Motorcycle users face unique challenges and a higher risk of injury when sharing the road with other motorists, who may not be able to accurately gauge their speed and distance. If another party’s negligent actions lead to your accident and injuries, you can file a claim for compensation. A Michigan City motorcycle accident lawyer can help gather evidence and represent you in a claim.
Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Commonly injured areas resulting from a collision with another vehicle include the head, arms, legs, and chest. Motorcycle crashes and injuries occur even when motorcyclists follow Indiana’s motorcycle safety laws, such as helmet laws. The injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident depend on the severity of the crash, but head injuries are one of the most common consequences. A severe injury to the head can cause permanent brain damage and disability.
Injuries to limbs can include broken bones, tissue damage, and fractures. In more severe cases, amputation may become necessary. After a motorcycle accident where you suffered severe injuries, you should expect to need some time to recuperate. During this time, the doctor may advise that you not do anything strenuous or go to work. Make sure you follow such instructions to avoid making your injuries worse. If you contribute to worsening your condition, the defense may have cause to offer lower compensation.
During recovery, you may be confused and overwhelmed with the legal steps you need to take to get compensation and get back on your feet. If you hire a Michigan City injury lawyer, they will start the claims process so you can focus on recovering.
For a free legal consultation with a motorcycle accidents lawyer serving Michigan City, call 800-333-9999
Damages You Can Recover in Michigan City After a Motorcycle Accident
There are a variety of damages you can claim in a motorcycle accident case. These damages may fall into the economic or non-economic category. You can seek economic damages such as:
- Medical expenses, such as ambulance transportation, emergency surgery, prescription medications, infection treatment and assistive devices
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Miscellaneous expenses, such as the costs of renovating your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability
These damages are meant to help you recover financially from your accident-related expenses. Non-economic damages are intangible and often disputed by the defense. They include losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional anguish
Your ability to claim a certain amount of compensation is affected by your percentage of fault in the crash. Under Indiana Code 34-51-2-6, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage you’re assessed for responsibility in the accident. You can recover compensation if you are 50% responsible or less. A lawyer can help identify eligible damages and if anything prevents you from receiving compensation.
Michigan City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-333-9999
The Settlement Process After a Michigan City Motorcycle Accident
For victims of a motorcycle crash, it is helpful to know the steps in a motorcycle accident claim. Each motorcycle accident case is unique, but these are some common steps that the claims process follows.
Filing a Claim After a Motorcycle Crash
In filing a claim, you have to prove that the defendant’s negligent actions resulted in your accident. You also have to provide a claim amount for the resulting damages. A Michigan City motorcycle accident lawyer can estimate how much your claim is worth.
Some factors that will impact this figure include the extent of your injuries and whether you will recover or suffer permanent damages. A lawyer can try to gather proof that clearly shows that the defendant’s negligence caused the crash and that your claims are true. If this is the case, the insurer may agree to pay the claim amount, but it is more likely that the insurer will give a counteroffer.
Negotiations and Reaching a Settlement Agreement with the Insurance Company
The insurance company aims to protect its profits, so a counteroffer will likely be a lower settlement amount. A Michigan City motorcycle accident lawyer can handle negotiations for you since they know the pitfalls to avoid when negotiating with the insurer. If you choose to handle negotiations on your own, you may say something that risks your claim.
If the insurer offers a fair amount, your motorcycle accident lawyer may advise that you accept it. If you accept a settlement, you forfeit the right to file a lawsuit against the defendant.
Taking the Motorcycle Accident Case to a Civil Court
If you cannot reach a settlement agreement with the insurance provider, you have the option of filing a lawsuit. Most people favor settling out of court rather than filing a suit because court proceedings take time and cost money. However, if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, our team is not afraid to take your case to court.
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Our Help Costs You Nothing Up Front
Our team offers legal assistance with no upfront fees or costs. You only pay us when you recover compensation.
You can learn more about our fees during your free, no-obligation consultation.
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A Michigan City Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Is Ready to Help
The period after a motorcycle accident is likely to be a trying time for you and your family. You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Let our team carry some of the burden.
Contact a Michigan City motorcycle accident lawyer today. At Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers, we have recovered over $1 billion in settlements for our clients. You can focus on recovery as we take care of the legal aspects of your crash.
Call or text 800-333-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
