When a motorcycle hits a fixed object, car, truck, or another motorcycle, the results can be catastrophic. There is hardly any protection for the motorcyclist, and therefore, they are vulnerable to serious injuries, including some that can have a lifelong impact, such as paralysis. As the injured victim, it is your right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. You may need the services of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to help you through each step of the legal process.
Understanding the Risks of Motorcycle Accidents
It should not be surprising that motorcyclists are at a high risk of injuries when involved in a collision. Even with the best helmet and other protective gear, motorcyclists can suffer life-altering injuries in severe accidents. According to the NHTSA, a motorcycle is 24 times more likely to be killed in a crash compared to occupants in a vehicle. Even experienced motorcyclists who take all safety precautions can suffer serious accidents, and in some cases, it’s not even their fault.
According to data from the NHTSA, motorcycle accidents are more likely during weekends, and close to half of the accidents involve alcohol impairment. Motorcyclists have an increased risk of serious injuries if they are overspeeding or are not wearing a helmet. Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include head and brain injuries, road rash, facial injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and psychological trauma.
There are some unique challenges for motorcyclists. For example, motorcyclists are often difficult to see because of their smaller size. They can often get obscured in blind spots. Motorcyclists are also more vulnerable to road hazards, and motorcycles can become unstable at high speeds.
Role of Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The role of motorcycle accident lawyers is to ensure their clients get full and fair compensation for their suffering, and if the other party is guilty of gross negligence or wrongdoing, they are punished so they refrain from similar actions in the future.
As a first step, the lawyer will assess the facts of the case to establish liability for the accident. There could be more than one party liable for the accident, so the lawyer will have to investigate the case to determine the root cause. This can be achieved through the assistance of accident reconstruction specialists and different types of evidence, such as expert witnesses, private investigators, photos from the accident site, and surveillance footage.
The lawyer can also negotiate with the insurance company, which often uses different tactics to minimize their payout. Some motorcycle accident cases can be settled in a few days or weeks, while others can take months. While most personal injury claims are settled out of court, if no settlement is reached, the attorney can represent you in court.
Contact an Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
To schedule a consultation with our expert motorcycle accident lawyer at the law offices of Wagner Reese, please give us a call. Our Indiana injury firm has a team of highly skilled lawyers who have extensive experience in motorcycle accident cases and have recovered large settlements and verdicts for our clients.
