Indianapolis Motorbike Accident Law Firm
Motorcycles are a popular transportation choice throughout the nation. People love the freedom they get when they take to the open road on two wheels. Yet, as with any motor vehicle, there are dangers to riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents can be devastating to the rider and their families. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and you’re looking to file a claim, you should contact an experienced Indianapolis, Indiana motorbike accident lawyer as soon as you can in order to preserve your legal options.
You may have questions leading up to your first meeting with a motorcycle accident lawyer Indianapolis, IN. Please review the following basic information and write down any questions this information inspires. That way, you can refer to your questions when you meet with the team at Ward & Ward Law Firm.
What Should I Do Immediately Following My Accident?
Getting into a motorcycle accident can be traumatizing, but it’s important to gather as much information about the incident as possible even if making this effort is difficult. If you’re able to, you will want to take multiple photos of the accident and the surrounding area. Get different shots of the vehicles and people involved, as well as anything you might consider to be important. If there were witnesses, you could benefit from getting their names and contact information as well. When the police show up, and you should absolutely contact the authorities, don’t make a big scene about fault and let them interview everyone objectively. An officer’s statement can be key in winning your claim. If you sustained any injuries during your accident, it’s crucial to seek out medical attention and follow the directions of your medical caregiver. You’ll also want to contact an Indianapolis, IN motorbike accident lawyer as soon as you can in order to protect your rights and preserve your legal options.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?
Almost always, it’s not a good idea for you to accept an initial settlement offer. Usually, these offers are much less than you could get if you followed through with a suit. Should you receive a settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company, it’s best to review it with your Indianapolis, IN motorbike accident lawyer to see if it’s worth accepting.
If I Bring Upon a Suit, What Damages Will I Recover?
Typically, you can expect to be compensated for damage done to your property, any medical bills you received, and any wages lost due to your accident. Additionally, you could receive compensation for your pain and suffering.
What If I Was Speeding or Not Wearing My Helmet?
Some states don’t require that you wear a helmet when you ride, but in terms of settlements it’s always better if you were at the time of your accident. If you were breaking the law by not wearing your helmet, you might find that recovering certain damages will be a bit harder to do. Similarly, if you were speeding, then you could be partially at fault for the accident, which also doesn’t help your case. Some states have partial fault laws, in which you will receive a percentage of the payout depending on how much you were at fault. Moreover, you might not receive as much compensation if you weren’t wearing proper safety gear, such as gloves and a riding jacket. All of this will depend on the specifics of your case however, so you should consult with your Indianapolis, IN motorbike accident lawyer with your questions.