Did You Suffer Injuries From A Motorcycle Accident?
Compared to cars, riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating, freeing experience. Not bound to an enclosed space, motorcyclists can enjoy riding with the wind on their faces. However, motorcyclists face higher risks when sharing roads with other motor vehicle drivers. The freedom of riding in the open means that the rider is more exposed to catastrophic injuries during a collision.
If you’re a motorcyclist and you’ve suffered grievous bodily injuries from an accident – from head injury or loss of a limb to extreme road rash – you will need all the compensation you can get to treat your injuries, and a lawyer would be useful. I’m Paul D. Baugh, and I can assist you with your personal injury claims.
I’ve served the Bloomington community, as well as clients throughout the south-central Indiana area, for more than 30 years. Trust your motorcycle accident case with me today, and I’ll work my hardest to help you claim the compensation you need for your injuries.
The Risks Of Motorcycle Accidents
Even when bikers take every possible precaution, the inherent design of motorcycles means accidents tend to cause more serious harm compared to enclosed passenger vehicles:
- Less protection: Motorcycles lack the structural reinforcement of doors, roofs and other safety features that help protect occupants in cars and trucks during impacts.
- Road hazards: Bikes are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles and more susceptible to tipping over or sliding out when encountering road debris, uneven surfaces or poor weather conditions.
- Greater forces: The smaller size and lower weight of motorcycles mean riders take the full force of collision impacts.
- Head/spine injuries: When thrown from their bike with no restraint system, riders are prone to devastating head, neck and spinal cord injuries upon impact with the ground or other surfaces.
- Visibility issues: Motorcycles are less visible and more likely to be stuck in a driver’s blind spot, resulting in accidents caused by negligent motorists.
Because motorcyclists have less protection than automobile drivers, a collision can easily result in life-ending or life-altering injuries. This makes claiming compensation for a negligent driver’s actions all the more important. If you’ve suffered serious injuries while riding a motorcycle because a negligent driver hit you, don’t wait to act and file a claim immediately with the help of an attorney like me.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Claims
By talking to an attorney after a motorcycle accident, you can have any of your questions about your legal rights answered. Here are some frequently asked questions that I have answered for clients:
What steps should I take immediately after a motorcycle accident in Indiana?
There are several key steps to take after a motorcycle accident. Immediately move to a safe place away from traffic. Then, you should call 911 no matter how minor an accident may seem.
A police officer and ambulance should arrive at the scene of the accident. The police officer will make a report that includes important information about your accident claim. You should consider talking to a paramedic and having a medical evaluation, since that both protects your health and can become valuable to your claim, later.
You should also talk to an experienced attorney about your case as soon as possible. You can learn about your legal right to pursue compensation for any financial losses, such as medical bills and property damage, and an attorney can protect your interests against the insurance company’s mechanisms.
How does Indiana’s helmet law affect my motorcycle accident claim?
In Indiana, motorcycle riders are not required to wear a helmet if they are 18 years of age or older. Not wearing a helmet could affect your ability to collect maximum compensation. If you are in an accident and you were not wearing a helmet, you could be deemed partially at fault for your injuries.
What type of compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident claim?
In a successful motorcycle accident claim, it is possible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, wrongful death, property damages, and pain and suffering.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the motorcycle accident?
Indiana is a comparative negligence state. This means that you could still recover damages so long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your total compensation could be reduced for any fault assigned to you.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in Indiana?
From the date of your accident in Indiana, you have two years to file a claim. It benefits you to start your claim immediately after your accident, however, so that important evidence is not lost. Do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney to learn more.
Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries Deserve Adequate Compensation
Call me at Law Offices of Paul D. Baugh, PC, today at 812-727-7013 or email me to start discussing your case and begin the claim process with my help.