Your Dedicated
Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Indianapolis
Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Fighting for Injured Riders
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else on the road. All too often, those rights are violated when drivers of cars and trucks fail to yield the right of way, merge without looking, or commit other traffic violations.
At Tandy Law Firm, we respect the rights of motorcycle riders and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve after a crash caused by negligence. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs, your initial consultation is completely free, and we only get paid if we win for you. Contact our office today to find out how we can help you move forward.
3 Reasons Why
You Need An Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Unfair Insurance Companies
A skilled motorcycle accident attorney in Indianapolis can fight back against the tactics of insurance companies that try to undervalue or deny your claim. Your compensation is too important to accept a lowball offer from an insurance company that has only its own interests in mind.
Peace of Mind
After a crash like this, you shouldn’t have to fight an insurance company while you’re also trying to heal. When you work with a trusted Indianapolis motorcycle crash lawyer, we take the legal fight off your plate so you can focus on what matters most, recovering and getting your life back.
Experience
An attorney who understands the nuances of motorcycle accident claims knows how to execute the right strategies to maximize your compensation. We know the ins and outs of Indiana’s motorcycle laws and can help make sure you aren’t taken advantage of, while securing every benefit you’re owed.
We Understand What Motorcycle Accident Dangers are Present in Indianapolis
Indianapolis boasts a thriving biker culture, with frequent bike nights and motorcycle rallies drawing riders to central Indiana throughout the riding season. Our knowledge of the local motorcycle scene gives us valuable insight into where serious motorcycle collisions are most likely to occur, including areas like:
- Interstate 465 (I-465): The beltway surrounding Indianapolis is one of the region’s busiest motorcycle corridors.
- Downtown Indianapolis: Motorcycle traffic on downtown streets increases during major events, festivals, and group rides.
- US 40 (Washington Street): A popular route for local riders traveling east and west through the city.
- State Road 37/Interstate 69 corridor: Frequently traveled by motorcyclists heading to and from southern Indiana.
- State Road 135 and surrounding scenic roads: Popular weekend destinations for riders exploring the rolling hills of south-central Indiana.
- Springville: The roads to and from this nearby city see dense motorcycle traffic, especially during ABATE of Indiana’s annual Boogie, one of the Midwest’s largest biker events.
Whether a crash occurs on a crowded interstate, a downtown intersection, or a scenic back road, our motorcycle accident lawyers understand the local traffic patterns and acts of negligence that frequently contribute to serious injuries.
That local knowledge helps us investigate collisions efficiently and identify everyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries.
Get Started Today
Tandy Law Firm is Here for You
We understand that starting a personal injury case can be intimidating, but we’re here to make the process as stress-free as possible and keep you informed throughout. Contact us for a FREE Case Consultation to discuss the details of your accident. Our experienced team in Indianapolis will thoroughly investigate your case to gather all necessary information. If we accept your case, we will get you the money you deserve.
How Negligence Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Indianapolis
One of the key duties of an Indianapolis motorcycle crash lawyer is to determine how negligence on the part of another driver or other party led to the injuries suffered by a rider.
Some of the most common acts and patterns of negligence that lead to motorcycle accident injuries in Indianapolis include:
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue affects drivers in similar ways to intoxication, and is especially dangerous when the tired driver is behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. Our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the nuances of truck vs. motorcycle crashes and other accidents involving fatigued drivers on Indiana roads.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorcycles can easily disappear into a driver’s blind spot, but that does not relieve motorists of their responsibility to check before merging. A driver who changes lanes without signaling or checking for traffic can easily push a motorcyclist off the road or into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Distracted Driving
Motorists are even less likely to see a motorcyclist when they are texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other types of distracted driving. Even a momentary lapse in attention can cause a driver to miss a motorcycle while changing lanes, turning left, or entering an intersection.
Dooring
Drivers and passengers alike must be aware of their surroundings when opening car doors. Opening a car door in the path of an oncoming motorcyclist can result in a dangerous “dooring” accident that could have been prevented with a simple check of the side mirror and a glance over the shoulder.
