Injured in an Accident? Our Bloomington Motorcycle Attorney Can Help to Claim for Compensation

You don’t have to pursue legal action alone after a motorcycle accident. Instead, an Indiana law firm that specifically has an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on staff can advocate for your right to claim fair compensation for the damages incurred in the accident, including expenses that you might not consider today but can arise in the future. 

This is how our team of personal injury lawyers can assist you:

  • Investigation and evidence-gathering: First, we thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to establish liability and build a compelling, strong case.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Handling insurance companies can be challenging, but our attorneys will handle all negotiations on your behalf.
  • Litigation and trial representation: If we can’t reach a fair settlement through negotiation, we will not hesitate to craft compelling legal arguments and take your case to court to secure compensation.

Common Injuries Related to Motorcycle Accidents

According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (CJI), there were 2,785 motorcycle accidents in Indiana in the last official reports, resulting in 138 fatalities and 1,969 injured people. 

Some of the most common injuries people sustain in motorcycle accidents include:

  • Catastrophic injuries: These are severe injuries that often lead to permanent disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and severe burns.
  • Fractures and broken bones: These injuries are sadly very common in motorcycle accidents, and may require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical care.
  • Road rash: This is a term used to describe skin abrasions and lacerations from sliding on the road during an accident. Depending on its severity, road rash can lead to infections, scarring, and even nerve damage.

Who Is at Fault After a Motorcycle Accident?

Determining fault in a motorcycle accident is crucial for establishing liability and pursuing a personal injury claim. To achieve this, it’s important to note that Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, as stated in Indiana Code § 34-51.

This means that the amount of compensation you can recover will be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. That’s why you should get a lawyer even for an accident that wasn’t your fault: lawyers know exactly how to work to prove the other party’s fault and maximize your compensation.

.Overall, determining fault involves considering several factors:

  • Traffic laws: If a driver violates a traffic law, such as running a red light or speeding, then they can be deemed at fault for the accident.
  • Witness testimonies: Eyewitnesses can provide valuable information about the events leading up to the accident and help establish fault.
  • Police reports: Police reports often include relevant details about the accident, statements from involved parties, and any citations issued, which will also help determine fault.
  • Expert analysis: In some cases, accident reconstruction experts will analyze the scene, review evidence, and provide an expert opinion on fault.

Proving liability and holding responsible parties is not always easy. Many times, multiple drivers or even pedestrians are involved, making it harder for victims to prove they were not at fault in the accident. But with the help of an attorney, you can build a strong case on your behalf and claim the compensation you deserve by law.

Types of Damages You May Be Eligible to Recover

When accident victims come to our firm, most of them cross the door looking for compensation to cover medical expenses or property damage. But often, when analyzing the case in-depth, we find there are more damages they can claim for, often hidden behind medical bills. If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of others, these are the types of damages you might be entitled to claim:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible losses that can be easily quantified, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Non-Economic Damages

On the other hand, non-economic damages are intangible losses that can be more challenging to quantify. They include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases of extreme negligence or malicious intent. Overall, these damages are meant to punish the responsible party and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

How to Calculate the Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Calculating the value of a motorcycle accident claim requires careful consideration of various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact they had on your daily life, and the long-term effects of the accident.

Motorcycle accident attorneys will take all relevant factors into account when valuing your claim, ensuring you get the maximum compensation possible for your case.

What Are Your Legal Options After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, you have two primary legal options for seeking compensation:

Filing an Insurance Claim

The first step after a motorcycle accident is typically filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This claim will detail the accident, the damages incurred, and the compensation sought.

On the other hand, and since insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize their payouts, an attorney can be an invaluable asset to help you level the playing field and ensure your rights are protected.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If the insurance claim doesn’t cover your losses or if the other party is uninsured, you may opt for a personal injury lawsuit. In this scenario, your attorney will present the lawsuit on your behalf and represent your interests in court.

The Process of Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

After your attorney suggests you continue with a claim to demand accountability from responsible parties, you’ll have to file a claim by following these steps:

Step 1: Gathering Evidence

To build a strong case, your attorney will need to gather evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the accident scene and your injuries. This evidence will help establish liability and the extent of your damages.

Step 2: Assessing Liability

Determining who is at fault for the accident is crucial for establishing liability and pursuing a successful claim. For this, your attorney will review the evidence and (if necessary) work with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability based on Indiana’s law.

Step 3: Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are often reluctant to offer fair settlements, especially in cases involving severe injuries. Your attorney will handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, working to arrive at a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.

Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit, which will initiate the formal legal process. In this scenario, your attorney will work to build strong legal arguments and take your case to trial if needed.

Why You Need a Bloomington Motorcycle Lawyer for Your Accident Case

After a motorcycle accident in Bloomington, a personal injury lawyer will provide you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we have decades of experience handling motorcycle accidents in Indiana, and we can help you manage all aspects of your case to get your life back on track. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and talk about your legal options so you can make informed decisions and maximize compensation.

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