Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Gary, Indiana
Marshall P. Whalley & Associates are motorcycle accident lawyers who assist crash victims and their families with claims in Gary, Indiana. Attorney Whalley has been riding, repairing, modifying and building motorcycles for over 40 years. Our team of motorcycle crash attorneys understand how devastating motorcycle crashes can be. Make no mistake about it there is no such thing as a motorcycle “accident”, it is always a CRASH with horrific injuries and fatalities. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles don’t afford riders a protective chassis in the event of a crash. When they occur, victims are more likely to suffer more serious injuries when they make impact with the road or with other objects. Unfortunately many drivers aren’t always watching out for riders. Even a small crash can be devastating for motorcyclists. Motorcycle crashes require a special skill set and experience in these claims. Attorney Whalley has been successful handling these claims for over 35 years, and has yet to lose a motorcycle case.
Making a claim for a motorcycle crash can be an involved process. Insurance companies and negligent parties might be biased against riders. In the public imagination, some might think that motorcyclists are “daredevils.” Marshall P. Whalley & Associates are motorcycle injury lawyers who know that many riders take safety courses, and are often the most well-trained users of the road. Sadly, when passenger vehicle drivers make mistakes, often the people who suffer the most are motorcyclists.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, 5,286 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2016 alone. These figures don’t account for the many others who are injured in crashes each year. If you or a loved one were hurt in a motorcycle wreck, Marshall P. Whalley & Associates are motorcycle crash attorneys who will be able to assist you with your claim. Our firm will immediately investigate and review your claim, help you understand your rights, and fight to help you get the settlement you deserve.
What to do After a Motorcycle Crash in Gary, Indiana
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash in Gary, Indiana, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights and stay safe. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, there may be some things you may be legally obligated to do. There are also other steps you may be able to take to make the insurance claims process go more smoothly. Here are some steps you can take after a motorcycle accident in Gary, Indiana:
- Stop. You are required by law to stop and render aid to any victims if you have been in a motorcycle accident. Failing to stop and render aid to a crash victim is a violation of the law and can result in hit and run criminal charges.
- Call the Police and Report the Accident. Under the law, individuals must report car accidents if any person is injured or killed, if property damage in the accident is believed to exceed $1000, or if your insurance company requires a police report to make a claim. Even if you don’t believe anyone was injured in the accident, and even if you think property damage is less than $1000, or if your insurance company doesn’t specifically require a police report, it is still a good idea to report all crashes to police. Why? Sometimes injuries in a motorcycle accident are not immediately apparent after a crash. If you later need medical treatment for an injury, it can be helpful to have a police report when making a claim.
- Exchange Information with the Other Driver. Get the other driver’s contact information, address, name, and insurance information. You may also want to record the other driver’s license plate number, as well as their vehicle make and model.
- Take Photos of the Accident Scene. Photos of the damage to your motorcycle can reveal a great deal of information to experts who can help determine who might have been responsible for your accident. Photos can also reveal the extent of damage to your bike, which can be helpful to you when seeking compensation for property damage and personal injury. A picture, after all, is worth a thousand words.
- Seek Medical Care. It might be a good idea to go see a doctor after your motorcycle accident. Not all injuries might be apparent right after a crash, and if symptoms appear later, it can be helpful if you’ve already sought treatment from your doctor right after the crash. If you do go see a doctor, be sure to follow all your doctor’s orders and follow up with all appointments.
- Seek the Assistance of a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer. If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in Gary, Indiana, Marshall P. Whalley & Associates is a motorcycle accident lawyer who may be able to assist you with your claim. You may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim following a crash. Contact our firm today to learn more.
These are just some of the things you can do after a motorcycle crash to be in compliance with the law and to protect your rights. The motorcycle injury law firm of Marshall P. Whalley & Associates in Gary, Indiana understands the unique challenges that riders face after a crash. Contact our motorcycle injury attorney today to learn more.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries for riders. Because riders don’t have the protective frame of a vehicle to prevent them from being thrown from their bikes, riders can find themselves suffering from more serious injuries they would have sustained than if they had been riding in a passenger vehicle. A motorcycle injury attorney like Marshall P. Whalley & Associates in Gary, Indiana may be able to help you with your claim for various motorcycle accident injuries. What are some common motorcycle accident injuries?
- Road Rash. When a motorcycle rider falls on the pavement, he or she can suffer from road rash. This can result in scrapes and injury to the skin and even to the muscle and nerves below.
- Head Injury. Traumatic brain injury can lead to permanent disability, memory problems, changes in personality, and can even result in mobility challenges.
- Broken Bones. The impact force of hitting concrete can leave motorcycle riders with broken bones.
- Spinal Cord Injury. If a rider is thrown from his or her bike, the chance of sustaining a serious injury, like a spinal cord injury, can be higher than that for riders in passenger vehicles. These kinds of injuries can be very serious and can result in permanent disability.
If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you may only have a limited amount of time to seek a settlement from negligent parties or from insurance companies. Marshall P. Whalley & Associates is a motorcycle accident law firm in Gary, Indiana who may be able to assist you with seeking a claim for your losses. We understand the unique challenges that motorcycle riders face in the aftermath of a crash. Our firm can fight bias against riders and work to help you and your family get the best possible settlement permitted under the law.