Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis

Understanding the Risks and Rights: Navigating Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riding offers unmatched freedom and excitement, but it also comes with significant risks, especially on the busy roads of Indianapolis. Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the rider's exposed position. Understanding your rights and navigating legal claims in the aftermath of such an incident can be challenging. At StewartWood Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to supporting motorcycle accident victims through these tough times with comprehensive legal assistance, ensuring your journey to justice and recovery is as smooth as possible.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Require Specialized Legal Help

Motorcycle accidents are distinct from other vehicular accidents due to their specific dynamics. The severity of injuries is typically greater, and the legal nuances can be complex. Factors like road conditions, motorist negligence, and biases against motorcyclists can heavily influence the outcome of a legal claim. Having a specialized legal team familiar with these factors is crucial. At StewartWood Injury Lawyers, our lawyers possess a deep understanding of motorcycle mechanics and risks, allowing us to handle your claims with precision and empathy.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Indianapolis

Identifying the root cause of a motorcycle accident is essential for claiming your rightful compensation. Common causes include:

  • Negligence: Car drivers often overlook motorcycles due to their smaller size, leading to collisions.
  • Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and slippery conditions pose greater hazards for motorcyclists.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed by either the motorcyclist or the driver increases the risk of accidents.
  • Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, leading to serious accidents.

The Impact of Injuries on Victims and Families

The fThe physical and emotional impact of motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Injuries often require long-term treatment, leading to significant financial strain from medical bills and lost wages. The emotional toll on victims and their families can be profound, affecting every aspect of their lives. Our team at StewartWood Injury Lawyers is committed to securing the compensation you deserve and supporting you through the recovery process.

Legal Protections and Rights for Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists have the same legal protections as any other motorist. In Indiana, motorcyclists can claim compensation for damages caused by another driver's negligence, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, claiming these rights can be complex. StewartWood Injury Lawyers are adept at interpreting and applying these laws, ensuring your rights are defended. We help clarify aspects of motorcycle law, such as helmet laws and right-of-way issues, which can impact your case.

Navigating Insurance Claims and Settlements

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially as insurers often undervalue claims or deny liability in motorcycle accident cases. Our experienced lawyers at StewartWood Injury Lawyers understand these tactics and are prepared to counteract them. We negotiate tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible, with a strong track record of securing favorable settlements and verdicts.

How StewartWood Injury Lawyers Can Help

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis, navigating the path to recovery can be overwhelming. StewartWood Injury Lawyers provide end-to-end support, handling all legal complexities and allowing you to focus on your recovery. With a deep understanding of both legal and personal challenges, we tailor our strategies to your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

1. What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?
Immediately after a motorcycle accident, ensure your safety and call emergency services if needed. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Document the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and report the accident to the police. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

2. How Can a Lawyer Help with My Motorcycle Accident Claim?
 A lawyer specializing in motorcycle accidents can help by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. They understand the complexities of motorcycle accident claims and will work to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.


3. What Compensation Can I Receive for a Motorcycle Accident?
Compensation for a motorcycle accident may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. The specific compensation depends on the details of your case, including the severity of injuries and the impact on your life. Your lawyer will work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

4. How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Indiana?
 In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This timeframe may vary based on specific circumstances, so it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations.

5. What If the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim or undervalues your damages, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help by appealing the decision or pursuing legal action. Lawyers are skilled in negotiating with insurers and can advocate for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries. Many bikers find themselves needing the services of an Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer at least once. Bike accidents are more dangerous than car accidents. If you think about it, motorcyclists don’t have airbags or seatbelts to protect them. Even when they wear helmets, they can suffer life-threatening injuries. If someone else’s negligence led to your motorcycle crash, you have the right to demand compensation. Bikers often suffer head injuries, and these can result in long recovery times and high medical bills. If brain damage occurs, their lives may never be the same again. They may be unable to work or perform normal daily activities. This has implications for both them and their household. Even in less severe cases, the victim’s quality of life can decrease. That’s why you need to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side who will fight for your rights.

You shouldn’t attempt to handle an injury claim on your own. Insurance companies take advantage of victims who are injured, scared, or just don't know  what the full amount of a settlement can be.  If you want to get what you really deserve, hire StewartWood Injury Lawyers. We understand the laws involved in motorcycle accidents and they will guide you through the claims process.  We have dealt with Insurance Companies trying to deny and reduce the full damges and money owed to motorcycle riders.  Call us today at (317) 969-6558 to receive your free consultation with our experts and get the answers you deserve.

How Much Is My Indiana Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

Clients often want to know how much they will be able to recover from the motorcycle accident.  No one can tell you how much the case is worth at the outset. The case needs to be properly investigated, and fault has to be established.  Your medical treatment should also be concluded before a total value is attached to your claim. Contrary to popular belief, this is a good thing. If the insurance company could predetermine the amount of your recovery, you wouldn’t be able to ask for specific damages. You have unique injuries and losses that can't be evaluated and determined by some Insurance Computer Program.   We understand why you would want to know the value of your case in the beginning.  Your medical bills may be piling up and you may have to spend weeks or months away from work.  However, you will later realize that the delay works to your advantage. This is because immediately after the accident:

  • You don’t know your total injuries
  • You can’t predict the type of treatment you will need or the duration
  • You don’t know how much your injuries would affect your personal life
  • You can’t anticipate the psychological difficulties you may face
  • There is now way to know any permanent, life long limitations and restrictions
  • Can't calculate your total lost wages or income

These are only some of the things which can’t be predicted right after the accident.  However, they are very important parts of your claim.  When our Team develops your case, we can present the complete information to the insurance company to get you all the money you deserve. Your  own Insurance Company ( and the other driver's Insurance) may ask you to sign a medical release shortly after your accident.  DON'T SIGN OR AGREE TO ANYTHING! They hope that you will take a quick settlement, sign a full release and send you away forever.  If you do this, you won’t be able to get more money, EVER.


