FAQS About Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Claims

Motorcycle accidents are vastly different from car accidents. On a motorcycle, a rider is radically more exposed to their surroundings, and therefore, more vulnerable. In the case of a collision, a rider can be subjected to an extensive scope of possible injuries and subsequent damages. From abrasions, burns, and contusions, to orthopedic injuries, internal organ damage, permanent disabilities, and even death, the potential harm that a motorcycle accident victim can experience is quite serious at any end of the spectrum.

If you were recently injured on a motorcycle as a result of another driver’s negligence, you could be entitled to certain compensation for your resulting damages and losses, such as pain and suffering, medical bills, and even lost wages from missing work. All you need is some more knowledge about filing a personal injury claim for your motorcycle accident.

Continue reading to learn more about motorcycle accident personal injury claims by reviewing these frequently asked questions, below.

Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorney 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorney 317-881-2700

How Long Do I Have to Make a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Here in Indiana, most personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, have a 2 year-to-date statute of limitations, but the time period can be substantially less depending on who the defendant is. Claims against governmental entities have to be made very quickly.  This means that most claimants have 24 months from the date of their accident to make a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. If the statute of limitation runs out, there may be an option to have it extended, but this is only under very specific circumstances. See our blog, “Can a Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Be Extended?” to learn more about this topic. To avoid running out of time, it is vital that you speak with a seasoned Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you are capable, following your accident.

What if My Passenger Was Also Injured in the Motorcycle Accident?

If your passenger also suffered serious injuries in your motorcycle accident, they too would be entitled to compensation for their damages and losses, such as medical expenses and hospital bills. However, their claim would be entirely separate from yours, as they would hire their own lawyer to file their injury claim against the at-fault party.  Depending on the facts of the case, Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. may be able to represent both driver and passenger and it can be advantageous to both operator and passenger for this to occur.

Will I Have to Go to Court for a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Most personal injury claims are settled out of court. Although a seasoned and skilled personal injury lawyer is always prepared to take a claim to trial, they’re objective is to settle out of court for a full and fair settlement. Talk to your trusted accident attorney for advice on the best course of action for your Indiana motorcycle accident claim.

How Much Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Cost?

Law firms collect their fees in a variety of ways. It can depend on the type of case, the lawyer’s experience and more. Common payment arrangements used by law firms and lawyers include hourly rates, flat rates, retainers, and contingent fees. Contingent fees are the most common form of billing practice used by personal injury law firms and attorneys. This payment arrangement works by not charging clients any retainers or upfront fees, but by collecting a percentage of whatever monetary settlement they recover for their client. Each personal injury claim is complex and unique, so the percentage collected upon judgment by a lawyer will vary from case to case. Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. works on a contingent fee basis for our injured clients.

Where Can I Get Legal Advice in Indianapolis for My Motorcycle Accident?

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn more about making a personal injury claim after being hurt in a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis, Indiana or anywhere in Indiana. Our seasoned motorcycle accident lawyers offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 and get started as soon as today.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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How to Pursue a Motorcycle Personal Injury Claim in Indiana

Motorcycles are a popular means of transportation and recreation for millions of people all over the world, and for many reasons. They are open and easy to maneuver, giving riders a unique and singular experience on the road compared to driving a conventional car or truck. However, the best aspects of owning and operating a motorcycle are also the greatest risk factors. Riders are at a much higher risk of accidents and serious injuries because they are so open and vulnerable on the road. These risk factors are heightened further by negligent or reckless drivers.

As a motorcycle enthusiast, it is important to know how to protect yourself on the road; but even the safest drivers are subject to the negligence of others. If you were seriously injured on a motorcycle, whether as a driver or passenger, it is wise to learn what you need to know about pursuing a legal claim against the party (or parties) that caused your accident, as you could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Continue reading to learn how to get started on a motorcycle personal injury claim in Indiana.

