Indianapolis Rear-end Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

When you ride, you are exceptionally vulnerable to the risks of the road – of which there are many. While every motorist is responsible for sharing the road safely with everyone else on it, too many fail to look for and accommodate motorcyclists.

The fact is that motorcycle rear-end accidents are exceptionally common and exceptionally dangerous. If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured in a rear-end collision involving a motorcycle hit from behind, an experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer can help.

The Statistics

The crash statistics for those who ride, as shared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), include all the following:

• In a recent year, there were 5,579 motorcycle fatalities, which accounts for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and is the highest number since 1975 – when tracking began.
• The motorcyclist fatality rate over the prior year showed an 11 percent increase.
• Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists were 28 times more likely to be killed in traffic accidents than car occupants.
• 7 percent of all motorcycle fatalities were caused by rear-end accidents.

Situations in Which You’re Most Vulnerable to Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents

While you can be hit from behind when you are on your bike under nearly any circumstances, you’re most vulnerable in the following situations:

• At intersections – where traffic traveling in all directions converges
• When traffic unexpectedly slows or comes to a complete stop
• After taking a blind curve – when a rear driver’s excess speed causes them to come upon you unexpectedly
• When motorists leave their lanes without first checking for motorcyclists in their midst
• At a railroad crossing – when you’re slowing down or stopping in response to a train

Risk Factors in Rear-End Motorcycle Accidents

There is a range of risk factors that leave motorcyclists more vulnerable to being rear-ended, including all the following:

• Because you and your bike take up less space on the road, you’re more difficult to see.
• Due to its size, your motorcycle requires less stopping distance than other vehicles, which makes you a target for distracted or speeding motorists behind you.
• When you’re on your motorcycle, you have nothing other than your helmet and any safety gear you wear to protect you in the event of a rear-end accident.
• The condition of the road, debris on the road, and the effects of inclement weather on the road all affect you more significantly when you are on your motorcycle.

The other drivers with whom you share the road are, nevertheless, responsible for being on the lookout for the motorcyclists around them and for using the degree of care necessary to accommodate them safely.

Losses From Being Hit on a Motorcycle From Behind

If you’ve suffered an injury in a rear-end motorcycle accident, the losses – or legal damages – you face are likely to be serious and can include all the following:

• Your medical bills, which may include ongoing healthcare issues
• Your lost income and any losses related to your career trajectory and earning potential
• Your physical and psychological pain and suffering, which is more challenging to quantify but can, nevertheless, represent a very significant loss
• Property damage to your motorcycle

Protecting Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Your motorcycle accident claim will involve unique circumstances, but there are specific steps that every victim of rear-end motorcycle accidents should take to help ensure they receive the compensation to which they are entitled, including:

• Seek immediate medical care. Even if you don’t believe you were seriously injured, the risk of suffering a silent injury is too great to ignore.
• Follow your doctor’s orders carefully. It is the right thing to do for your health and for your claim.
• Consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Having professional legal counsel on your side can significantly increase your ability to obtain a fair settlement.
• Refer the insurance rep to your attorney. The insurance company is in the business of generating profits, and it’s hoping to coax a statement out of you that will damage your claim.
• Refrain from posting on social media. The insurance company is watching, and you may be surprised by how skilled it is at twisting innocent posts into claim-damaging words.

Turn to Your Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorney

You can have an attorney on your side for many good reasons, including:

• Your attorney will gather all the relevant evidence necessary to put together your strongest claim.
• Your attorney has the communication skills and legal insight to engage in effective negotiations with the insurance company.
• Your attorney prioritizes your best interests and will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to protect them.
• Your attorney will be well prepared to proceed with filing a lawsuit if the insurance company fails to live up to its responsibility to you.

An Experienced Indianapolis Rear-End Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

At Sevenish Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve proudly served Indianapolis for more than 35 years. We are fierce protectors of the injured, including those injured in motorcycle accidents.

Our focus is on providing every valued client with the kind of personalized and focused service that’s becoming more difficult to find. Contact or call us at 317-636-7777 for more information today.

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