Gary, IN Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are a common source of serious injuries in Gary, IN. Victims regularly suffer debilitating and painful injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, head injuries, and soft tissue damage. Thankfully, injured riders may be able to bring claims against the parties responsible for their crashes.

If another party’s negligent conduct caused your motorcycle accident, then the team at our law firm will review your potential case. We can explain the proper route to compensation. Furthermore, we can help build your claim and negotiate for the maximum amount of payment available to you.

After your motorcycle collision in Gary, IN, seek support from our motorcycle accident lawyers by calling Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Gary, IN

A high number of motorcycle crashes occur as a result of drivers’ careless and reckless behavior. If your accident stems from any of the following, then you may be able to bring a case against the at-fault party:

Speeding

Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers are speeding. While traveling at excessive speeds, drivers are prone to losing control of their vehicles and veering outside their lanes. Further, speeding drivers often have difficulty braking in time to avoid collisions when motorists in front of them slow down or stop.

Unfortunately, crashes that occur at high speeds are especially likely to result in significant harm. If a speeding driver caused your collision, then our motorcycle accident lawyers will explain how to hold them responsible for the harm you sustained.

Drunk Driving

While under the influence of alcohol, drivers may exhibit blurry vision, delayed reaction times, and reckless decision-making abilities. Accordingly, drunk driving is another common form of negligence that causes motorcycle accidents in Gary.

Many crashes caused by drunk drivers occur at night. However, these types of accidents can still happen at any time of the day.

Improper Left Turns

One common form of negligence that may cause motorcycle accidents is improper left turns. When drivers fail to yield the right of way or misjudge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle while making a left turn, they can directly collide with the motorcyclist. These accidents often occur at intersections and may lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Drivers must exercise caution and look out for motorcycles before making left turns to prevent such accidents.

Illegal Lane Changes

Another form of negligence that poses a significant risk to motorcyclists is illegal lane changes by other drivers. When motorists fail to check their blind spots or use turn signals while changing lanes, they may collide with a nearby motorcycle. Motorcycles can easily go unnoticed in a driver's blind spot, making them vulnerable to sudden lane changes.

Distracted Driving

Many motorcycle accidents occur because of distracted drivers. In general, there are three types of distraction that can occur.

First, drivers may be manually distracted when they remove their hands from the wheel. Second, they can be visually distracted by activities that take their eyes off the roads. Finally, drivers can be cognitively distracted any time their attention is diverted from the task of driving.

Many different activities can distract drivers. Further, certain activities like adjusting the radio or using a cell phone can cause multiple distractions. Thankfully, our legal team can help hold distracted drivers accountable for the motorcycle collisions they cause.

Tailgating

Tailgating refers to the practice of following too closely behind a vehicle in front of you. It is yet another form of negligence that can lead to motorcycle accidents. When drivers tailgate motorcycles, they leave little room for the motorcyclist to maneuver safely. Any sudden braking by the motorcyclist or unexpected obstacles on the road can result in a rear-end collision. Given the vulnerability of motorcyclists, such accidents are prone to causing severe whiplash injuries, broken bones, and even traumatic brain injuries.

Running Red Lights

Running red lights is also a dangerous and negligent behavior that endangers all road users, including motorcyclists. When drivers ignore traffic signals and run red lights, they risk colliding with riders who have the right of way. These types of crashes often happen at intersections during periods of high traffic congestion. Regrettably, they regularly lead to devastating consequences for the motorcyclist.

Road Hazards

Lastly, some motorcycle accidents occur because of road hazards such as potholes, debris, gravel, and uneven surfaces. Compared to standard cars, motorcycles are more susceptible to losing control or skidding on these hazards due to their two-wheel design and smaller tire contact patches.

Many road hazards are created by poor road maintenance. If your motorcycle accident stems from poor road maintenance, then you may be able to bring a claim against the at-fault party.

What if You Share Responsibility for Your Motorcycle Collision in Gary, IN?

There are some situations where victims can share responsibility for their motorcycle collisions. For instance, fault may be shared for an accident where a speeding motorcyclist was struck by a drunk driver who ran a red light. In that case, the injured rider could still pursue compensation for their injuries. However, the amount of damages they could be awarded may be limited.

Indiana courts abide by “modified comparative negligence” rules when awarding damages in motorcycle accident cases. This means that damages are apportioned based on the parties’ percentages of blame. For example, if you are 30% at fault for your crash while the other driver is 70% responsible, they may be ordered to pay for 70% of the damages you sustained, while you must account for the remaining 30%.

It is important to note that if you are over 50% at fault for your motorcycle crash, you may be unable to recover monetary damages from another party. Accordingly, support from legal representation can be highly valuable when seeking to establish who is at fault for your accident.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for Assistance with Your Claim in Gary, IN

Get help from our motorcycle accident lawyers at Wruck Paupore by dialing (219) 322-1166.