffering
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
  • Embarrassment

Our award-winning personal injury attorneys in Indiana will work hard to ensure you’re fully compensated for your injuries and suffering. We’ll work closely with experts throughout the process to fully understand the extent and scope of your trauma. The more information we have, the better prepared we’ll be to negotiate a meaningful recovery for you and your family.

Injuries That Motorcyclists Are Vulnerable to in a Wreck

As a motorcyclist, you are vulnerable to a range of injuries. Contact our Indiana personal injury law firm for assistance if you’ve suffered:

Road rash and burns

Broken bones and fractures

Nerve damage

Eye injury

Hearing loss

Dental injury

Neck injury

Back injury

Concussion

Whiplash

Spinal cord injury

Soft tissue damage

Lacerations

Amputation

Crush injury

Wrongful death of a loved one

Seek medical treatment as soon as you can after your motorcycle wreck in Indiana. Prompt care can keep you safe, limit the risk of complications, and provide support for a future claim for damages.

Consult an Experienced Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Stein Law

Please contact Stein Law if you’ve recently been hurt or suffered the loss of a family member because of a motorcycle accident in Indiana. If someone else caused you to get hurt, our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers will work tirelessly to hold them accountable.

We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency-fee basis. There’s no upfront cost to hire our law firm, and you only pay if we win or settle your case. Get in touch to learn more and arrange a time for a complimentary initial case evaluation today.

at 812-948-6000.