Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Statistics of Motorcycle Accidents

You are not alone if you’re a motorcycle rider and were recently hit because another driver was not paying attention. Sadly, the motorcycle rider usually ends up with serious, life-altering injuries when the other driver was unable or unwilling to operate their vehicle safely.

In the first quarter of 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluated that 9,560 persons perished in motor vehicle traffic accidents. This is an increase of nearly 7% compared to 2021.

Early projections by NHTSA indicate that the mortality rate will rise from the predicted rate of 1.25 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles in the first quarter of 2021 to 1.27 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles in the first quarter of 2022.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has made it its top mission to end road fatalities nationwide. Significant investments in traffic safety are made under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The goal of the National Roadway Safety Strategy, which the U.S. Secretary of Transportation unveiled in January, is to lower road fatalities. The long-term strategy concentrates on making people, roads, vehicles, speeds, and post-crash treatment safer in order to save lives.

What Are the Safety Rules for Motorcyclists?

Accidents are sudden incidents, we can’t predict or stop them from happening, but all we can do is take precautions. Common safety rules include being alert on roads, using helmets, avoid driving at high speed.

Licensed Driving

You must have a legal government license to drive. However, the legal driving age is 16, and it is a legal offense if you don’t carry your license while driving. All states require a motorcycle license endorsement, despite the fact that motorcycle licensing laws differ from state to state. In most jurisdictions, you must pass written and on-vehicle skills exams given by your state’s licensing office in order to earn the appropriate endorsement.

Drink and Drive

An individual should drive without consuming alcohol and drugs, including prescribed medicines. Prescribed medications might make you feel sleepy or unconscious, through which you won’t be able to drive or manage a vehicle in traffic.

If by chance you hit other vehicles, and if you are on any symptomatic medications or drugs, you can be at fault and have to face the consequences. To be safer, it is always suggested not to drive in such cases.

Traffic Rules

Every rider should be aware of the traffic rules. Such as whether it is left or right-hand driving, speed limit, understanding sign board, etc. An individual should also keep an eye on the maintenance of the vehicle, whether the side mirror is proper, breaks and gears work properly, maintain spare parts, etc.

Wearing Helmet

Wearing a helmet almost reduces 70 percent risk of harsh head damage in motorbike crashes. Persons operating a motorcycle with a motorcycle learner permit are also required to wear helmets.

However, according to traffic laws wearing a helmet is mandatory. Motorcyclists should prioritize their safety and avoid putting their health at risk. Mainly, a helmet keeps our brain/ head safe, but there are numerous other advantages as well such as:

• Weather protection
• Long hair protection
• Wind noise reduction
• Avoiding dust touching your face or eyes

What Are the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

There are numerous reasons which cause motorcycle accidents. But most commonly, it happens due to speeding and distracted driving. Due to small negligence of an individual, people might have to face severe consequences such as:

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the most commonly observed cause. These days people use cell phones or earphones while driving, which distracts them while driving. Moreover, not focusing on the road can also lead to accidents. This can be a threat to every rider on the road.

2. Speed Driving

When an individual is speed driving, it is highly possible that they might have less control over their vehicle. In such cases, it becomes difficult to put sudden breaks and control vehicles in traffic.

3. Blind Turns

Usually, blind turns lead to a vehicle crash, and if, by chance, any vehicle is at speed, then the crash might get severe for both drivers.

If you meet with an accident where you or your loved one is left with severe injuries, you must seek a lawyer. You might be eligible for compensation from the opposition. You can’t share your pain but get recovery for your damages. Then it can be economical or non-economic; also, property damage can be recovered.

Common Types of Injuries an Individual Face in Motorcycle Accidents

Spinal Cord Injuries

Motorcyclists who sustain injuries to their backs or spinal columns risk life-threatening consequences. These wounds include spinal cord injury, herniated discs, and damaged ligaments. One of the most severe injuries in this group is spinal cord trauma, which can cause temporary or permanent paralysis in varying degrees.

Head and Brain Injuries

Wearing helmets on motorcycles significantly lowers the risk of head injuries. Unfortunately, not all riders wear them, putting them in danger of severe brain injuries, concussions, and skull fractures. Head and brain injuries brought on by motorcycle crashes can have life-altering effects as well as long-term physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments.

