Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Elkhart, Indiana

Accidents happen in the most unexpected time and place. These unforeseen events usually cause devastating injuries, harm, and risks to the victims, and one of the most common types of accidents involves motorcycles. A motorcycle is much smaller in size and lighter than a car. It is an open vehicle with only two wheels making motorcycle riding riskier than driving or riding a car. Motorcycle accident victims are more likely to die or sustain serious injuries at a significantly higher rate than people in car accidents.
Although you may not be considered at fault for your accident, it might be challenging to get compensation for your accident injuries because the court can be hard on motorcycle riders. However, consulting a reliable Elkhart personal injury attorney can help you get the fair compensation you deserve after your accident. Call us today at Wilson & Kinsman LLC to schedule a personalized case evaluation.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Elkhart, IN

Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous. There are many possible causes of a motorcycle accident, but safe riding practices (and helmets) can reduce the number of injuries and deaths. However, most of the time, it happens either because of human error or carelessness on the motorcyclist or the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident.

Here are some of the common causes of a motorcycle accident:

Over Speeding

Most fatal motorcycle accidents occur due to overspeeding. The higher the speed, the greater the risk. Faster motorcycles are more prone to accidents than slower ones. An increase in speed multiplies the risk of accident and the severity of the injury.

Failure to Notice Motorcycles

Moreover, vehicles have obstructions and blind spots that hide or obscure a motorcycle and the rider. These include passengers’ heads, door pillars, and areas not visible in the mirrors. Hazardous weather conditions can make it more difficult to see motorcycles, especially if they don’t have lights working properly.

Distracted Driving

Distractions take a motorist’s attention from driving, making a rider lose control of the motorcycle, potentially leading to a crash. Distracted drivers put not only themselves at risk, but everyone else on the road. Motorcycle drivers who use their mobile phones to talk or text while driving are the most common reason for distracted driving accidents.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal. In Indiana, a driver is considered “under the influence” if they are substantially impaired by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of substances. Motorcycle drivers who use drugs or consumed alcohol can be aggressive and reckless when driving.

Failure to Yield Right of Way

A yield sign indicates the right of way to traffic in certain intersections. If you see a yield sign ahead, be prepared to let other drivers crossing your road take the right-of-way to avoid car crashes.

Doing an Illegal Maneuver

An illegal maneuver refers to moving violations that include making a right turn from a “Left Turn Only” lane, running a red light, changing lanes over a double white line, and so on.

 

If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, seek legal help from our experienced Elkhart motorcycle accident attorneys at Wilson & Kinsman LLC to ensure that you have someone beside you to help you go through this difficult time.

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What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. In most personal injury cases, victims regret not being prepared enough for what to do in the event of a motorcycle accident. That’s why motorcyclists should know what to do after being injured or involved in this type of accident.
 
For the injured accident victims, remaining calm, gathering your thoughts, and understanding what just happened may be challenging. However, what you do right after the accident may significantly affect insurance coverage and any subsequent legal disputes. Here are the essential things that you need to do after being injured in a motorcycle accident:

  • Assess injuries and analyze your surroundings.
  • Get to safety.
  • Call 911 and contact authorities.
  • Exchange contact information.
  • Gather evidence by documenting the accident scene.
  • Seek medical attention.
  • Speak with a lawyer and your insurance company representative.

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? You don’t have to deal with these problems alone. Our credible Elkhart motorcycle accident attorneys will be with you as you fight for your legal rights and help you receive fair compensation.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can cause life-changing and serious personal injuries. Because of the severity of these injuries, motorcycle accident victims will often receive less compensation than they need to pay for medical bills and make up for lost wages. Here are some of the common serious injuries that one might get from a motorcycle accident:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

This is a type of serious injury that disrupts the brain’s normal function caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Watch out for these common brain injury symptoms:

  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Moodiness
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering

Spine Injuries

Injuries to the spinal cord can cause weakness or complete loss of muscle function and sensation in the body. You should also watch out for symptoms of spinal cord injuries:

  • Back pain
  • Pain in other parts of your body that seem to be free of injury
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness in your limbs

Many injuries from a motorcycle accident may not manifest right away. They may have very subtle symptoms, or initially no symptoms at all. You need to show your injuries to a doctor to document the injuries and prove that the accident’s injuries are not pre-existing conditions. If you experience these symptoms, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Elkhart, Indiana to help you file a personal injury claim.

Types of Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents Victims in Indiana

Aside from the serious injuries mentioned above, motorcycle accident victims tend to get lower compensation than what they need to make up for lost wages and pay for medical expenses. Although either driver may be at fault in a motorcycle accident, it may be harder for motorcyclists to show that there has been no negligence on their part. In this case, the amount of compensation received by the victim is affected.

Suppose you have been severely injured in an accident involving motorcycles. In that case, you may receive just compensation for all the catastrophic and long-term effects caused by the motor vehicle accident. A qualified Elkhart motorcycle accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve while recovering from the accident. It includes compensation for:

  • Loss of earning potential
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Past, present, and expected medical bills
  • Disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering

If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, you may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Although it cannot erase the trauma you’ve suffered, bringing a wrongful death claim may generate the funds necessary to maintain the financial security of the surviving family members. The compensation will be based on the circumstances of the accident. Our Elkhart motorcycle accident attorneys are help to help you seek maximum compensation in your legal claim.

The Role of a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Handling a motorcycle accident lawsuit is a delicate matter. Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be extremely devastating and can cause emotional distress. Victims have to deal with documentation, doctor’s appointments, medical treatment, insurance claims, financial problems, lost wages, and property damage. However, you should remember that you don’t have to deal with all of these alone.

Consult our competent Elkhart motorcycle accident attorneys at Wilson & Kinsman LLC for legal assistance. Our personal injury law firm in Elkhart, Indiana will help you understand every aspect of your case. We will ensure that the person at fault will be held liable so that you will never have to pay out of pocket. We will be with you every step of the way until you get the compensation and justice that you deserve.

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Testimonials

Read what our former clients have to say:

Honest and professional

I was charged with an OWI in Elkhart County and Eric was my first call. He was very helpful and personable throughout the entire process. I certainly appreciated his honesty and professionalism. Eric is definitely well experienced in handling these matters. Thanks to his help and guidance, we were able to have all of our necessary steps done before going to court that helped to retain driving privileges. The judge even remarked at how well the case had been managed during the hearing. With Eric’s help, I was able to obtain specialized driving privileges very promptly. I am still able to tend to my life’s responsibilities and my work. I would highly recommend Eric to anyone else needing help with OWI/DUI charges.

anonymous

A man of utmost integrity

Tom is very kind and personable. He is a great attorney to work for and work with. He is a man of the utmost integrity and is forthright in his practice. I would confidently recommend his legal services to any person I cared about.

Kayla Christofeno