Frankfort Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle crashes tend to be very traumatic. A sudden collision can leave you disoriented and unsure of what to do. You shouldn't have to go it alone when filing a claim for a motorcycle injury. We can put our expertise to work for you. The Frankfort, Indiana, personal injury lawyers of Vaughan & Vaughan have helped countless bikers get their lives back on track after accidents and have obtained considerable settlements on their behalf.

What Kind of Damages Can I Collect in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

After an accident, you could be one of the lucky ones to walk away unscathed, or you could be taken away in an ambulance. If you've been hurt or your motorcycle has been damaged, you have the right to seek compensatory damages for your losses. When filing a motorcycle accident claim, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. A personal injury lawyer can help you to seek damages such as: 

Medical Expenses

Costs related to your treatment, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medications, can be compensated.

Property Damage

Your motorcycle, helmet, and other personal property may be damaged or destroyed as a result of the accident. In such cases, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages caused by the negligent party.

Lost Wages

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and time away from work. Lost wages are calculated based on the amount of money you would have earned had you not been injured. Loss of future earnings can also be considered if you cannot return to work.

Pain and Suffering

Injury can induce physical and mental anguish, which are referred to as "pain and suffering." A motorcycle accident victim may go through emotional and physical distress as a result of their injuries. Physical suffering, as well as mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, fall into this category. It is important to understand your rights and the medical expenses that may be covered. In some cases, these costs can be overwhelming for victims and their families. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Frankfort can perform a thorough calculation to ensure that you don't take a settlement offer that is too low.

Injuries We Commonly Claim in Motorcycle Crashes

Your body is not as protected while riding a motorcycle as it may be while in a car. There is still a risk of serious or even fatal injury to riders, even when they take every precaution possible by wearing protective clothing and a helmet. Accidents on a motorcycle can cause various injuries due to the rider's vulnerability to blunt force trauma, road rash, and sudden impact. The following are common elements in the cases we handle:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Road rash
• Internal organ damage
• Amputations
• Facial and dental injuries

Even if you walk away from a motorcycle accident with relatively minor injuries, it can profoundly affect your life. A motorcycle accident attorney in Huntington can help you fight for maximum compensation to pay current and future medical expenses.

Can Motorcycle Accident-Related Injuries Show Up Later?

It may take a few hours or days for injuries sustained in a vehicle crash or motorcycle accident to become apparent. Even if you think you're fine, it could be weeks before you notice your problem has progressed. Once your adrenaline levels have returned to normal, your body may begin to signal that something is wrong. Hidden problems can appear later, including organ damage, internal bleeding, or brain injury. You may be concerned that you cannot collect compensation if you found out about an injury later on. However, that isn't always the case. Seek medical attention right away and contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Frankfort as soon as possible.

What Can I Do to Protect My Claim After a Motorcycle Crash?

It's crucial to safeguard your claim after a motorcycle collision. If the insurance company can avoid paying out on the claim by making you look like the negligent party, they will. You can take the following steps in the days after your crash to protect your accident claim:

Seek Medical Attention

It's important to document your injuries by getting the medical help you need and following the doctor's orders. The insurance providers will be looking for a way to minimize the impact of your injuries. If they find any reason to believe that you aren't as hurt as you claim, they can fight to reduce your settlement.

Stay Away from Social Media

Don't post anything about your claim or your injuries on social media. Even seemingly innocent posts like, "Feeling much better today!" can be twisted and used against you. The insurance adjusters and opposing counsel can use social media to refute the severity of your pain.

Don't Sign Anything or Give Permission to Record a Statement

The insurance company isn't on your side. Their interest lies in paying out the lowest settlement amount possible in order to preserve profits. You aren't required to take an undervalued settlement or give them permission to record. Let your personal injury attorney deal with them for you.

Get a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters may try to blame you for taking part in your injuries. They will argue that you share part of the blame because riding a motorcycle is a risk you chose to take, or because you made the choice to ride without protective gear. A Frankfort motorcycle accident lawyer can work to protect you against these allegations and protect the value of your claim.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Frankfort, Indiana, to Learn More

If you are found partially at fault for an accident, your share of any compensation may be reduced in accordance with Indiana's comparative negligence doctrines as outlined in IC 34-51-2-6. In other words, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your settlement or jury award can be reduced by 30%. You can take action to protect your interests and your claim by enlisting the help of a personal injury lawyer from Vaughan & Vaughan. We are experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases and understand the complexities of these claims.  Motorcycle riders deserve the same legal protections as other motorists. We will work hard to protect your rights and fight to obtain the maximum compensation so you can get on with your life. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.