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South Bend Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

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Trusted South Bend Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Ready to Help You Recover

Motorcyclists face unique problems after an accident, and some will struggle to obtain a fair settlement from a negligent driver. At Delventhal Law Office, we can assist anyone who was injured in a crash and hopes to receive compensation for their injuries.
Some of the hurdles include bias against motorcyclists and a belief that many bikers contributed to their own accidents. By contacting our firm, you can take a first step to holding a negligent motorist responsible for the crash.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Accidents can leave motorcyclists with long-lasting and painful injuries:

  • Facial injuries: lacerations, cuts, abrasions, eye injuries, broken nose, and more.
  • Neck injuries: whiplash, cervical fracture, soft-tissue injuries.
  • Back injuries: spinal stenosis, herniated disc, vertebral fracture, and spinal cord injury.
  • Fractures: leg, arm, rib, or skull fractures.
  • Brain injuries: concussions, hematomas, and brain bleed.
  • Organ damage: perforated bowel, heart contusion, kidney injury, and collapsed lung, among other injuries.

An important step following a crash is to quickly visit your doctor or stop by the emergency room. Receiving treatment will help document the severity of your injuries, which might be in dispute later when it comes time to negotiate. You can also improve your odds of a full recovery by receiving early medical care.

Insurance & Your Motorcycle Accident

As a tort state, Indiana motorcycle accidents are based on fault. If a motorist struck you, they should have liability coverage to pay compensation for damages suffered. Indiana requires that drivers carry at least the following minimum coverage:

  • $25,000 for bodily injuries or death;
  • Up to $50,000 for bodily injuries or death per accident;
  • $25,000 in property damage.

Sometimes a negligent driver is not to blame. For example, a road defect could upset a motorcycle and send a rider sprawling. The government responsibility for the road might be to blame. In other cases, a defect on the motorcycle leads to a crash. The manufacturer might have to pay compensation from their business liability coverage.

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How to Receive Compensation after an Accident

An injured motorcyclist seeking compensation must take many steps to strengthen their claim:

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  • Focus on recovery and documenting pain and suffering. You want detailed information to use in an accident claim showing how your injuries have disrupted your life.
  • Make a demand on the at-fault defendant and their insurance company. This demand letter should include a summary of the accident, as you remember it. You will also tell the defendant how much you are willing to settle the claim for.
  • Negotiate for a fair settlement with the defendant.
  • Participate in mediation, where appropriate, to nudge the case to resolution. Mediation can sometimes get two sides to see the dispute the same way.
  • File a lawsuit before the expiration of the statute of limitations. Do not go over this deadline, because you will end up losing the ability to seek any compensation.

This is just an overview of some of the most critical steps. Hiring the right South Bend motorcycle accident lawyer will provide the biggest benefit. Although Indiana does not require that you hire a lawyer, an experienced attorney knows how to prove fault and maximize the compensation.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
IN THE LIVES OF OUR CLIENTS.

$700K

SETTLEMENT

Spinal Cord Injury

$674K

SETTLEMENT

Back Injury

$600K

SETTLEMENT

Neck, Back, & Lung Injury

$350K

SETTLEMENT

Back/Hip Injury

$347K

SETTLEMENT

Knee/Leg Injury

$346K

SETTLEMENT

Back Injury

white quotes Gloria King

Thanks to everyone in the office. Great team. Was always answering any of my questions! Definitely helped me.

white quotes Willie Smith

I appreciated Chad's timeliness in responding to my inquiries and concerns throughout the settlement process. He did a good job!

white quotesAdam Whittle

What a great experience dealing with Chad and the rest at Delvonthal law, he won my case and I would highly recommend everyone to talk with the people at Delvonthal.

white quotes Jason Miller

The Delventhal law office worked vigorously on my behalf. Great communication and professionalism, a true down to earth fighter for the people. Thank you Chad Delventhal.

white quotes Michael Puff

Very pleased with the outcome of my case, and with the professionalism of Chad and his staff.

How Comparative Fault Impacts Motorcycle Accidents

Many defendants will claim a motorcyclist made some dangerous maneuvers while on the road which ended up causing the crash. In other words, they blame you for the wreck. Insurance companies often believe these arguments. They could allege you:

  • Engaged in lane splitting, which is illegal.
  • Failed to pay attention or were even on your phone.
  • Drove too fast for conditions.
  • Ran a red light or made an illegal turn.

Under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6, a defendant whose fault is greater than the defendant’s share is barred from receiving compensation. That is a severe result. Any share of fault which is 50% or less will reduce compensation in proportion to your share of fault.
Reach out to our firm. Allegations that motorcyclists contributed to a crash are easy to make. You deserve a lawyer who will push back on these claims and, in doing so, increase your compensation and protect your ability to hold a negligent driver accountable.

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Speak with a South Bend Motorcycle Accident Attorney in a Free Consultation

Delventhal Law Office is proud to represent the South Bend community in all types of accident cases. We realize the difficulties motorcyclists encounter after a serious crash, and our firm is dedicated to protecting your legal rights as you heal. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

AREAS WE PRACTICE

At the Delventhal Law office, our Fort Wayne personal injury attorneys are committed to fighting for the rights and interests of accident victims. If you or a family member was injured because of the carelessness or recklessness of another party, we can help. Our Indiana personal injury lawyers handle a wide array of legal cases, including:

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