Cedar Lake, Indiana – Motorcycle Accident Lawyer - Motorcycle Accident Attorney – Serious Injury – Death Cases

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Collision?

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience, and it’s important to take the right steps in the aftermath to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here are some things you should do after being involved in a motorcycle accident:

• Check for injuries: The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away and wait for medical assistance to arrive.
• Move to safety: If it’s safe to do so, move your motorcycle and yourself to a safe location off the road to avoid further accidents or injuries.
• Call the police: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police and file a report. The police report can be used as evidence if you decide to file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action.
• Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
• Take pictures: Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved, as well as any injuries you sustained.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the accident, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention to check for any underlying injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
• Notify your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible to start the claims process.
• Consult with an attorney at the Gladish Law Group: Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney at the Gladish Law Group to understand your legal options and protect your rights, especially if you sustained significant injuries or damage to your motorcycle.

Remember, the most important thing after a motorcycle accident is to prioritize your safety and well-being. Seek medical attention and take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights.

Is it Possible to be a Defensive Driver on a Motorcycle?

Yes, you can be a defensive driver on a motorcycle. In fact, defensive driving is particularly important when riding a motorcycle, as motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles on the road. Here are some tips for practicing defensive driving on a motorcycle:

• Stay visible: Wear bright clothing and use reflective materials on your motorcycle to increase your visibility to other drivers.
• Stay alert: Keep your eyes scanning the road ahead, looking for potential hazards or dangers, such as debris or other vehicles.
• Maintain a safe following distance: Keep a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, allowing you time to react to sudden stops or other changes in traffic.
• Be aware of blind spots: Many drivers have blind spots where they cannot see motorcycles, so try to stay out of these areas when possible.
• Use turn signals: Use turn signals when changing lanes or turning, and make sure to use hand signals if your motorcycle does not have self-canceling turn signals.
• Be prepared to react: Always be prepared to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. Slow down, brake, or take evasive action if necessary.
• Keep your skills sharp: Practice your motorcycle skills regularly, including emergency maneuvers like swerving and braking, to help you react quickly and effectively in hazardous situations.

Remember, defensive driving is an important skill for all drivers, but it is particularly important for motorcycle riders. By staying alert and prepared, you can help reduce your risk of accidents and injuries while riding your motorcycle.

Keep Your Motorcycle Maintained to Keep Safe

Proper maintenance of your motorcycle is important to keep it running smoothly and safely. Here are some tips for maintaining your motorcycle:

• Check the oil level regularly: The oil in your motorcycle lubricates the engine and helps keep it cool. Check the oil level regularly, and change it as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Keep the chain lubricated: The chain on your motorcycle needs to be lubricated to prevent wear and tear. Use a quality chain lubricant and apply it regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check the brakes: Check the brake pads, rotors, and fluid regularly to make sure they are in good condition. Replace any worn or damaged parts as soon as possible.
• Check the tires: Check the tire pressure and tread depth regularly. Replace any tires that are worn or damaged, and make sure they are inflated to the proper pressure.
• Clean the air filter: The air filter helps prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine. Clean or replace the air filter regularly to ensure proper airflow.
• Keep the battery charged: Use a battery tender to keep your battery charged when the motorcycle is not in use. A dead battery can cause problems starting the motorcycle.
• Store the motorcycle properly: If you store your motorcycle for an extended period of time, make sure it is stored in a dry, cool place, and the fuel tank is full to prevent rust. Use a motorcycle cover to protect it from dust and debris.

Remember, proper maintenance is important to keep your motorcycle running smoothly and safely. If you are unsure about any maintenance tasks, consult the owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for guidance.

Picking the Correct Motorcycle for Your Body Type and Needs

Choosing the right motorcycle is an important decision that can greatly impact your riding experience. Here are some tips for picking the right motorcycle for you:

• Determine your riding experience: Consider your riding experience and skill level when selecting a motorcycle. If you are a beginner, it’s best to start with a smaller, less powerful motorcycle that is easier to handle. If you have more experience, you may want to consider a larger, more powerful motorcycle.
• Determine your riding needs: Think about what type of riding you will be doing most often. If you plan on using your motorcycle for commuting, a smaller, more fuel-efficient model may be a better choice. If you plan on doing long-distance touring, you may want to consider a larger touring model.
• Consider your physical abilities: Make sure you choose a motorcycle that you can handle comfortably. Consider your height, weight, and physical abilities when selecting a motorcycle. Some motorcycles may be too heavy or tall for some riders, so make sure you test ride a motorcycle before making a purchase.
• Choose the right style: There are many different styles of motorcycles, including cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, and dual sport bikes. Choose a style that fits your riding needs and personal preferences.
• Set a budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a motorcycle and stick to your budget. Keep in mind that there may be additional costs associated with owning a motorcycle, such as insurance, maintenance, and gear.
• Test ride: Finally, test ride as many motorcycles as you can to find the one that feels the most comfortable and suits your riding style. This will also give you an opportunity to test the handling and performance of the motorcycle.

Remember, choosing the right motorcycle is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. By following these tips, you can find the motorcycle that is best suited to your needs and preferences.

Indiana Motorcycle Accident Law

The value of your motorcycle accident case will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of property damage as well as the fault of the other driver. Usually, the injuries and damages sustained in motorcycle accidents are greater than the injuries and damages in car accidents due to the lack of protection the motorcycle provides to its operator verse the protection that car provides to its operator. In general, you may be able to recover compensation for the following elements of damages:

Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, such as doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages.
Pain and suffering: This is a non-economic loss that includes the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the accident.
Property damage: If your car was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.

In the State of Indiana, there is no cap on damages for personal injury cases. However, there are limits on punitive damages, which are intended to punish the responsible party for their conduct. Punitive damages are generally capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $50,000, whichever is greater.

To recover damages in a personal injury case in Indiana, the injured party must prove that the other party was negligent and that their negligence was the cause of the injury. It is essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help gather evidence and build a strong case to maximize the recovery of damages.

Further, Indiana also recognizes that a proper element of damage is the impairment of earning capacity which means the impairment of ability to engage in one’s vocation as distinguished from loss of earnings. The concept of impaired earning capacity involves more than mere proof of permanent injury and pain. There must be evidence of probative value which relates the injury to an inability to engage in one’s vocation. Like other damage issues this issue may be proven by both expert and non-expert testimony. The gist of the concept is the adverse effect on vocation. The basic measure of damages for impairment of lost earning capacity is the difference between the amount which the plaintiff was capable of earning before the injury and the amount which he is capable of earning thereafter.

About Cedar Lake, Indiana

Cedar Lake is a town located in Hanover Township, Lake County, Indiana, approximately 40 miles southeast of Chicago, Illinois. The town has a population of around 12,000 people.

Cedar Lake was founded in the late 19th century as a center of tourism, with its early growth driven by the establishment of several resorts and recreational facilities in the area. Over time, the town grew to become a center of commerce and industry, with a number of businesses and manufacturing plants located in the area.

Today, Cedar Lake is known for its strong sense of community and its beautiful natural setting. The town is situated on the shores of Cedar Lake, a 1,000-acre lake that is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. Cedar Lake also has several public parks and nature preserves, including the Cedar Creek Conservation Area and the Redar Park.

Cedar Lake is situated in close proximity to several major highways, including Interstate 65 and the Indiana Toll Road, making it a convenient location for travelers and commuters. The town has also established a number of initiatives to promote economic growth and attract new businesses to the area.

Overall, Cedar Lake is a community that values its history and traditions, while also looking towards the future and working to create new opportunities for its residents. The town’s natural beauty and strong sense of community make it a desirable place to live and visit.