Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Evansville, IN

FAQs

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

  Evansville Police Department Phone: (812) 436-7896

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

  Police crash reports are available two days after the incident. To get a copy of your crash report, visit the Evansville Police Department Central Record Room at: Civic Center Building, Room 126 Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (812) 436-7956

• Do all motorcycle accident cases in Evansville, IN go to trial?

  If the parties involved are able to arrive at a fair settlement, the motorcycle accident case does not need to go to trial. Motorcycle accident lawyers in Evansville generally seek to fully recover the client’s current and future damages through a settlement. This is so the client can be compensated quicker and avoid the expenses and uncertainty of a jury trial. If the insurance company refuses to fairly compensate the victim, the lawyer may take the case to court.

• Can you file a personal injury claim for a motorcycle accident in Evansville, IN if you are not a U.S. citizen?

  Yes, non-citizens have the right to file a claim or lawsuit according to the U.S. Constitution Article III. Whether the motorcycle accident victim is a documented or undocumented immigrant, or a foreigner visiting friends in Evansville, the victim’s immigration status does not prevent them from seeking compensation for their damages.

• Should all motorcycle accidents in Evansville, IN, be reported to the police?

  All motorcycle accidents resulting in death, a physical injury, or damage to a property or vehicle costing $1,000 or more are required to be reported to the local police. This is based on the 2021 Indiana Code Section 9-26-1-1.1. Motorcycle crashes with no injured parties and not causing damages over $1,000 are not mandatory to report. However, it is still best to report any motorcycle accident to the Evansville police in case you need to file an insurance claim later on.

• Can you afford a motorcycle accident lawyer in Evansville, IN?

  Most motorcycle accident lawyers in Evansville take cases on a contingency basis and do not require an upfront payment. They only collect fees after they are successful at securing compensation for the client. Typically, a percentage of the client’s settlement or trial award is collected by the lawyer as payment for their services.

• Is Indiana a fault or no-fault state, and how does it affect my motorcycle accident case in Evansville?

  Indiana is a modified comparative fault state. Both the liability and compensation of each party involved in the motorcycle accident are relative to their percentage of fault. For example, if your total damages amount to $100,000, but you were found to be 30% at fault for failing to make a turn signal, your recovery will be reduced by 30% to $70,000. You are also liable to pay for 30% of the other parties' damages. Parties who are over 50% at fault are not entitled to any compensation.

• 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.