Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Indianapolis, Indiana?

  (317) 327-3811 is the non-emergency contact number for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Indianapolis, Indiana?

  You may request a copy of an accident report via mail by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to 50 N. Alabama St. E100 Indianapolis, IN 46204. You need to provide specific details, such as the date, time, location of the accident, and if possible, the investigating officer's name.

• How do insurance companies evaluate a pain and suffering claim when you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis?

  If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis, insurance companies consider a number of factors to determine the value of a pain and suffering claim. These include the medical bill mix, the nature of injuries, the nature and duration of treatments, the seriousness of permanent injuries, changes in lifestyle, and the visual impact and location of the scar.

• Is there a deadline for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Indianapolis?

  Yes. The time limit or statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle accident claim in Indianapolis is two years, following the state-mandated regulations. Filing a lawsuit after the deadline will forfeit the victim's chance to obtain full and fair compensation for damages.

• What are the most common motorcycle laws in Indianapolis?

  Indiana, where Indianapolis is located, mandates that riders aged below 18 and instructional permit holders wear motorcycle helmets. Passengers and riders under 18 years old should wear goggles, protective glasses, or a transparent face shield. Additionally, Indiana laws require owners to meet the minimum insurance requirements. These include bodily injury insurance of $25,000 for one person and $50,000 per accident, property damage protection of $10,000, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

• What are the most dangerous intersections in Indianapolis?

  The following are some of the most dangerous intersections in Indianapolis:

  • 86th Street and Keystone Avenue/Keystone Crossing
  • Keystone Avenue and Fall Creek Parkway
  • Allisonville Road and 86th/82nd Streets
  • 21st Street and Shadeland Avenue
  • 38th Street and Franklin Avenue

  Traffic accidents at these intersections are common due to a lack of clear signage and high traffic volume.

• Can you still claim damages if you are partially at fault in a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis?

  Yes, if your fault in the motorcycle accident was less than 51%. Your compensatory award may be reduced based on the percentage of your fault. Indianapolis follows Indiana's modified comparative negligence rule, which stipulates that the state will not recognize your right to compensation if you are judged to have been at least 51% responsible for the accident.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.