Following Too Closely
While a rear-end collision between two cars may result in minor bumper damage, the consequences can be far more serious when the vehicle ahead is a motorcycle. The force of even a minor rear-end collision can throw a rider from the bike, resulting in head trauma, fractures, road rash, and other serious injuries.
Indiana law requires drivers to maintain a following distance that is “reasonable and prudent,” leaving 3 to 4 seconds of stopping distance between vehicles. In fog, rain, or other inclement weather common in Indiana, that time should be lengthened.
Failure to See the Motorcyclist
According to a study by the Federal Highway Administration 70% of accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle are the result of traffic scanning errors by the other driver.
“I didn’t see the motorcycle” is not a valid excuse when the result of inattention is a serious injury or wrongful death. Motorists are required by law to check mirrors and blind spots before merging, and being aware of their surroundings at all times.
Our Indianapolis car accident lawyers know how to uncover evidence of driver inattention and scanning failures to demonstrate another driver could have seen the motorcyclist of only they had exercised reasonable care.
Unsafe Left Turns
Left-turn accidents are among the most common and devastating types of motorcycle collisions. Drivers often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or fail to notice it altogether before turning across its path.
Because motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, motorists who fail to carefully scan for oncoming traffic may incorrectly assume the intersection is clear. We investigate whether the driver violated Indiana’s right-of-way laws or failed to exercise reasonable care before making the turn.
A Closer Look at Indiana’s Motorcycle Accident Laws
Building a successful motorcycle accident injury claim requires a deep understanding of Indiana laws governing motorcyclists and traffic accidents. Some of the laws and legal issues that may play a leading role in your claim for compensation include:
Contributory Negligence
Is an insurance company trying to deny your compensation because you were partly to blame for the accident? Even if their claim is true, you may still be entitled to significant compensation.
Under Indiana’s modified contributory negligence doctrine, victims of negligence may obtain compensation even if they were partly at fault for the accident,as long as they were not 51% or more at fault.
If this applies in your situation, your compensation will simply be reduced by the same percentage you were at fault. For example, if your total damages are $200,000 and you are found to be 10% at fault, your compensation will be reduced to $180,000 ($200,000 minus $20,000).
Helmet Requirements
Under Indiana Code § 9-19-7-1:
- All motorcycle riders under age 18 must wear a helmet
- Helmets are optional for riders 18 and over, as long as they meet Indiana’s motorcycle licensing requirements
- All riders must wear protective eyewear
While adult riders in Indiana have the legal right to decide not to wear a helmet, insurance companies may argue that the lack of protective headgear increased the severity of the injuries.
Please note: Not wearing a helmet does not automatically prevent a motorcyclist from recovering compensation after a crash. Instead, the issue may become part of the comparative negligence analysis, depending on the specific facts of the accident and the injuries involved.
Consult with a knowledgeable motorcycle injury lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, to find out how these laws apply in your unique situation.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Indiana is two years from the date of the accident. Certain exceptions apply for unique situations, in which case; we recommend consulting our lawyers to see if your case might qualify. Ultimately, the sooner you act, the better for your case, because evidence and witness recollection tend to fade over time.
Licensing and Equipment Requirements
Indiana requires motorcycle riders to hold a valid motorcycle license or endorsement. That generally means passing a knowledge test and a skills test (or completing an approved rider training course), along with meeting age requirements for a learner’s permit or full endorsement. Riding without a valid endorsement can complicate a claim, so it’s worth understanding where you stand before you talk to an insurance company.
The Types of Severe Injuries Motorcycle Accidents Cause
Motorcyclists do not benefit at all from modern safety features like seatbelts and airbags. The injuries they suffer when struck by another vehicle are often severe and life-changing, and can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
- Road rash, burns, and severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Amputations, permanent disability, and disfigurement
Documenting the full extent of your injuries is an important part of building a strong claim after a crash caused by negligence. A motorcycle accident attorney in Indianapolis can help gather your medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and other evidence needed to build a successful claim.