The value of your case is largely determined by two things: who was at fault and how much damage and injury was caused by the accident.  Call StewartWood to get your maximum compensation.

 You will usually be able to claim damages for:

  • Past and future medical costs
  • Past and future lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Past and future disability including past and future pain and suffering
  • Spouses loss of services, love and affection
  • Emotional/mental suffering and pain
  • Future and past  medication cost
  • Scaring and disfigurement

The actual dollar figure attached to any of these losses depends on the severity of the injuries, treatment and financial damages.  Compensation for two weeks off work will naturally be much less than compensation for someone who can never work again. If your injuries are serious, you will find it can be a challenge to calculate your losses.  StewartWood Lawyers have the experience with motorcycle accidents to know exactly what to do. If the case needs to go to trial, StewartWood has years of experience preparing for and being aggressive in the Court Room.  Not ALL LAWYERS are the same.  Some lawyers do NOT like or want to be in a Court Room or have a Jury Trial.  Insurance Companies know that the lawyers at StewartWood will go to trial. 

When Should I See A Doctor?

Most motorcyclists receive serious injuries, so they seek medical attention immediately. Some leave the accident scene in an ambulance. However, we’ve met motorcyclists who sustained seemingly minor injuries and opted not to see a doctor right away. Bikers who suffer cuts and scrapes or soft tissue injuries often believe the pain will go away on its own. However, delaying a doctor’s visit reduces the likelihood that they will be able to get compensation. You should go to the doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you feel fine, you may have been hurt. You just may not realize it until a doctor examines you. Also, some injuries don’t show the most serious symptoms until a few days after the accident. Going to the doctor right away ensures you get a professional diagnosis. It also creates another record of your accident and the likelihood of injury. Insurance companies often refuse personal injury claims when the victim waited too long to seek treatment. Both the insurer and a jury will see a gap in treatment as proof that you were not really injured. Even if you had a valid reason for not getting treatment earlier, they may not believe you.

Indiana Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle accidents occur way too often. There was a 17 percent increase in motorcycle accident fatalities in Indiana between 2016 and 2017. This is according to statistics from the State of Indiana FY 2017 Traffic Safety Annual Report. These deaths also accounted for a bigger percentage of crash fatalities. However, crash injuries held relatively steady at 88,000 per year. Most of these accidents are caused by speeding and alcohol use by motorcyclists or other road users. Impaired visibility, dangerous road conditions, and poor signage are also factors. The attorneys at StewartWood Injury Lawyers will thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident.

How Long Will It Take My Case to Settle?

Motorcycle accident cases take time. Most of our clients want to know how long the process will take right at the outset. Unfortunately, this is just another one of those situations in which the answer is “it depends”. However, when a lawyer takes the time to work on your case properly, you’re more likely to get a successful outcome. As a motorcyclist, your injuries are likely to be serious so getting compensation will be more difficult. Three of the factors which will affect the length of your case are:

How long it takes for your doctor to complete your treatment

Injuries can be very unpredictable. Even the doctor who has diagnosed you may not know how long you will need treatment. Medical professionals may differ on whether you will get better or worse over time. Your treatment plan will influence how long your case take but you shouldn’t rush your treatment or your recovery.
How long it takes to obtain compensation is determined by several factors, one of which being how long it takes to complete medical treatment.

How long it takes to gather all your medical bills and records

Getting copies of your bills and records may seem simple but it takes time. These records contain evidence of your injuries and financial losses. This means we absolutely must have them if we want to make a case for fair compensation. Not having all the documents in order can weaken your case.

How long it takes to receive a response from the insurance company

Ultimately, we will draw up a demand package and send it to the insurance company. It will include your medical records and bills and a demand letter. It is a lot of documentation. Depending on how complex your case is, the insurer may take a month or two to respond. That response is likely to allow negotiations to start. If you want to get a fair settlement, you will have to endure some back and forth.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks in Indiana?

Motorcycle accidents can occur in a variety of ways. Let’s look at some of the most likely causes in Indiana.

Take the First Step Towards Justice

Motorcycle accidents can disrupt your life, but with StewartWood Injury Lawyers, you have a partner who understands both the thrill of riding and the dire consequences of an accident. For personalized legal assistance that addresses your specific circumstances, contact us today at david@StewartWoodWins.com. Let us help you reclaim your rights and support your journey back to normalcy.

Our Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys Handle A Variety of Injury Cases

We don’t only handle motorcycle crash cases. We assist individuals in the Indianapolis area who suffer injuries in a variety of situations. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping injured people and their families get the compensation they need to move forward. Some of the other cases we handle are:

StewartWood Injury Lawyers offers legal services for motorcycle accidents across Indianapolis, Central Indiana, Greenwood, Brownsburg, Avon, Kokomo, Ft.  Wayne, Muncie, Anderson,  Bloomington, Greenfield, Terre Haute, Noblesville, Plainfield, Lafayette and the surrounding areas.

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