What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Richmond, IN

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we help motorcyclists and their families take the right legal steps from day one, because early action is often what separates a successful claim from a denied one.

Here’s what we recommend immediately following a motorcycle crash:

  1. Seek emergency medical care — even if your injuries seem minor, internal injuries or concussions may not be immediately obvious.
  2. Move to safety and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
  3. Contact local authorities like the Richmond Police Department or Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. 
  4. Document everything: Photos of the damage, road conditions, and witness information can be invaluable.
  5. Avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal counsel to prevent statements from being used against you. The early involvement of an attorney can be invaluable for your case’s outcome.

Remember that under Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1, drivers involved in accidents with injury or death must remain at the scene and report the crash. Failing to do so can result in legal consequences and may also hurt your ability to file a successful claim later on.

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana

Many motorcycle crashes result from avoidable driver errors or road hazards. According to the Indiana crash facts, motorcycle accidents reached a five-year high in 2022, with 2,885 reported incidents statewide.

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our motorcycle accident lawyers go beyond surface-level assumptions and investigate the root cause of every crash. That means determining not only what happened, but why it happened, and who should be held accountable.

Here are some of the most common causes we uncover in motorcycle accident claims:

  • Distracted or impaired driving: Drivers texting, using devices, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs often fail to notice motorcyclists and cause severe collisions.
  • Failure to yield to motorcyclists: Drivers neglecting to yield the right-of-way, especially during lane merges or at intersections.
  • Unsafe lane changes: Motorcyclists are frequently injured when drivers change lanes without checking blind spots or signaling.
  • Left-turn collisions: Drivers misjudge a motorcyclist’s speed or fail to see them entirely when making a left turn across traffic.
  • Hazardous road conditions or defective motorcycle parts:  Potholes, debris, and mechanical failures like brake malfunctions can lead to loss of control and accidents.

Many of these crashes stem from violations of Indiana Code § 9-21-8, which governs the rules of the road. These include failure to yield, illegal turns, and improper lane changes, all of which can support a liability claim.

Personal Injury 317-488-5500

Motorcycle Accident Injuries We Commonly Handle

Because motorcycles provide limited protection, injuries are often serious or even fatal. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries we see in motorcycle crash claims include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Severe road rash and secondary infections
  • Fractures and orthopedic trauma
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage

In every motorcycle injury case, we work with a network of specialists to fully understand your prognosis, identify what your recovery will require, and translate that into a strong, evidence-backed claim. From securing compensation for past and future medical bills to addressing permanent disability and loss of income, our firm builds every claim around the full scope of how your injury will affect your life moving forward.

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Why Hire a Richmond Motorcycle Accident Lawyer from CFLB?

A legal team that knows how to act quickly, build a strong case, and fight for fair compensation will go a long way after a motorcycle accident. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, here’s how we help:

  • Thorough crash reconstruction and evidence collection: Our team gathers police reports, photos, witness statements, and expert analysis to uncover exactly how the crash happened and who should be held accountable.
  • Access to expert witnesses and medical professionals: To prove the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact, we collaborate with specialists who can explain medical findings, treatment needs, and how the crash has affected your life.
  • Detailed documentation of current and future damages: The full scope of your losses includes not just medical bills, but also lost income, ongoing care costs, and the disruption to your daily life and plans.
  • Aggressive negotiation with insurance adjusters: Insurance companies often try to shift blame or minimize payouts. Our attorneys know their tactics and push back with solid evidence and a clear understanding of your case’s true value.
  • Trial-ready representation, if settlement fails: If the other side refuses to make a fair offer, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.

Our motorcycle accident lawyers offer extensive legal expertise and a dedication to safeguarding injured riders. We strive to obtain the complete compensation they require to recover. From our initial conversation to the conclusion of your case, we are committed to advocating for you.

Types of Compensation Available After a Motorcycle Accident

Depending on your injuries and how the crash occurred, you may be entitled to various damages, such as:

  • Medical expenses, including ER visits, rehab, medications, and future care
  • Lost wages and reduced earning potential
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage (motorcycle repair or replacement)
  • Wrongful death damages (when applicable)

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

There is no fixed amount for the average settlement for a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Indiana, as each claim depends on its specific details. 

Factors that influence compensation include the seriousness of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and the degree of negligence involved. Long-term care needs, loss of income, and even punitive damages for reckless behavior may also affect the outcome. 

A careful case evaluation is essential to understand the full value of your potential recovery.

Our Case Results – Fighting for Indiana Motorcyclists

  • $60 million settlement against Tesla after a catastrophic crash.
  • Multiple six- and seven-figure verdicts for injured riders and families.
  • Decades of experience negotiating with major insurance companies.

See our case results for more examples of how we’ve helped motorcyclists recover compensation.

Our Richmond Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

You deserve answers and a plan after a serious crash. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Richmond can help you understand your legal options, preserve evidence, and pursue full compensation. Contact us today for a free case review.