Compensation for Injured Motorcyclists
As devastating as motorcycle accident injuries can be, Indiana personal injury laws provide a path to financial recovery. Damages in a motorcycle accident injury claim in Indiana may include:
- Medical bills, including ER care, surgeries, hospitalization, medicine, physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Diminished quality of life
A skilled Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to accurately calculate damages so claims are persuasive and fully assess the harm an injured motorcyclist has suffered.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
The risk of fatality is always present when a motorcyclist is involved in a serious collision. In fact, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely than occupants of passenger vehicles to die in crashes.
When fatal motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of another driver or other at-fault party, surviving family members may pursue justice and compensation through a wrongful death claim. Under Indiana law, compensation for the family after a fatal motorcycle crash may include:
- Medical expenses related to the accident injuries
- Expenses related to funeral and burial or cremation
- Loss of the deceased’s person’s income
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Loss of love and affection
- Emotional distress
Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident can leave families facing severe emotional and financial challenges. An experienced Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer can investigate the crash, identify all responsible parties, and pursue fair and just compensation for these tremendous losses.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Indianapolis
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can protect your health and strengthen your ability to pursue compensation. If you are able to do so, take the following actions:
- Call 911 and report the accident to ensure emergency responders document the crash and provide necessary medical care.
- Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor, as some serious injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Document the accident scene by taking photos of your motorcycle, your injuries, road conditions, and any property damage.
- Gather information from other drivers and witnesses, including names, contact information, and insurance details.
- Keep records of your losses, including medical bills, treatment records, repair estimates, and missed time from work.
Contact a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in Indianapolis before accepting a settlement or making statements to insurance companies. A trusted lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure important evidence is preserved.
Why Choose Tandy Law Firm for Your Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Case?
We are not the oldest law firm, and we’re not the biggest. We’re a small, local team that believes you deserve to be treated like a person, not a file number.
When you work with us, you’ll always know what’s happening with your case and why. We communicate the way that works best for you, whether that’s a phone call, a text, or an in-person visit to our Indianapolis office. And because we’re proud members of this community, we support local causes and organizations year-round, this isn’t just where we work, it’s where we live too.
“Motorcycle riders are too often blamed before the facts are known. People may assume the rider was speeding or driving recklessly, when the reality is that other motorists can be just as responsible for causing a serious crash. At Tandy Law Firm, we do not operate on stereotypes. We investigate the facts and make sure our clients’ side of the story is heard.”
— Kirsten Kratz, Tandy Law Firm
Learn more about Tandy Law Firm and how we help accident victims in Indianapolis, throughout Marion County, and across central Indiana recover fair compensation for their injuries.
Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident FAQ
At Tandy Law Firm, we are here to answer any questions you may have about motorcycle accident injury claims in Indianapolis, including these frequently asked questions:
How much is my case worth?
The value of your case depends on factors such as the extent of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and your ability to return to work. Only after talking with you and carefully evaluating your case can we give you an accurate assessment of your claims’ true value.
What if the driver who caused the accident was uninsured?
If the at-fault driver had no liability insurance, or the limits were too low to compensate you for your losses, you may seek compensation through the uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in your own auto policy. It is important to stay up to date on your policy to be informed of what types of coverages you have.
How long does it typically take to resolve a personal injury case?
The duration of a personal injury case can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and the willingness of the parties to settle. Every case is different, but we will work diligently to expedite the process as much as possible and keep you informed throughout the process.
What do I do if the insurance company denied my claim?
Just because the insurance company denies your claim doesn’t mean your case isn’t valid. Remember, the insurance company is looking out for its own bottom line,not your financial security. If your claim has been denied or undervalued, it’s important to contact a motorcycle accident law firm to discuss the facts and how we can help. We can work to challenge the denial and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.