Carmel and greater Indianapolis play host to some of Indiana’s most dangerous traffic patterns, barring travel through Gary. Private motorists must take considerable care to navigate the rapidly changing traffic patterns.
When you add a motorcycle to the mix, the already-present dangers in the area end up compounded. Motorcyclists who find themselves contending with the aftermath of an accident may not know how to recover from the damage done to them and their property.
Fortunately, you can take steps to recover your losses and hold a liable party accountable. Carmel motorcycle accident lawyers with Vaughan & Vaughan can help. Our Carmel personal injury lawyers have been helping Indiana injury victims since 1913, and we are here to help you.
Gathering Information for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Carmel make it a point to keep you in the loop as we investigate your motorcycle accident losses. Even if you opt to take a hands-off approach to your case, you can count on our attorneys to let you know what evidence of negligence we find and how we intend to present your case to an Indiana civil court.
When we build your complaint, we keep the specific goals of that claim in mind. By the time we finish your investigation, our attorneys will be able to:
- Identify the party responsible for your motorcycle accident
- Identify the negligence that caused your accident
- Present evidence defending the above assertions
- Calculate the proposed value of your motorcycle accident losses
- Defend your request for damages
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
The Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
You are entitled to economic and non-economic damages after a motorcycle accident. Your economic losses include your post-accident expenses that specifically generate bills. These can range from the cost of replacing your motorcycle to the bills you receive from first responders.
Your motorcycle accident’s non-economic losses do not generate bills. Instead, these include your mental anguish, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Our team can discuss your circumstances to determine your eligibility for these losses.
We can then quantify those losses and include them in the sum of your accident’s value. Typical recoverable damages in a personal injury claim can include:
Medical Bills
- Emergency room and ambulance fees
- Hospitalization and surgery costs
- Doctor/physician bills
- Prescription medication expenses
- Rehabilitative therapy (physical, occupational, etc.)
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.)
- Future anticipated medical needs
Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earnings
- Time missed from work due to injuries
- Lost earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to the same job
- Lost future potential income and benefits
- Lost promotion/raise opportunities
Disability/Disfigurement
- Permanent disabilities impacting quality of life
- Scarring, burns, amputations, and other disfigurements
Property Damage
- Cost to repair or replace damaged motorcycle
- Repair/replacement of other property damaged
Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain and discomfort from injuries
- Emotional distress and anguish
Loss of Enjoyment
- Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
It is important to know that you do not have to simply accept the insurance company’s first offer. You can seek help to maximize your financial compensation by reaching out to a Carmel motorcycle accident attorney today.
There is no fee
unless you win
Assigning Fault for Your Motorcycle Accident Losses
Several parties can bear the responsibility for your motorcycle accident losses. They can include:
- Motorists
- Other motorcyclists
- Pedestrians
- Construction crews
- Government officials
- Truck drivers
- Motorcycle manufacturers
- Motorcycle mechanics
How do we determine who to hold liable for your losses? We investigate the scene of your accident and have conversations with the bystanders who witnessed your collision.
You can count on our motorcycle accident lawyers in Carmel to compile the data we find in our investigation into a cohesive story of negligence and loss. You can then present that story to an Indiana civil court.
Common Injuries Claimed in Motorcycle Crash Cases
Motorcycle collisions can inflict devastating injuries on riders due to the exposure and lack of protection compared to enclosed vehicles. Even low-speed crashes can cause severe injuries when a cyclist is thrown from their bike.
Some of the most frequent injuries motorcycle accident victims suffer include:
- Road rash and disfiguring skin abrasions
- Broken bones and crushed limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Biker’s arm/leg (nerve damage from muscles being torn)
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Loss of limbs or amputation of extremities
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
What Can I Do if I Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Accident?
When someone dies in a motorcycle accident, an experienced Carmel wrongful death lawyer can take several important steps on your behalf:
- Investigate the Accident: The lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident scene, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, review vehicle maintenance records, and hire accident reconstruction experts if needed to determine liability.
- Handle Insurance Companies: They will act as the liaison with all insurance companies involved, including the at-fault party’s insurer, to prevent you from being taken advantage of during your grief. Lawyers understand how to maximize compensation.
- Identify All Liable Parties: In addition to negligent drivers, other parties like automotive companies (faulty parts), road crews (hazardous conditions), or bars (over-serving) may share liability. Lawyers ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
- Calculate Full Damages: An attorney will carefully assess and quantify all damages you’ve incurred, including funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and your loved one’s pain and suffering prior to death.
- Negotiate Settlements: Armed with evidence of liability and damages, the lawyer will forcefully negotiate with insurance adjusters and defendants to obtain the maximum possible settlement for your family.
- File Lawsuits if Needed: If settlements are not offered or are too low, your lawyer can file wrongful death lawsuits and take your case to court to fight for fair compensation through litigation.
Having an experienced legal advocate handle all aspects of your claim allows you to grieve your devastating loss while they protect your rights.
Indiana Puts a Time Limit on Your Right to Legal Action
You need to work within Indiana’s personal injury statute of limitations if you want to take action after a motorcycle accident. Indiana Code §34-11-2-4 states that motorcyclists have no more than two years to investigate their losses and present evidence of those losses to a civil court. You cannot file a motorcycle accident claim if this statute of limitations expires.
Indiana relies on its personal injury statute of limitations to keep the information that comes before its civil courts up-to-date. The longer you wait to bring a claim forward, the more likely it is that witnesses may present inaccurate information about your losses. Stories may get confused, and evidence can expire or end up corrupted.
With those risks in mind, you can reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney in Carmel, IN. Our attorneys understand that you have demands on your plate that extend beyond your right to civil action. We can take point on your case while you invest your time in your recovery.
Can I Afford a Lawyer?
If you’re concerned about affording legal representation after a loved one’s fatal motorcycle accident, our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You pay no upfront costs or hourly fees for our services.
- We invest our own resources into building your case from the start.
- Our fees are contingent upon recovering compensation for you.
- If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
However, if we do secure a settlement or award, our fees come as a percentage of those proceeds. Contingency fees enable anyone to access legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.
You can focus on grieving without worrying about costly legal bills during an already difficult time. We only get paid if we deliver a successful outcome for your family.
Let a Carmel Motorcycle Accident Attorney Walk You Through Your Case
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can leave you in an awkward position. If you don’t have the emergency funds to contend with your incoming bills, it’s easy to feel hopeless. In reality, though, you have the opportunity to pursue compensation for your losses. You can work with Vaughan & Vaughan to file a personal injury claim and fight for the damages you deserve.
Carmel motorcycle accident attorneys have the experience to help you navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim. You can schedule a consultation with our law firm to discuss the data you need to file your claim and how to use that data to defend your right to compensation. Call or contact our office online today.
