Crown Point Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Last updated on August 12, 2024
At Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, we’ve seen the devastating impact of motorcycle accidents on victims and their families. These accidents are often the worst of the worst. They leave riders with severe injuries, significant financial repercussions and complex legal concerns.
We are here to help. As one of the oldest, most established law firms in the Lake County area, we’ve been powerful advocates for injury victims across Northwest Indiana since the 1960s.
We are well-positioned to help you navigate the legal fallout from a motorcycle accident. Our personal injury attorneys have more than 100 years of collective experience and many awards. Our entire team shares a genuine concern for our clients, and we’ll treat you like family.
Your Motorcycle Accident Case Requires Special Handling
Isn’t a motorcycle accident and injury claim for compensation like any other traffic accident claim? Yes, and no.
Yes, motorcycle accidents share similarities with car accidents. In any accident on the road, traffic laws and road conditions may be relevant. A motorcycle accident, like a car accident, can injure someone badly or prove to be fatal.
And no, motorcycle accidents are unique, with many special issues to consider. For example:
- Motorcycle operation may fall under certain laws, like the law in Indiana stipulating that a motorcycle should have a headlamp or reflectors when operated after dark.
- Injuries are typically severe and may be quite different from injuries suffered in a car accident. For example, a motorcycle accident may cause road rash, which can be a serious and painful skin injury.
- Motorcyclists do not have the protection of a car or truck body. For this reason, a motorcyclist may be tossed in the air like a rag doll when struck by a motor vehicle.
- The police, judges and juries tend to be biased against motorcycle users. “They were asking for it,” they may think when hearing about a motorcycle accident and injuries.
- Insurance tends not to cover the full costs of a very serious injury. Injured motorcyclists may be able to recover compensation, but often it is not nearly enough.
When a lawyer from our law firm represents you, you can rest assured that we have years of experience overcoming these difficulties for our clients who were injured in motor vehicle accidents. Since Indiana is an at-fault state, we work hard to prove that our clients were not at fault and/or that drivers of other vehicles were at fault. This distinction can affect how much you can recover after your motorcycle crash.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your rights and preserve evidence. At the scene, call 911, contact the police to file a report, and take photos of the scene, your bike and any injuries. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Then talk to an attorney about your legal rights. Don’t give any statements to insurance companies or accept settlements without consulting a lawyer.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Indiana
Motorcycle accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield
- Defective road design or maintenance
- Vehicle defects
Negligent motorists are often to blame. Proving fault is critical in these cases, and our lawyers work hard to hold drivers accountable for the harm they cause to bikers.
Common Injuries That Result From Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Amputations
Our attorneys have seen it all. We know how to value severe injury claims to make sure our clients don’t leave money on the table. We also represent surviving family members of bikers who were tragically killed in motorcycle crashes.
Types Of Compensation For Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Future medical care
- Permanent disfigurement
Turn to us for guidance on how much your claim might be worth.
Proving Liability In Motorcycle Accident Cases
Proving liability in motorcycle accident cases can be complex, especially if the collision involves a truck or commercial vehicle. Establishing fault requires evidence such as:
- Police report: Official documentation that provides details of the accident scene, witness statements and initial assessments of fault
- Eyewitness testimonies: Accounts from individuals who observed the accident and can provide unbiased perspectives on how it occurred
- Surveillance footage: Video evidence from traffic cameras, nearby businesses or dash cams that can visually corroborate the events leading to the accident
- Accident reconstruction: Expert analysis that uses physical evidence and scientific principles to recreate the accident and determine how it happened
- Medical records: Documentation of injuries sustained by the motorcyclist, which can help establish the impact and severity of the collision
- Maintenance records: Evidence showing whether the vehicles involved were properly maintained, which can be crucial if mechanical failure is suspected
Gathering and presenting this evidence effectively is the crux of a powerful case.
Do Motorcyclists Always Have The Right Of Way In Indiana?
In Indiana, motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. The right of way depends on the situation. Many motorcycle crashes involve drivers who make left-hand turns at intersections and crash into oncoming bikers. In these situations, the motorcyclist clearly has the right of way, but the driver didn’t see them, misjudged their speed and distance, or simply wasn’t paying attention.
Our lawyers understand the nuances of Indiana traffic laws and can pinpoint exactly how negligent drivers violated those laws.
Request A Free Consultation After A Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been hit by a car while riding a motorcycle or involved in a motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Initial consultations at Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, are free, and we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay us attorneys’ fees until we recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict.
We hope you will give us the opportunity to answer your questions and go to bat for you. Call 219-227-4259 or email us to get the conversation started.