Finding the Best Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Your Case

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.

a motorcycle accident lawyer in Indiana

Compensation for Victims of Motorcycle Accidents

The focus of our representation will be to maximize your compensation, including:

  • Medical costs:

    The driving force behind many injury claims is to secure the financial compensation that pays for the claimant’s medical bills, and physical therapy, ongoing treatment, etc., which can be extensive. You should be able to receive full medical care without losing anything out of your own finances.

  • Lost wages:

    If you miss weeks, months, or years of work due to your injuries, your finances are going to take a hit. We can work to make sure you are paid for all the wages or loss of income you have missed, including those far into the future.

  • Pain and suffering: 

    Non-economic damages can be pursued in a motorcycle accident claim that pay you for the pain, suffering, and trauma you have been through due to the other party’s negligence.

  • Permanent disability: 

    Injury claimants who have suffered a permanent disability can demand further compensation that reflects the hardships and costs the disability causes. For example, you can be compensated for the cost of making your home wheelchair accessible.

  • Motorcycle repairs: 

    Technically, the damages you are owed to repair or replace your motorcycle are handled through a property damage claim, not a personal injury claim. Our Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure you are given a fair amount in this regard, too, though.

Do you think you deserve the most compensation possible after being in a wreck that was not your fault? We do, too. Let our Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers work on your case, so you can feel confident in your case’s chances.

If there is enough evidence to support the claim, then you could be awarded compensation that covers economic and noneconomic losses from the insurance company.

What is the Typical Settlement Amount for Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Most motorcycle accident settlements range from $10,000 to $100,000, based on data from 100 cases settled between 2021 and 2024. The settlement amount can vary significantly depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, property damage, and the circumstances of the accident. In some cases, settlements can exceed this range if the injuries are severe or if there is clear evidence of negligence by the other party.

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 in Motorcycle-Car Crashes?

Car and truck drivers are frequently responsible for motorcycle-related accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes happen because other drivers simply do not see the motorcyclist.

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 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 that have been injured by motorists or road conditions and sometimes are taken advantage of by insurance companies.

Call on the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis with Extensive Legal Experience

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!

Indianapolis Office

951 N Delaware St Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-593-9202