Highways allow motor vehicles to travel at speed through both rural and more developed areas of the country. Due to the high speeds involved, motorcycle wrecks on these roads are more likely to result in life-threatening injuries, and even low-speed motorcycle crashes can have catastrophic consequences.
If you recently lost a loved one in a crash, contact us for more information about fatal motorcycle accidents in Merrillville. Our compassionate motorcycle accident attorneys could help you pursue your right to civil recovery and guide you through each step of the legal process. While financial compensation cannot erase the pain and trauma of your loss, it could help safeguard your family’s financial stability and protect your best interests in the years ahead.
Special Rules for Motorcycle Wrongful Death Claims
Usually, the only person who can file a personal injury claim after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence is the injured party (and sometimes his/her spouse or parents, if a minor is the injured party). However, if a motorcycle crash in Merrillville causes someone’s death, the right to file suit against the responsible party passes to the decedent’s personal representative. This is generally a surviving relative of the decedent and can be someone the decedent nominated in their will to manage their financial and personal affairs in the event of their death.
The personal representative can seek financial restitution on behalf of surviving family members of the decedent. Damages can vary depending on factors including the decedent’s age, marital status, and whether they had dependent children at the time of their death. An experienced lawyer could examine your case and provide more specific information about the losses you may be eligible to recover and your best course of action for pursuing that recovery.
Who Could Be Legally Liable for a Fatal Motorcycle Wreck?
A reckless or careless driver whose actions lead to a collision is legally at fault for the harm they cause through their behavior. When a motorcyclist loses their life in an accident in Merrillville, this includes the losses suffered by their family members. If your loved one is involved in a fatal motorcycle wreck, you should also consider which other parties might share legal liability for the incident.
For example, if a rider crashes because of a dangerous motorcycle defect, the manufacturer may be liable for ensuing damages. Our team could help you identify all sources of restitution, such as a negligent driver’s employer, a local government body that failed to maintain safe road conditions, or a bar or liquor store that knowingly overserved a drunk driver, enabling you to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Contact a Merrillville Attorney for Help After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash
If someone else’s reckless or careless actions resulted in the death of your loved one, you should not have to handle a legal claim alone while you are processing your loss. You have legal options at your disposal, and we could help you determine how you want to proceed.
The Law Offices of David W. Holub could offer guidance about the claims process following fatal motorcycle accidents in Merrillville. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and discover how we could help you begin to move forward.