Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Indianapolis:

• Distracted drivers (texting, phone calls, GPS use)
• Drivers making unsafe lane changes or failing to check blind spots
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Following motorcycles too closely (tailgating)
• Failing to yield right-of-way to motorcycles
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Dangerous intersections (e.g., I-465 & I-70 interchange, Meridian Street, Keystone Avenue)

Attorney, Lee Christie, is a dedicated and experienced serious injury lawyer who has won multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients.

We know that motorcycles are an integral part of American culture, exuding an image of freedom, spirit, and hitting the open road. However, motorcycles have also proven to be extremely dangerous on our roads in Indiana, and motorcycle accidents generally cause severe and/or catastrophic injuries and even death.

• Statistics show that in 2018 alone, 4,985 motorcyclists died in crashes across the U.S.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 27 times more likely than occupants of passenger vehicles to die in crashes.
• Speeding is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents. 74% of motorcycle accidents are frontal collisions, which means the front of the motorcycle runs directly into another object.

Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims in Indianapolis

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our primary focus is securing the maximum possible compensation for motorcycle accident victims. After a crash, you may face significant physical injuries, emotional hardships, and financial stress. Our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring you receive fair compensation in all relevant areas, including:

Medical Expenses

You are entitled to compensation for all past, present, and future medical bills related to your accident. This includes emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, and any ongoing medical care required.

Lost Wages and Income

If your injuries force you to miss work, you can recover compensation for lost wages and income. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your former job or earning capacity is permanently impacted, our attorneys will seek compensation for your diminished future earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Motorcycle accidents often lead to lasting physical pain, emotional distress, and mental trauma. These non-economic damages are significant, and we pursue full and fair compensation that reflects the true extent of the physical and emotional hardships you’ve endured.

Permanent Disability and Impairment

Injuries that cause permanent disability or lasting impairments can significantly alter your quality of life. Compensation for permanent disability may include the costs of home modifications (e.g., wheelchair accessibility), adaptive equipment, long-term care, and adjustments required to support your new circumstances.

Property Damage (Motorcycle Repair or Replacement)

Our Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorneys will also help you secure compensation for your damaged motorcycle and personal property. We ensure that the insurance company provides fair value for motorcycle repair or full replacement, as well as reimbursement for damaged riding gear, helmets, and other related items.

You deserve experienced, determined legal representation to recover the maximum possible compensation. Let our Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers stand up for your rights, so you can focus on recovery.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Our Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorneys are fully equipped to investigate the details surrounding your motorcycle crash to uncover the exact cause. We understand that in many cases, the other party involved is often a motorist in a larger vehicle, such as a car, SUV, or truck. By thoroughly examining the evidence, we aim to establish that the responsibility for the accident lies with the other driver, whether it be due to negligent driving, failure to yield, or another form of misconduct. Our goal is to demonstrate unequivocally that you were not at fault, thereby placing full liability on the driver of the automobile or truck involved in the collision.

Forms of motorist negligence that can cause a motorcycle accident include:

• Tailgating: Following a motorcyclist too closely is extremely dangerous because motorcycles can come to a complete stop much faster than cars. If a motorcyclist hits the brakes and a driver is tailgating them, then the odds of a rear-end collision will be high.
• Distracted driving: Driving while distracted is dangerous for everyone on the road, especially motorcyclists who do not have much protection if a crash occurs.
• Unsafe lane changes: Motorcycles are smaller than the average vehicle, so they are more difficult to notice. To avoid sideswiping a motorcyclist, drivers need to always check mirrors and blind spots thoroughly when changing lanes, merging, and turning.

We can also handle motorcycle accident cases that are not caused by another driver, but instead by another outside source. For example, if your crash was caused by a defective motorcycle part or an unsafe road condition like a pothole, our Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer can help you identify the liable party and file a claim against them and their insurance policies.

Who is Most Often Responsible for Motorcycle-Car Crashes?

Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

In our years of handling motorcycle accident cases, we’ve seen firsthand the life-altering, devastating injuries these incidents can cause. From the sudden impact at the moment of collision to the long road to recovery, the injuries sustained are as varied and can lead to many consequences -from economic to emotional.

