Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating events in Indiana.
For every death, many others survived with catastrophic injuries that changed their lives forever. If you were seriously injured in a crash, choosing the right Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your recovery and your future.
After a serious motorcycle crash, medical bills, insurance calls, and time away from work can leave you feeling uncertain about your future. The right attorney can take that weight off of you and your family. They’ll guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Key Takeaways: Choosing a Lawyer for Your Motorcycle Accident Case
- Not every attorney understands the legal issues riders face or have the experience or skill to handle motorcycle accident claims.
- Local experience matters. An attorney familiar with Indiana’s courts, laws, and insurers can anticipate tactics and build a stronger case.
- Ask questions during your consultation about communication, trial readiness, and case strategy.
- Avoid lawyers who make unrealistic promises or lack transparency about fees and case expectations.
- A trusted motorcycle accident lawyer in Indiana can help you pursue full and fair compensation while you focus on recovery.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Matters
When someone else’s negligence causes a crash, the stakes are high, not only for your physical recovery but also for your financial future.
Selecting the right motorcycle accident attorney shouldn’t be a matter of convenience. It should be about choosing a partner who understands the physics of motorcycle crashes, the biases riders often face, and the state-specific laws that affect your claim. A seasoned attorney will investigate the scene, review police reports, and work with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary, to prove liability.
An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will also understand that insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by blaming riders or undervaluing injuries. With a strong advocate, you can level the playing field and pursue full and fair compensation for your medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery.
What Should You Look for in a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer is a deeply personal and important decision that you should make with great care. The attorney you choose will influence not only the outcome of your case but also how supported you feel throughout the process. Look for these key qualities when selecting a motorcycle accident attorney in Indiana:
Experience in motorcycle accident cases
Motorcycle claims are different from car accident claims. They involve unique evidence, vehicle mechanics, and medical considerations. The best attorneys know how to address issues such as helmet use, road hazards, and visibility to strengthen your case.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will understand Indiana’s traffic laws, the modified comparative fault rule under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-5, and how to prove that another driver’s negligence caused your injuries. They’ll also know how to counter biased assumptions that motorcyclists take unnecessary risks.
Knowledge of Indiana’s legal landscape
A lawyer who practices locally will know how cases are handled not only in Hamilton County courts but also throughout Indiana. They’ll be familiar with judges, insurance defense firms, and regional crash trends — such as the dangerous stretches along I-69 and U.S. 31 or traffic near Geist Reservoir and downtown Fishers. Local knowledge can make a measurable difference in case strategy and negotiation outcomes.
Transparent fee structure
Most motorcycle accident lawyers in Indiana handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you. During your consultation, ask for clear details about fees, court costs, and expert witness expenses. Reputable attorneys will explain all financial terms in writing before moving forward.
Trial readiness
While most motorcycle accident claims settle through negotiation, insurance companies are far more likely to offer fair settlements when they know your lawyer is ready for trial. Choose an attorney with courtroom experience and a proven track record of trying personal injury cases before Indiana juries.
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Meeting with an attorney is your opportunity to find out if they’re the right fit for your case. The best lawyers welcome your questions and answer them clearly, without pressure or vague promises.
Here are some questions worth asking during your consultation:
- How many motorcycle accident cases have you handled in Indiana?
- What were the outcomes of those cases?
- How often do you take cases to trial?
- Who will manage my case day-to-day?
- How do you communicate with clients about updates and next steps?
- What are your contingency fees and other potential costs?
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Indiana who answers these questions with transparency and confidence demonstrates both skill and integrity. The right lawyer will listen closely, explain each stage of the legal process, and make you feel supported from your first meeting onward.
If an attorney avoids specifics, promises quick results, or pressures you to sign, take that as a warning sign.
Motorcycle Accidents by the Numbers
Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road. Per mile traveled, riders are about 28 times more likely to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured than those in passenger vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to government statistics, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2023, accounting for 15% of all traffic deaths — the highest total in nearly 50 years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The choices you make early on can shape the outcome of your case. Knowing the pitfalls and which missteps to steer clear of is just as important as knowing what to look for in a lawyer.
Hiring a general practitioner
Many personal injury attorneys handle a wide variety of cases, but motorcycle accident claims demand special attention. They often involve severe injuries, high medical expenses, and complex liability issues. A lawyer who primarily handles slip-and-fall or car accident cases may lack the nuanced understanding these claims require to secure maximum compensation.
Ignoring client reviews and testimonials
Reviews from past clients can tell you how an attorney treats people during the most stressful times of their lives. Look for patterns in reviews, especially comments about responsiveness, honesty, and communication. Consistent positive feedback suggests the attorney takes client care seriously.
Choosing based on advertising alone
Large billboards or catchy slogans don’t necessarily reflect quality legal representation. Focus on an attorney’s actual results, client service, and approach to your specific type of case. Ask for examples of motorcycle accident settlements or verdicts they’ve achieved. Are you hiring a settlement mill or a lawyer who will personally dedicate themselves to your case?
Failing to Ask About Resources
Motorcycle accident cases often require accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and access to detailed vehicle data. If your lawyer doesn’t have the resources to build a comprehensive case, it may impact your ability to secure fair compensation.
Overlooking local insight
Local knowledge goes far beyond geography. Attorneys who regularly handle motorcycle accident cases in your part of Indiana understand how local courts operate, how judges prefer evidence to be presented, and how regional insurers evaluate claims.
