Indianapolis Sideswipe Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, offering freedom and connection with the open road. However, it also comes with unique risks, particularly when sharing the road with inattentive or reckless drivers.

One of the most dangerous scenarios motorcyclists face is a sideswipe collision, which can happen in the blink of an eye and have devastating consequences. Our Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer understands the gravity of these accidents and is committed to helping victims pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.

Understanding Sideswipe Motorcycle Accidents

A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another, often due to improper lane changes, failure to check blind spots or distracted driving. Given the lack of protection compared to a car or truck, even a minor sideswipe can lead to catastrophic injuries for motorcyclists.

In Indianapolis and across Indiana, sideswipe motorcycle accidents are sadly common. According to the Indiana State Police Crash Facts, there were over 3,000 motorcycle-related accidents in the state last year, many of which involved dangerous interactions with larger vehicles.

Our team has seen firsthand how these incidents can upend lives, and we dedicate ourselves to helping victims rebuild.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Motorcycle Accidents

Understanding why these accidents happen is critical in determining liability and pursuing a claim. As experienced motorcycle collision lawyers in Indianapolis, we’ve handled cases involving a variety of causes, including:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who text, use GPS, or engage in other distractions often fail to see motorcyclists when changing lanes.
• Blind Spot Oversight: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot in a vehicle’s blind spot, making it imperative for drivers to exercise caution.
• Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and weaving through traffic increase the likelihood of sideswipe collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment, putting motorcyclists at extreme risk.
• Failure to Signal Lane Changes: Many sideswipe accidents occur because drivers neglect to signal, leaving motorcyclists without warning.

Each of these causes represents negligence and a breach of the duty every driver owes to share the road responsibly.

The Impact of Sideswipe Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents, particularly sideswipes, often have severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Victims may face:

• Physical Injuries: Common injuries include road rash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and internal organ damage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash.
• Emotional Trauma: The fear and anxiety following a serious accident can last long after physical wounds heal.
• Financial Strain: Medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs can quickly accumulate, overwhelming victims.

As your trusted Indianapolis sideswipe motorcycle accident lawyer, we approach each case with compassion and determination. We recognize the profound impact these accidents have on our clients’ lives.

Your Rights as a Motorcycle Accident Victim in Indiana

Indiana law protects those injured due to another person’s negligence. If you’ve been sideswiped while riding your motorcycle, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress

Under Indiana’s comparative fault laws, you can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you are found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you will receive $80,000. As an experienced accident attorney in Indianapolis, we work diligently to minimize any fault attributed to our clients and maximize their recovery.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

Proving Negligence in Sideswipe Motorcycle Accidents

To secure compensation, we must demonstrate that the other party acted negligently.

This involves proving:

1. The driver owed you a duty of care (e.g., obeying traffic laws, signaling lane changes).
2. The driver breached this duty (e.g., by driving distracted or failing to check blind spots).
3. This breach directly caused the accident and your injuries.
4. You suffered damages as a result.

We gather and analyze critical evidence, including police reports, eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and expert accident reconstruction, to build a strong case. Our goal is to establish liability clearly and persuasively, holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.

Indiana Laws Relevant to Motorcycle Accidents

Indiana has specific laws that affect motorcycle accident claims, including:

• Helmet Laws: While helmets are not mandatory for all riders, motorcyclists under 18 and those with learner’s permits must wear helmets. Regardless of legal requirements, wearing a helmet can significantly impact the severity of injuries and may influence your claim.
• Statute of Limitations: In Indiana, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation, making it essential to act promptly.
• Insurance Requirements: Indiana law requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. However, these limits may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of your damages, which is why pursuing additional avenues of recovery is often necessary.

At our Indianapolis accident law firm, we navigate these legal complexities on your behalf, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and precision.

How We Help Sideswipe Motorcycle Accident Victims

From the moment you contact us, we prioritize your needs and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We listen to your story, assess the details of your accident, and explain your legal options.
• Aggressive Negotiation: We negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair settlements, leveraging our experience to counter lowball offers.
• Litigation When Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court, presenting a compelling argument before a judge or jury.

We understand insurance companies’ tactics to minimize payouts, and we are not intimidated by their strategies. We focus on achieving justice for our clients and holding negligent parties accountable.

Why Choose Our Indianapolis Accident Law Firm?

We know you have choices when selecting legal representation, but what sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to our clients. We treat every case as our own, combining legal expertise with genuine care and compassion.

Our track record of success speaks to our ability to secure meaningful results, but our commitment to making a difference in our clients’ lives truly defines our practice.

When you work with us, you’re not just another case number. You’re a person who has experienced a profound loss, and we are here to stand by your side every step of the way.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe motorcycle accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Time is of the essence, and early action can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

As your trusted Indianapolis sideswipe motorcycle accident lawyer, we are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.