Facial and Dental Injuries

Serious motorcycle accident injuries are most likely to occur to the face and mouth. Eye injury or vision loss, shattered facial bones, loose or missing teeth, facial scars, and other problems are possible injuries one may suffer. Some dental and facial injuries sustained in crashes can be disfiguring, which lowers a victim’s confidence and self-worth.

Broken Bones and Amputations

Substance orthopedic reconstruction may be necessary if a rider breaks or crushes a bone. Accident victims may also lose limbs or appendages or need to amputate their legs or arms because they cannot be recovered.

What is the Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident or Injury?

It’s dicey to estimate the amount of compensation. But the fact is many reasons fall under to calculate the cost. So it is always suggested to seek a motorcycle crash lawyer to know the exact amount and what all damages can be recovered. Here are a few ways we will work to get you the compensation you deserve:

1. Medical expenses

2. Lost wages

3. Property damage

4. Pain and suffering

Comparative Fault in a Motorcycle Accident

Serious injuries from motorcycle crashes can include traumatic brain injuries, muscle injuries, spine injuries, and more. The probability of suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident has been decreased by wearing a helmet while riding. All motorcycle riders in Indiana are required by law to wear helmets. Motorcycle riders involved in an accident with a careless driver while not wearing a helmet may be concerned about how this may influence their compensation claim. Yet, not all riders wear helmets.

There are specific legal requirements for accidental cases in each state’s jurisdiction. It is essential to probe Indiana’s shared fault system while managing who is at responsible for motorcycle accidents.

In Indiana, a modified comparative negligence approach is used, as per Code IC 34-51-2.

Motorcycle accidents in Indiana are subject to the modified comparative negligence test. In simpler words “51% fault” theory, also known as “comparative fault,” a biker cannot sue for injuries if they are more than 51% to blame for the clash. The court will deduct the amount of fault you bear from your financial losses.

For instance, if you are hit by any vehicle but you were at fault by 30 percent, then your compensation amount can be reduced by 30 percent.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection is a standard segment of Indiana auto and motorbike insurance policies. You have the option to refuse this coverage formally, but most riders do not. These plans have approx $25,000 per person physical injury and $25,000 per object property damage minimum liability limits. Therefore, if you have this policy and you are injured by an uninsured driver, your own insurance provider is now liable for paying for:

1. Funeral Expenses (in case of death)

2. Medical Appointments

3. Future Securities

4. Vehicle damage

However, while competing with uninsured people, hiring a motorcycle crash lawyer is always suggested because there are several laws that can be filed against the person. There are low chances that an ordinary man might know the ins and out of a legal firm.

What Is the Time Duration for Case to Get Settle?

Well, when it comes to time, several elements again become important. However, in the end, it depends on how a motorcycle lawyer handles the case. Below are the factors on which the time period depends.

1. Gathering evidence and medical documents

2. Negotiating with the Insurance company

3. Court hearings

4. Medical treatment

Hire Top Rated Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Working with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident while trying to recover from your injuries can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Allow us to help you and be on your side. We have been protecting riders by fighting for their rights successfully since 1999.

However, we are known for our success rate, and for decades, the motorcycle lawyer at Karpe Litigation Group has fought for bikers’ rights. We have carefully selected local, independent counsel around the nation because we are experts in motorcycle accidents, and we can help you with your claim by providing free legal consultation. Call immediately for your free consultation if you want justice and recompense for your injury, pain, and suffering.

Few perks of hiring us:

1. We don’t charge until we win

2. One lawyer will guide you throughout the case personally

3. We travel to the victim’s place if he/she is severely injured

4. We take the entire responsibility for cases, such as collecting evidence, ensuring no one tampers them, compiling documents, etc.

What Are the Fees for Hiring Karpe Litigation Group?

Our bike injury lawyers will handle your case on a contingency basis. This implies that you will only be responsible for paying legal fees if we are able to obtain a money judgment.

However, we are known for our success ratio. You will be provided with a knowledgeable motorcycle injury lawyer who will work diligently to protect your rights and secure just compensation for your losses. We have more than 20 years of legal experience and have the litigation expertise necessary to handle any motorcycle accident.

Regardless, to be more specific here is the amount of segregation of a lawyer working on a contingency basis.

The contingency fee may vary depending on the lawyer or law firm, as well as the attributes of your case. For motorcycle accident lawyers, the standard contingency fee ranges from 33.3% (one-third) to 40% approx of the money they recover for their clients.