Whether riding on a highway, navigating city streets, or maneuvering through a parking lot, motorcyclists must remain focused and aware at all times. However, even the most cautious riders can suffer injuries in crashes caused by others. Unfortunately, securing fair compensation can be challenging due to common biases against motorcyclists.
You have many of the same responsibilities and all the same rights as a motorcyclist that any other driver on public roads does, and if your rights were violated in a way that left you seriously injured, a Valparaiso motorcycle accident lawyer could help you make things right. From gathering evidence to establish exactly who is at fault for your wreck to helping you avoid legal obstacles on the road to recovery, a skilled personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of David W. Holub could be a steadfast ally for you throughout the entire legal process.
Common Causes and Effects of Motorcycle Crashes
Many of the same reckless and careless actions behind the wheel that can lead to collisions between two passenger cars can also lead to collisions between a passenger car and a motorcycle, with some of the most common including:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Not yielding the right-of-way properly
- Not checking blind spots when turning or switching lanes
When filing a lawsuit over a motorcycle crash, the key factor is not just how it happened but whether it resulted from another party’s negligence. If a motorcyclist can establish this, a skilled Valparaiso motorcycle accident injury attorney could help pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and both physical and psychological suffering.
Navigating Around Legal and Procedural Roadblocks
Legal counsel can also play a key role in constructing and formally filing a motorcycle injury lawsuit within the deadline prescribed by the statute of limitations. Under Indiana Code §34-11-2-4, most people hurt through another person’s misconduct have just two years at most to file suit after initially sustaining their injury, even if that injury will have permanent and debilitating consequences.
Perhaps even more importantly, a motorcycle wreck lawyer in Valparaiso could help proactively contest allegations against an injured motorcyclist that they were partly to blame for causing their own injuries through their own misconduct. Otherwise, a court could assign them a percentage of comparative fault for their damages and, in accordance with I.C.§ 34-51-2-5 and I.C.§34-51-2-6, reduce the total value of their damage award or even deny them recovery altogether based on their share of total fault for their accident.
Get in Touch with a Valparaiso Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
No matter the circumstances, getting in a wreck while riding a motorcycle is a uniquely unsettling and traumatic experience. However, if that kind of experience has resulted in you being seriously injured and you know someone else is primarily to blame for what has happened to you, you should strongly consider exploring the possibility of civil litigation in addition to or even as an alternative to an insurance claim.
If you have questions about your options or are already confident you want to take legal action, a Valparaiso motorcycle accident lawyer from the Law Offices of David W. Holub can provide the custom-tailored support you need. Contact us today for a consultation.