Here are the most common injuries we encounter while handling these cases:

Back and Neck Injuries

Back and neck injuries stand out due to their potential to drastically alter lives. The spinal cord, vulnerable in the event of a motorcycle crash, can suffer damage leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even paralysis. Addressing the complexities of spinal cord injury cases is crucial for securing the compensation necessary for ongoing care and rehabilitation.

Traumatic Brain Injury

The risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) looms large in motorcycle accidents. TBIs can range from mild concussions with short-term effects to severe brain damage with long-lasting implications. Our approach to these cases is informed by a comprehensive understanding of traumatic brain injury impacts, ensuring that our clients’ futures are safeguarded.

Loss of Sensation or Paralysis

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident may include nerve damage resulting in loss of sensation or paralysis. These conditions not only affect physical capabilities but also emotional well-being and financial stability.

Limb Amputation

Severe accidents can necessitate limb amputation, a life-changing outcome that demands significant adjustments to one’s lifestyle and identity. The path forward involves not just physical rehabilitation but also psychological support and adaptation to new ways of living.

Loss of a Loved One

In the most tragic cases, families may face the loss of a loved one due to a motorcycle accident. Pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide a measure of justice and financial support during a time of unimaginable grief.

What Should You Do If You Have a Motorcycle Accident?

The moments following a motorcycle accident are critical, not just for your physical well-being but also to protect your legal rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect both:

1. Ensure safety: First, move to a safe location if you’re able to do so without causing further harm.
2. Call the police: In Indiana, you’re required to report any accident involving injury, death, entrapment, or significant property damage. This official report is a crucial piece of evidence for your case.
3. Seek medical attention: Immediate medical evaluation is essential, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
4. Document the scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages. This visual evidence can be invaluable.
5. Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved.
6. Notify your insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about the details you share before speaking with an attorney.
7. Consult an attorney: Contact a Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorney at Christie Farrell & Lee Bell to discuss your case. We can guide you through the legal process and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our team is dedicated to supporting victims of motorcycle accidents through every step of this challenging legal process, leveraging our expertise to advocate for your rights and well-being.

Types of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage provides protection in the event that the responsible driver is uninsured.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

UIM, or underinsured motorist coverage, is an option from insurance companies for situations where the responsible driver’s liability coverage is insufficient to provide fair compensation.

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability

This is a required coverage for Indiana motorists. It pays for damages that you cause in a crash. So, if an auto driver caused your crash, you would initially turn to that driver’s liability insurance.

How Our Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Win Your Case:

• Immediate investigation: We act fast, preserving crucial evidence from the scene, police reports, and witness testimony.
• Expert collaboration: Employing leading accident reconstructionists and medical experts to strengthen your claim.
• Aggressive negotiation: Fighting insurance companies’ lowball tactics to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
• Trial readiness: Fully prepared to take your motorcycle accident case to court if insurers won’t fairly compensate you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Legal Claim?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Indiana is two years. This statute of limitations applies to both personal injury claims and wrongful death claims. We can give you specific instructions and advice once we have more details on your situation. Consulting with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Indiana can help you understand your legal rights and options within this timeframe.

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

The first and most important thing you should do if you are involved in a motorcycle accident is to make sure you are out of the way of any danger on the road. This means that you should move away from the scene of the accident to an area where you can be safe from any potential gas leaks or spills that could ignite with a single spark.

Once you have ensured that your safety has been taken care of, it is important to seek medical help ASAP. Even if you don’t feel like your injuries are severe, adrenaline can mask pain or other symptoms caused by sustained injuries. Going to the hospital right away ensures that any emergency or critical issues can be treated and addressed appropriately while setting up a foundation for long-term injury treatments.

Once you have received the necessary medical treatment for the injuries, like road rash, head injuries, and other physical injuries, give us a call to discuss a possible personal injury case.

We like to help people get justice. We feel there is no better way to do that than to represent people who have been injured by motorists or road conditions and sometimes are taken advantage of by insurance companies.

Get a Free Consultation with An Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Do not leave your motorcycle crash accident claim purely up to chance. Get our Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorneys on your side right away to help with your severe injuries from at-fault drivers. By the time we are done building your case, it will be ready to stand up to the harshest scrutiny and tactics from the opposition.

Contact us now to request a FREE case evaluation. Call 317-488-5500 today!