A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant. The shock, confusion, and physical pain may feel overwhelming, and it’s hard to know what to do next. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Indiana, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to feel unsure of your next steps. Your first priority is to focus on your health, but you also need to be mindful of your legal rights. If you’re wondering how to move forward with your case, Wyant Law is here to guide you through this process.
Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Immediately following a motorcycle accident, your safety is the most important concern. If you are able to do so, move to a safe location away from traffic. Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s crucial to get medical attention. Many injuries, such as whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible to get checked out. This will not only help your health but will also create an important record of your injuries for any potential legal claims.
Document Everything About the Accident
Once you have attended to your immediate health and safety needs, you should begin to gather as much information as possible about the accident. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and any visible injuries. If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information. In addition, make sure to collect details about the other party involved, including their name, contact information, insurance company, and driver’s license number. Documenting everything as soon as possible will help your case later on.
Contact the Police and File a Report
Always call the police after a motorcycle accident, no matter how minor it may seem. A police report can serve as an official record of the incident and may provide key details that will support your case. It’s important that you cooperate with the officers on the scene and provide them with accurate information. Be honest about what happened but avoid admitting fault at this stage. The police will gather information from all parties and create a report that will be essential for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings.
Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you.
With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.
Avoid Admitting Fault at the Scene
It can be tempting to apologize or admit fault right after an accident, especially if you feel at fault. However, saying the wrong thing at the scene could hurt your case later. It’s best to remain calm and cooperative with everyone involved, but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. The circumstances of an accident can sometimes be unclear, and admitting fault prematurely may not be in your best interest. Let the authorities investigate the incident and determine what happened.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After ensuring your safety and getting medical attention, the next step is to contact your insurance company. Report the accident to them as soon as possible, even if the accident was not your fault. Failing to notify your insurance company promptly may lead to complications in the claims process. Be honest about the details of the crash but avoid giving a recorded statement before consulting with a lawyer. Your attorney can help you navigate the insurance process and ensure your rights are protected.
My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”
- Kathaleen Boyce
Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."
- Rita Bridge
God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."
- Briana Shouse
Consult With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
One of the most important steps after a serious motorcycle accident is to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The insurance company might try to settle your claim quickly, but an attorney can help protect you from unfair offers. They will evaluate the full extent of your injuries, damages, and the circumstances surrounding the crash to help you get the best possible outcome.
Understanding Your Legal Rights and the Claim Process
In Indiana, motorcycle accident claims can be complex. Insurance laws can vary, and liability may not always be clear. That’s why it’s important to have a knowledgeable attorney by your side. Your lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, including your right to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and handle the legal paperwork so you can focus on your recovery.
Be Careful With Settlement Offers
After a motorcycle accident, you may receive a settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s important to understand that insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, not your best interests. They may offer you a quick settlement that seems like a good deal, but it may not cover all of your expenses, especially if your injuries require long-term care. Before accepting any settlement offer, consult with a motorcycle accident attorney to ensure that it’s fair and sufficient to cover all of your damages.
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The Importance of Medical Documentation
As you move forward with your case, it is essential to maintain thorough medical records. These records will serve as key evidence in supporting your claims for damages. Be sure to keep track of all medical treatments, doctor visits, prescriptions, and any physical therapy you may undergo. This documentation can help establish the severity of your injuries and the impact they’ve had on your life. Your lawyer can work with medical professionals to ensure that the full extent of your injuries is understood and accounted for in your claim.
Navigating the Insurance Claim Process
Dealing with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the process. Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries or pressure you to settle quickly. Having a lawyer by your side ensures that you aren’t taken advantage of. Your attorney will handle the communication with the insurance company, making sure they don’t offer you a low settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses. They’ll also help negotiate a fair settlement or take the case to court if necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Comparative Fault in Indiana
Indiana follows a system known as comparative fault, which means that if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would receive 80% of the compensation. Understanding how comparative fault works is crucial to your case, as it may impact the final outcome. Your attorney will review the circumstances of the accident carefully to ensure that you are not unfairly assigned blame and that you receive the full compensation possible.
Prepare for the Future and Your Recovery
The recovery process from a motorcycle accident can take time, both physically and emotionally. You may face significant medical bills, rehabilitation, and time off work. As you focus on healing, your attorney will be working on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Your lawyer can also help you understand what to expect during the legal process, so you don’t have to worry about the next steps.
At Wyant Law, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate life after a motorcycle accident. Our goal is to help you through this difficult time by providing you with the legal support and guidance you need. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Indiana, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to listen, to understand, and to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.