Bloomington Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

One minute, you’re cruising down the roadway, enjoying the beauty of Bloomington, and the next moment, you’re laying in a hospital bed, severely injured, unsure of what happened and what comes next. This is the heartbreaking reality for far too many motorcyclists in Indiana, who find themselves in devastating accidents through no fault of their own, burdening them with significant physical and emotional scars to go along with mounting financial challenges.

Sadly, those victims are sometimes considered the lucky ones, as far too many motorcyclists die as a result of traffic accidents. These tragedies bring unbearable emotional and financial tolls to the victims’ families, a burden they will bear for the rest of their lives. Worst of all, the vast majority of these motorcycle incidents, both fatal and non-fatal, are caused by the negligence of someone other than the cyclist.

Vaughn A. Wamsley, an experienced accident lawyer in Bloomington, understands how motorcyclists are disproportionately severely injured or killed in traffic accidents and how other motorists are usually at fault in these catastrophic incidents. That is why we fight so passionately on behalf of victims, so they can get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Indiana’s Motorcycle Accident Epidemic

Motorcyclists are disproportionately impacted by traffic accidents on America’s roadways. Despite making up for just three percent of all registered vehicles, motorcyclists accounted for 14.6 of all fatalities and 3.5 percent of injuries on the nation’s roads in 2022, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). That same year, more than 82,600 motorcyclists were injured in crashes, resulting in 6,218 deaths.

Nearly two-thirds of motorcyclist deaths occurred in urban areas like Bloomington, and the dangers motorcyclists face daily are also profound across Indiana. According to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, motorcyclists accounted for 13 percent of all traffic fatalities in the Hooser State in 2022 despite making up a small fraction of vehicles on the road. Further concerning is that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

These statistics highlight the vulnerability Indiana’s motorcyclists face every day. As the leading Bloomington motorcycle accident lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley understands that too many of these incidences are caused by the negligence of other motorists. We pursue justice and compensation for victims to ensure they have a trusted advocate during their recovery.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Bloomington?

Understanding the causes of motorcycle accidents in our local community helps governing agencies take action to reduce the frequency of these devastating collisions. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a pathway to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Bloomington include:

• Driver Negligence: Motorists who are distracted, speeding, or fail to yield are frequent culprits in motorcycle accidents.

• Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and slow reaction times that cause motorcycle accidents.

• Aggressive Driving: Impatient drivers can negligently or intentionally crash into motorcyclists.

• Road Hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, or debris on the road greatly endanger motorcyclists.

• Defective Motorcycle Parts: Defects to manufactured parts or inadequate maintenance can cause mechanical failures, leading to accidents.

As the top-rated motorcycle accident lawyer in Bloomington, Vaughn A. Wamsley has successfully represented motorcyclists injured by the negligence of other drivers, local governing agencies, and parts manufacturers. We hold all accountable parties responsible to ensure you get the justice and compensation needed to move forward with your life.

Indiana Motorcycle Accident Laws

Indiana recognizes the disproportionate risk motorcyclists face on its roadways. To combat these dangers, the state has enacted several laws designed to protect motorcyclists while providing accident victims with a framework for recovering damages suffered due to the negligence of others.

Important motorcycle accident laws include:

• Comparative Fault Rule: Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, which says that victims may be entitled to damages if they are less than 51 percent at fault for causing the incident. However, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage at which they are determined to be at fault.

• Statute of Limitations: Personal injury claims are required to be filed within two years of the date of the accident in most cases, according to the state’s statute of limitations.

• Motorcycle Responsibility: Motorcyclists in Indiana are afforded the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists on the state’s roadways, with a couple of legislated exceptions.  

• Helmet Laws: State law requires all motorcyclists under the age of 18 to wear helmets. While adults over 18 are not mandated to wear helmets, insurance companies often use the absence of a helmet as an argument for comparative fault in personal injury claims, which could lower your compensation.

• Damages Available: Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to various damages, including medical expenses, lost or reduced wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

As the most trusted motorcycle accident attorney in Bloomington, Vaughn A. Wamsley aids victims in their recovery by providing compassionate legal representation to achieve maximum and fair compensation for all the damages suffered due to someone else’s negligence.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Bloomington

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident is often chaotic and emotional. However, knowing what to do in these critical moments is vital for your health and to protect your legal rights.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, be sure to:

• Call 911: First responders will diagnose and treat injuries and transport seriously injured victims to the hospital. Police officers will begin gathering evidence and writing accident reports.

• Get Medical Attention: Medical professionals can diagnose apparent and non-apparent injuries even if you do not feel injured.

• Document the Scene: If possible, photograph the scene, including any visible injuries, property damage, and conditions that may have contributed to the accident.

• Collect Contact Information: Gather contact information for anyone involved in the crash, witnesses, and medical and police at the scene.

• Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: An experienced Bloomington motorcycle accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance for additional steps to exercise your legal options.

Knowing there is a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer near me can provide emotional solace and an actionable path toward justice. Vaughn A. Wamsley is here for you in your time of need, ready to provide the support and advocacy you deserve. Together, we can achieve justice while obtaining the appropriate compensation for your damages.

How We Help Motorcycle Accident Victims

Here at Vaughn A. Wamsley, motorcycle accident victims need compassionate support. They often face significant physical injuries, tremendous emotional burdens, and mounting financial pressures. Our team treats everyone who walks through our door as a family member, ensuring they get the care and understanding they deserve.

We take the time to get to know our clients so we can understand precisely how their accident impacted their lives. Together, we review your legal rights and options and pursue a path that aligns with your hopes.

Our personalized and comprehensive approach guarantees that the compelling case we build will achieve the justice you deserve. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine which parties should be held accountable for their negligence. We also determine all the damages you suffered to calculate fair compensation.

Armed with a case supported by evidence and passionately delivered by experienced and knowledgeable attorneys, we have an outstanding record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients through negotiation and litigation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.