You have to find the liable party after a motorcycle crash to secure compensation to cover your losses. So, who is at fault in a motorcycle accident in Indiana? The party that owed you a duty of care, failed that duty, and directly caused the crash is at fault.
Motorists and motorcyclists can both cause collisions. Sometimes, pedestrians, bicyclists, or truckers cause these crashes. An Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer from our team at Vaughan & Vaughan can investigate and find the liable party on your behalf.
Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
Who Causes Indiana Motorcycle Accidents?
Any party on the road at the time of a collision could cause a motorcycle crash. However, in many cases, these accidents occur due to the actions of:
Motorists
Motorists often fail to pay enough attention to motorcyclists when driving. Drivers in a hurry may overlook smaller motorcycles, potentially taking dangerous actions like:
- Making a turn in front of an on-coming motorcycle
- Changing lanes into a motorcyclist
- Opening a car door into the path of a motorcycle
An attorney can investigate what happened after a head-on, rear-end, or side-impact motorcycle accident to identify the at-fault party.
Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists may cause some motorcycle crashes in Indiana. Bikers have a responsibility to follow all the rules of the road and to operate their vehicles safely. Risky behavior like wheelies or lane splitting may cause a collision.
Lawyers investigate all the facts of an accident, exploring all possible causes of a collision, before proceeding with a claim.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
How Does the Court Determine Fault for Motorcycle Crashes?
The court system in Indiana determines fault on the basis of negligence for all motor vehicle collisions, including motorcycle accidents. Drivers demonstrate negligence when they behave in unreasonable or unsafe ways on the road.
Any individual may carry fault for a crash if:
- They owe you a duty of care
- They violate their duty to you
- Their actions directly cause you injuries or financial losses
You can turn to a personal injury lawyer to identify the negligent party in your situation.
How Do Lawyers Investigate Fault in Motorcycle Collisions?
Motorcycle accident lawyers can prove liability by taking several steps after a collision. Depending on your circumstances, you may expect a personal injury attorney to:
- Visit the scene of your motorcycle accident
- Interview all eyewitnesses to record their official statements
- Get a copy of the police accident report
- Acquire any videos or photos that caught the crash
- Work with motorcycle accident specialists
All of these actions may identify the person who caused the crash.
Why Do Lawyers Find the Liable Party After a Motorcycle Accident?
Finding the liable party after a motorcycle crash allows your legal team to help you secure fair compensation to cover your losses. The individual who caused your collision has a legal responsibility to cover your:
Medical Bills
Motorcycle accidents have a reputation for causing major injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), paralysis, amputations, and damage to internal organs. A lawyer can help you get funds for your current and future medical expenses.
Property Damage
The individual who caused your crash may have to cover the costs of repairing your damaged or demolished property.
Lost Pay
We know you may need time off work to recover from the injuries of a motorcycle crash. A lawyer can help you secure funds for your lost wages and diminished earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
You can rely on a law firm to help you get fair compensation for any emotional pain and mental suffering caused by your collision. Lawyers know how to calculate the value of these non-economic losses.
How Do You Hold the At-Fault Party Responsible?
You have a few options for obtaining compensation from the person at fault for your motorcycle accident. In many situations, you can obtain fair damages through a settlement from the insurance company representing the liable party.
Lawyers can handle insurance negotiations on your behalf, giving you more time to recover. You may also decide to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation from the liable party through the court system.
You have a limited amount of time to identify the liable party and pursue a legal claim. Indiana typically gives you only two years to proceed with a case after a crash. Keep this factor in mind when planning your legal strategy.
Learn More About Fault for an Indiana Motorcycle Accident
Who is at fault in a motorcycle accident in Indiana? Liability for these collisions varies and should fall on the individual who directly caused the crash. Our team at Vaughan & Vaughan can investigate the specifics of your situation and find the at-fault party on your behalf.
A lawyer can explain what to do after a motorcycle accident. Learn more about your options following an accident by calling or completing our online contact form.
