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Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic and injuries sustained during these collisions can be devastating. According to the 2017 State of Indiana Highway Safety Plan, the statistics from 2014 indicate that there were 521 incapacitating injuries involving motorcycles as well as 124 motorcycle fatalities throughout the state.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact a Chesterton motorcycle accident lawyer who could advocate for you at the earliest possible opportunity. Call today to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Most people involved in accidents understand the need to file a claim with their insurance company. While this is certainly true, individuals who suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident may wish to speak with a Chesterton motorcycle accident attorney about their legal options before doing so. In many cases, the individual should consider filing a claim with the insurance company of the person responsible for their crash. It is important that motorcyclists always inform their own insurance company about their accident even if they opt to pursue a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Unfortunately, though, the insurance company may not pay out every claim. In fact, insurance companies exist to make money first and protect their clients second. They will look for any excuse to deny a claim. Compensation for medical bills, damaged vehicles, and lost wages can be recovered through an insurance claim, but individuals facing an uphill claims process should consider working with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Chesterton to determine other options.
Chesterton handles auto and motorcycle accidents under a theory of comparative negligence or comparative fault. This means that even if the injured motorcyclist is partially responsible for the collision, they may still be able to bring a claim to court and recover compensation.
The available compensation will be proportional to the percentage of fault for which the injured party is responsible. For example, if the motorcyclist is 40 percent responsible for their injuries, they may still recover damages, albeit those damages will 40 percent less than they would be otherwise.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Chesterton is two years. This means that anyone involved in a motorcycle accident who is seeking compensation must file the claim within two years of the initial incident. If the person waits until after that two-year statute of limitations passes, they may lose their right to bring a legal claim. An accomplished Chesterton motorcycle accident lawyer could help an injured person file a claim within the statute of limitations.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you contact a Chesterton motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. The sooner an attorney can get involved in the claim, the sooner they can begin collecting and preserving evidence and building your case for significant compensation.
As more time passes, more evidence is washed away. Witnesses may forget important details, marks on the road may be cleared away by the elements, and photographic evidence of the wreckage may become lost. With a lawyer involved early on, there is a higher chance that important evidence can be preserved. Also, since the statute of limitations in Indiana is two years, it is important that a lawyer is brought on as soon as possible so that the claim can be properly filed before the statute expires. Work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney and know that you are in capable hands.