They also know the tendencies of nearby juries and how certain intersections, highways, or road conditions, such as along I-69 or State Road 37, often factor into motorcycle crash disputes. That kind of insight can make a real difference when negotiating or presenting your case.
How an Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Helps Build Your Case
A motorcycle crash can leave you with serious injuries, from fractures and internal damage to brain trauma and spinal cord injuries. The process of proving liability and recovering damages requires thorough investigation and legal skill.
Here’s how a motorcycle accident lawyer in Indiana should work to strengthen your case from the start:
- Investigating the crash: Collecting police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to establish how the accident occurred.
- Analyzing medical records: Working with physicians and specialists to link your injuries directly to the crash.
- Reconstructing the accident: Partnering with experts to recreate the sequence of events and identify contributing factors such as speed, road design, or driver distraction.
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters: Presenting evidence in a way that reflects the full scope of your losses, from medical expenses to lost earning potential.
- Preparing for trial if needed: Building a compelling argument backed by facts, testimony, and insight from leading experts.
This proactive approach helps position your claim for the strongest possible outcome, whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation.
Indiana’s Comparative Fault Rule and Motorcycle Accident Claims
Even the most careful riders can be blamed for crashes they didn’t cause. Insurance companies often use stereotypes of motorcyclists as daredevils and risk takers to shift blame and minimize payouts.
They do this to make Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule (found under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-5) work in their favor, not yours. This rule governs how shared fault impacts compensation.
Here’s how it works:
If you’re found to be 50% or less responsible for your crash, you may still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, if you’re found more than 50% responsible, you can’t recover any compensation.
A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Indiana will challenge attempts to inflate your percentage of fault. They’ll examine physical evidence, police reports, and expert opinions to prove that the other driver was primarily responsible. The stronger your evidence, the more leverage your attorney has in settlement negotiations.
When to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Timing matters more than many riders realize. The sooner you hire legal representation, the stronger your claim can become. Critical evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle debris, and nearby surveillance footage, can disappear within days. Witness memories also fade quickly.
Hiring an attorney right away allows them to:
- Send preservation letters to secure crash evidence
- Request police reports and 911 transcripts
- Communicate directly with insurance adjusters to protect your interests
- Gather early medical documentation to prove injury severity
Another reason to act early is the deadlines that the state imposes on personal injury and wrongful death claims. The Statute of Limitations in Indiana (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4) gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. While that might sound like plenty of time, investigations and negotiations can take months. Starting as soon as possible helps your attorney file a strong claim before key evidence is lost or deadlines expire.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
Working with a motorcycle accident attorney should bring clarity and confidence. Here’s what typically happens once you hire a lawyer:
Case evaluation
Your attorney will review your crash report, medical records, and available evidence to estimate your claim’s potential value. This stage often includes consultation with medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts.
Demand and negotiation
Once your treatment is complete or your condition stabilizes, your lawyer will prepare a demand package for the insurance company. This document outlines your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic losses such as pain and emotional distress.
Filing a lawsuit
If the insurer refuses to make a fair settlement offer, your lawyer may file a lawsuit in an Indiana civil court. Litigation doesn’t always mean trial, but it often motivates the insurer to negotiate more seriously.
Resolution
Most motorcycle accident claims end in settlement. However, if your case proceeds to trial, your attorney will present your story before a jury, using evidence and expert testimony to support your right to fair compensation.
Throughout this process, a good lawyer keeps you informed, explains every development, and helps you make decisions about your next steps.
Common Types of Damages in Motorcycle Accident Claims
Your claim’s value depends on how the crash has affected every part of your life. Damages in motorcycle accident cases fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
These are financial losses that can be calculated and verified through bills or documentation:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your recovery
Non-Economic Damages
These reflect the emotional and physical impact of the crash:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Your lawyer’s ability to document and explain these losses often determines how much the insurance company offers during settlement negotiations.
FAQs About Choosing an Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Most motorcycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover money for you. This arrangement allows injured motorcyclists to access high-quality legal representation without upfront costs.
Yes. Early offers often undervalue the true cost of your injuries, future care, and lost income. An attorney can review the offer, calculate your damages accurately, and negotiate for fair compensation.
If you’re not satisfied with your current attorney, you may switch to another law firm. The new attorney will typically handle the transition and coordinate fee arrangements with your previous lawyer.
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means if you are 50% or less responsible for the crash, you can still recover compensation, but your award will decrease by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover any compensation.
An experienced attorney challenges attempts to inflate your percentage of fault and works to prove the other driver was primarily responsible.
Indiana law requires helmets only for riders under 18 and those with learner’s permits. While not wearing a helmet might affect the case if you suffered a head injury, it doesn’t automatically prevent you from recovering compensation for other injuries. Your attorney can explain how this might impact your claim.
Getting Legal Help After a Motorcycle Crash
If a negligent driver caused your motorcycle accident and left you struggling with pain, medical bills, missed work, and other damages, you deserve an advocate who will fight relentlessly for the compensation you need.
At Wyant Law, we help injured riders throughout Fishers, Hamilton County, and across Indiana pursue justice and financial recovery. Attorney Christopher Wyant brings over 20 years of trial experience and a reputation for honest, personalized representation.
We know the road to recovery isn’t easy, but you don’t have to face it without guidance. You should never be left to pay the consequences of someone else’s bad decisions or mistakes. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Call Wyant Law today at (317) 683-0333 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward rebuilding your life after a motorcycle accident.