What to Do After Colliding with a Motorcyclist in Indiana

March 25, 2024

When people leave their homes for the day, hardly anyone expects to end up in a car crash. But the reality is that in 2021 alone, there were 932 fatal car accidents according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The institute reports 137 motorcyclists perished in fatal accidents that year as well. 

You may not be able to prevent every crash that happens, but smart driving tactics and sharing the road can definitely go a long way. When we all work together, we make the roads much safer for everyone.  

If you get into an accident with a motorcyclist, there are steps you should take to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. And if you weren’t to blame for the crash, you could be eligible for compensation too. 

Don’t let the aftermath of a motorcycle accident stop you from filing a personal injury claim. Here at Hensley Legal Group, our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers will go above and beyond to fight for what you deserve.  

We will be here when you’re ready to talk, day or not. Someone from our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with you. Getting started is simple. Send us a message, chat with us online, or call 317-472-3333. 

Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers are on your side. 

After an accident, alert the authorities and follow directions 

Colliding with a motorcyclist while out for a drive is an absolutely alarming situation, whether you were in a passenger vehicle or on a motorcycle yourself. Either way, you must immediately stop. If you can safely move your own vehicle out of traffic, you should.  

Next, you must assess the situation and alert the proper authorities. In general, it’s appropriate to dial 911 after a crash with a motorcyclist. Give the operator details about the situation and your location and they will send the appropriate authorities. If they give you additional instructions, listen and follow them.  

When the authorities arrive, it’s very important to cooperate with them fully. This applies whether you struck the motorcyclist, or the motorcyclist ran into you. The responding police officers will make a report of the accident and will want to hear your version of events. You can obtain a copy of the police report if you choose to pursue a claim. 

Do not leave until the police officers give you permission to do so.  

Leaving the scene of an accident is a very serious offense in the United States. In the state of Indiana, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a felony if the following applies:  

• Someone sustained serious injuries from the accident 
• Someone was killed because of the accident  
• You purposefully left the scene because you were under the influence when the accident occurred  

Seeking proper medical attention is a smart move 

If you were in a passenger vehicle when the collision with a motorcyclist occurred, it’s entirely possible you didn’t sustain any serious injuries at all. However, it is still a good idea to seek medical attention and take care of yourself as soon as possible. Even minor accidents can result in whiplash, sprains, ruptured discs, and more.  

If you were also riding a motorcycle when the accident occurred, it’s very likely you sustained serious injuries. This is especially true if you weren’t wearing proper safety gear at the time. Helmets, gloves, jackets, pants, and boots are all great for protecting yourself while out for a bike ride. 

Your physician will thoroughly assess you and come up with a treatment plan for the injuries you sustained in the accident. You will also be able to obtain a copy of the medical records, should you choose to pursue a personal injury claim later.  

The right lawyer can make the process much easier 

Keep in mind that personal injury cases like these can be tricky to navigate. However, our team of motorcycle accident lawyers will do everything they can to help you recover compensation. You deserve a chance to prove that you were not at fault for the accident and to pursue a personal injury claim.  

Here at Hensley Legal Group, we genuinely care about you and want the best for you. Working through the aftermath of an accident can feel like a monumental hurdle to overcome, but we will be there to help you along the way.  

If you have any questions at all about a recent accident, we would be more than happy to listen to you and advise you on your next moves. Please contact us at your earliest convenience. Reach us by phone at 317-472-3333, use our online chat feature, or send us a message.  

You never know what the future holds, but it always pays to be prepared. Put your trust in Hensley Legal Group and let us help you after your accident.