Motorcycle Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Motorcycle Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Motorcycle Injury Insurance Claims

When it comes to motorcycle accidents, Indiana is an “at-fault” state. This means that motorcycle injury victims should file claims with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier, rather than their own. However, opposing insurance companies will generally be very conservative with their settlement offers or will make no offer, which is why the most important priority for your motorcycle accident claim is to retain proper legal representation.

Contact a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer who specializes in motorcycle and motor vehicle accident claims. They have the knowledge and resources to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement to cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Working With Your Lawyer

You will set an appointment to meet with your personal injury attorney for an initial consultation. This time will be used to discuss your claim in detail. Upon further meetings and discussions, you and your lawyer will ultimately work toward developing a strong and impactful case to prove fault and show evidence of all of your losses and damages. From there, your lawyer will implement all the necessary strategies and manage all negotiations to recover a full and fair settlement for you.

Determining Fault

For motorcycle accidents, the degree of fault is taken into consideration when deciding how much compensation will be awarded to the victim. This is called “comparative fault”.  In Indiana, a motorist must be 50% or less at-fault to be awarded any compensation for their damages and losses. See our blog, “What is Comparative Fault Analysis in a Personal Injury Case?” to understand these legal concepts more.

Get Started on Your Indiana Motorcycle Accident Claim Here

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your motorcycle accident claim. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement for you! Call our personal injury law firm to get started on your motorcycle accident claim, today.  We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Motorcycle Accident Claim and Safety Tips

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Thousands of lives are saved every year by the use of helmets. Whether it’s a motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, or ATV, wearing a helmet, along with additional protective gear, is the number one safety precaution suggested by medical and industry professionals. Motorcycles make drivers much more vulnerable, so practicing safe and responsible driving is the best method to preventing accidents. When you prevent accidents, you can prevent injuries. In this article, we will discuss several motorcycle safety tips, and accident claims for victims injured by the negligence of another motorist.

In the case that you or a loved one is hurt negligently in a motorcycle accident, be sure to seek reputable legal advice and counsel from a seasoned personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Motorcycle Safety

All motorcycle owners, drivers, and enthusiasts have access to a motorcycle drivers’ manual. This manual outlines details regarding safety, operation, laws, regulations, and more. It retains comprehensive information surrounding motorcycle ownership and recreation. It has everything a person needs to know about operating a motorcycle safely and legally. Without this manual, it is up to the individual to research these facts and obtain proper licensing on their own. There are classes available, webinars, books, articles, magazines, blogs, and more that contain this type of accommodating information. Here are some of the most common and talked-about motorcycle safety and road tips:

⚙ Be Prepared

Before riding, always complete a full inspection of your bike. Check the clutch and throttle for proper operation, clean and adjust the mirrors, test front and rear brake levers, and even honk the horn! On a weekly basis, be sure to check out the wheels and tires, gauges, fluid levels, fasteners, and cables too! Be sure you are wearing your helmet, gloves, and additional recommended protective gear.

⚙ Learning to Brake Properly

Learn how to come to a quick stop if a sudden obstacle appears. Do this by using the front and rear brake levers at the same time, smoothly. Attempt to pull out of wheel locks as well. Practicing this ahead of time can prevent accidents.

⚙ Drive on Safe Roads

Choose a safer route and avoid accidents, tenfold. Don’t drive in extreme weather conditions, and avoid icy or wet roads. Moisture combined with the gravel and oil on the road creates very treacherous and slippery conditions. Avoid these driving times and dangerous roads and prevent accidents, more and more. The same goes for hazardous road conditions. Heavy gravel, rocks, sand, railroad tracks, broken pavements, and more can not only be damaging to the bike, it can be a catalyst for an accident that ends in injury. Try to stay on level and clean roads for safer and smoother accident-free driving.

Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for details about motorcycle accident claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are licensed and experienced personal injury attorneys who offer free initial consultations to discuss your eligibility for compensation. And we never collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your free consultation today.