Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle Accident Injury Law Firm in Northwest Indiana
Riders have almost no protection in a crash, so motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries even at low speeds. Vollmer Law Group helps riders and passengers hurt in crashes on US-30, US-41, I-65 and local roads in Lake, Porter, Jasper and surrounding counties. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
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Common causes of motorcycle crashes
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A car turning left in front of the rider at an intersection.
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A driver changing lanes without checking for a motorcycle.
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A driver following too closely or rear-ending a stopped rider.
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A car door opening into the rider's path.
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Potholes, gravel or road defects.
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Distracted or impaired drivers.
​Why motorcycle cases are different
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Insurance adjusters sometimes assume the rider was speeding or reckless. Evidence matters: photos, witnesses, video and the damage to both vehicles.
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Injuries are often more serious, such as broken bones, road rash, head and spine injuries, and can need long treatment.
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Not wearing a helmet does not by itself stop you from bringing a claim. Indiana requires helmets only for riders under 18.
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If the driver had little or no insurance, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for your losses.
What to do after a motorcycle crash
1. Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay.
2. Call the police and get the crash report number.
3. Take photos of the scene, both vehicles, your gear and helmet, and your injuries.
4. Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
5. Keep your damaged helmet and gear. Do not repair the bike until it has been photographed.
6. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before you talk to a lawyer.
How a motorcycle accident claim works
1. We investigate: the crash report, photos, witnesses and any video.
2. You focus on getting medical treatment.
3. We document your medical bills, lost wages, damaged bike and gear, and how the injuries affect your life.
4. We send a demand to the insurance companies and negotiate.
5. If they will not offer a fair settlement, we can file a lawsuit.
Important deadlines
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In Indiana, most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash.
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If a city, county or state vehicle was involved, a written notice is generally due much sooner: 180 days for a local government and 270 days for the State of Indiana.
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If you were partly at fault, you can generally still recover as long as your share of the fault is not more than 50%. Your recovery is reduced by your share.
What it costs
We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee. Our fee is 33.3% of the recovery if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed, and 40% after a lawsuit is filed. If we do not recover money for you, you owe no attorney fee.
Common questions
Can I still recover if I was not wearing a helmet?
Generally, yes. Not wearing a helmet does not by itself stop you from bringing a claim, but the insurance company may argue about your injuries. Every case is different.
The insurance company says I was speeding. What now?
Insurers sometimes blame riders without proof. We look at the evidence, including photos, witnesses, video and the vehicle damage, to show what really happened.
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim?
Most Indiana injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Claims involving a government vehicle have much shorter notice deadlines, so call as soon as you can.
What if the driver had no insurance?
Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help. We can review your policy with you.
How much does a motorcycle accident lawyer cost?
You pay no attorney fee up front. Our fee is 33.3% if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed and 40% after. If we do not recover money for you, you owe no attorney fee.
Talk to us about your case
Call (219) 587-5641 or send a message below. Tell us briefly what happened and which county your case is in, and a staff member will call you back as soon as possible during office hours.