Motorcycle Accident FAQ
Our lawyers can answer your questions about your crash
If you or a loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver, you probably have a lot of important questions. What are my legal options? Who can I sue? What expenses can I be compensated for?
Finding accurate answers to these questions and many more can be challenging. Even knowing who to trust can be confusing. That’s why we created this list of frequently asked questions about motorcycle accidents. Our lawyers at Glaser & Ebbs have more than 100 years of combined legal experience handling complex cases in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and throughout Indiana.
When you have our law firm on your side, you can trust that we thoroughly understand the laws governing motorcycle accidents in Indiana. We know how the legal system works and which strategies are often the most effective. We thrive on tough cases, and we fight to win.
What is your motorcycle accident question?
Below, you’ll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about accidents involving motorcyclists. If you don’t see your specific question, simply contact us and schedule a free consultation with a lawyer at our firm. We also encourage you to talk to an attorney at our firm even if you see your specific question listed below. That’s because every motorcycle accident is different. No two crashes are the same.
- What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?
- Should I see a doctor after my crash?
- Who investigates motorcycle accidents?
- Who determines who was at fault?
- What if I am blamed for causing the collision?
- What expenses can I be compensated for after my crash?
- Should I accept a settlement offer?
- Should I file a lawsuit?
- Who can I sue for my motorcycle accident?
- Should I hire a lawyer to handle my case?
What are common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Motorcycle accidents caused by other drivers often occur because the driver was behaving in a reckless or negligent manner. Distracted driving (including texting while driving) and speeding often play a role in many motorcycle crashes. Drivers changing lanes without looking is also another common reason why motorcycle accidents happen. Whatever the cause of your crash, make sure you take your accident seriously right from the start. Make sure you talk to a lawyer who can thoroughly investigate your crash and find the evidence you need to build the strongest possible legal case.
Should I see a doctor after my crash?
Yes. Even if you feel fine, you could have a serious life-threatening motorcycle accident injury. If your injury is not treated right away, your health and well-being could be at risk. By not going to a hospital emergency room or another medical facility, you could also have a hard time getting the money you deserve for your accident-related expenses. Insurance companies often cite lack of medical care or delay in care as a reason for denying motorcycle accident injury claims. Don’t give insurance companies any excuse to deny your injury claim. Seek medical attention right away.
Who investigates motorcycle accidents?
Several people or agencies often investigate motorcycle accidents. Local police or the Indiana State Police are often the first ones to investigate a crash. The insurance companies for the motorcyclist and driver(s) involved in the collision then often conduct their own independent investigation.
It is important to have a lawyer who works only for you investigating your crash, as well. Your attorney can make sure the facts related to your case are accurate and reflect exactly what happened. Otherwise, you might have a hard time being fairly compensated for all your accident-related expenses.
Who determines who was at fault?
Insurance companies for everyone involved in your accident often have the most to say about who caused your collision. That’s because they have a lot at stake financially. Under Indiana law, the at-fault party’s insurance company is responsible for compensating all injury victims. Because of this, many insurance companies do everything they can to deny responsibility for a crash involving their client. It is important to have a lawyer on your side working for you. Your attorney can investigate your case and find the evidence you need to build the strongest possible legal case.
What if I am blamed for causing the collision?
It’s common for insurance companies representing the at-fault driver to instead blame the injured motorcyclist. Insurance companies often do this because they’re looking for any excuse to avoid paying injury victims the money they rightfully deserve. When this happens, your lawyer can mount a vigorous defense in support of your accident claim. It is critical that have an attorney on your side familiar with the rules governing motorcycle accidents and who can thoroughly investigate your crash on your behalf.
What expenses can I be compensated for after my crash?
If another driver clearly caused your collision, you should be financially compensated for all your accident-related expenses. What you might not realize is compensation isn’t just for short-term expenses immediately after your accident. You should be paid for all anticipated future expenses related to your accident, even several years from now. All these expenses can cover a wide range, including:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Chronic pain management
- Follow-up surgical procedures
- Replacement income if you cannot work during your recovery
- Lost future income if you cannot return to work due to a severe injury
- Home modifications due to a permanent disability
- Pain and suffering in certain circumstances
Should I accept a settlement offer?
You might be tempted to accept a settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for your motorcycle injury claim. Many times, insurance companies make offers soon after an accident has occurred, but these offers often don’t cover all your expenses. As a result, if you agree to accept an offer, you could end up having to pay for many of your accident-related bills out of your own pocket. That’s not right. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider any settlement offer before you agree to accept it. In most cases, once you accept a final settlement offer, you cannot go back in the future and ask for more money if your accident-related expenses turn out to be significantly higher than you expected. This is often your only opportunity to obtain all the compensation you deserve for your accident. Make the most of it. Talk to a lawyer who can help you review your settlement offer.
In many cases, the best way to get the money you deserve for your motorcycle accident may be to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. It is important to carefully consider all your legal options before deciding to file a lawsuit. Taking legal action can be a complicated process in Indiana. You also only have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit or take other legal action. That’s why it’s important to learn more about all the options available to you. That’s why you should consult with an experienced lawyer who can advise you on the best approach for your case.
Who can I sue for my motorcycle accident?
In general, you can file a lawsuit against anyone responsible for causing your motorcycle crash. This often includes the at-fault driver and the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In certain circumstances, you may also be able to take legal action against other at-fault parties. This is especially true in cases involving crashes caused by drunk drivers. In such a situation, you may have a strong legal case against the bar, restaurant or package store that sold alcohol to the driver who caused your crash. Each accident is different. That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer when deciding whether to file a lawsuit to obtain the money you deserve for your accident-related expenses.
Should I hire a lawyer to handle my case?
Motorcycle accident claims often turn out to be complicated legal cases. This is especially true if another driver caused your crash. Many times, drivers deny doing anything wrong, especially when motorcyclists are involved. Instead, they often try to blame the motorcyclist for causing the collision. Your lawyer can help set the record straight. Your attorney can also assist with other types of motorcycle collisions. The bottom line is you need someone on your side who knows the law and who only works for you. Often, you only have one opportunity to obtain all the financial compensation you deserve for your accident. Your lawyer can fight for the money you need and make sure your accident gets the attention it deserves.