1. Keller & Keller
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions with motorcycles, intersection accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run accidents, drunk driver accidents, distracted driver accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, police report analysis, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, property damage claims
Background: Keller & Keller has represented motorcycle accident victims since 1936. The firm has a dedicated focus on motorcyclists’ rights and understanding of motorcycle-specific bias issues. The firm handles cases throughout Indiana including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Anderson, Bloomington, Lafayette, and Elkhart. The firm offers a Zero Fee Guarantee, meaning clients pay nothing unless the case is won.
Location: 141 East Washington Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Contact: (317) 926-1200 | https://www.2keller.com
Consultation: Free consultation, Zero Fee Guarantee (contingency fee basis)
2. Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, blind spot accidents, intersection accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driver accidents, distracted driver accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers has been serving Indianapolis and Indiana for decades. Attorneys Don Ward and Charlie Ward handle motorcycle accident cases with personal attention. The firm understands the challenges motorcyclists face including negative stereotypes and driver negligence. The firm provides emergency assistance 24/7.
Location: 728 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Contact: (317) 639-9501 | (888) 639-9501 | [email protected] | https://wardlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation, available 24/7
3. Yosha Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents, intersection accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, drunk driver accidents, distracted driver accidents, hit-and-run accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, road defect accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, forensic expert testimony, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, loss of consortium claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Yosha Law Firm has been serving Indiana since 1963. The firm has over 172 years of combined legal experience among its attorneys. Yosha Law has won more jury verdicts than any law firm in Indiana history. The firm works with accident reconstruction experts, forensic specialists, and medical professionals to build comprehensive cases. Brandon Yosha is a trial lawyer dedicated to advocating for negligence victims.
Location: 9102 North Meridian Street, Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Contact: (317) 334-9200 | https://yoshalawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis
4. Blackburn Romey
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents, lane change accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, drunk driver accidents, distracted driver accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, comprehensive accident investigation, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and began practicing law in 1977. He is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association (Ethics and Advertising Committees), American Bar Association, American Association for Justice, board member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association. The firm serves clients throughout Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Evansville, South Bend, Muncie, and Terre Haute.
Location: 251 East Ohio Street, Suite 880, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Contact: (800) 444-1112 | https://www.blackburnromey.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis
5. Hurst Limontes Indiana Injury Attorneys
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents, intersection accidents, highway motorcycle accidents on I-465, US-31, and Washington Street, drunk driver accidents, distracted driver accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, comparative fault defense
Background: William W. Hurst is a motorcycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis with extensive experience representing crash victims. The firm provides legal support from initial consultation through final resolution. Hurst Limontes offers a No Fee Promise, meaning clients pay nothing unless the firm wins their case. The firm serves motorcycle accident victims throughout Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Lawrenceburg, Evansville, South Bend, Muncie, Terre Haute, Avon, and Meridian Hills.
Location: 320 North Meridian Street, Suite 520, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Contact: (317) 636-0808 | https://hurstlimontes.com
Consultation: Free case review, No Fee Promise (contingency fee basis)
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Indiana
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the motorcycle accident under Indiana Code 34-11-2-4. Claims must be filed within this period or the right to seek compensation is lost.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death: Two years from the date of death.
Fault vs. No-Fault State: Indiana is an at-fault (tort) state. The person responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for damages.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar under Indiana Code 34-51-2-6. An injured motorcyclist can recover damages only if they are less than 51% at fault. If found 51% or more responsible, they are barred from recovery. Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Indiana requires liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Helmet Laws: Indiana has a partial helmet law. Only riders under 18 years of age and motorcycle learner’s permit holders are required to wear helmets that meet federal safety standards (FMVSS 218). Riders 18 and older with a full motorcycle endorsement may legally ride without a helmet.
Eye Protection Requirements: Protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield are required for riders under 18 and permit holders. Eye protection is recommended for all riders regardless of age.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering Laws: Lane splitting and lane filtering are not legal in Indiana. Motorcycles must remain within a single marked lane. Two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in the same lane with mutual consent, but motorcycles cannot share lanes with other motor vehicles.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Riders must obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their Indiana driver’s license. Requirements include being at least 16 years and 90 days old, completing an approved Ride Safe Indiana motorcycle safety course, passing a vision test, and passing motorcycle knowledge and skills tests.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: All motorcycles must have hand or foot-operated brakes, rear-view mirrors, turn signals, speedometer, headlamps (one minimum, two maximum), tail lamps, and rear reflectors placed between 20 and 60 inches from the ground (visible from 100-350 feet at night). Handlebars cannot exceed 15 inches above the seat. Headlamps must be illuminated at all times during operation.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Not required in Indiana for motorcycles.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Not required but strongly recommended. Protects motorcyclists injured by drivers without insurance or with insufficient coverage.
Damage Caps: Indiana has caps on non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in medical malpractice cases but generally no caps in standard personal injury cases. Punitive damages may be available in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Dram Shop Liability: Indiana has limited dram shop liability laws allowing claims against establishments serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons who cause accidents.
Wrongful Death Claims: Two-year statute of limitations from the date of death. Eligible claimants include surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent next of kin.
Helmet Use as Evidence: Not wearing a helmet when not legally required may be used by insurance companies and defendants to argue comparative negligence, particularly for head injuries, potentially reducing compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Indiana?
A1: In Indiana, you have two years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Indiana Code 34-11-2-4. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins from the date of death. Missing this deadline, known as the statute of limitations, typically results in permanent loss of your right to seek compensation through the courts, regardless of how strong your case may be. Limited exceptions exist, such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries, but these are rare. It is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to preserve your rights.
Q2: Do I have to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in Indiana?
A2: Indiana has a partial helmet law that requires only riders under 18 years of age and those holding a motorcycle learner’s permit to wear a DOT-approved helmet meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Riders 18 and older with a full motorcycle endorsement are not legally required to wear a helmet. However, helmets significantly reduce the risk of fatal head injuries in crashes, and insurance companies may attempt to use the lack of helmet use as evidence of comparative negligence to reduce compensation for head injuries, even if you were not legally required to wear one.
Q3: Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my motorcycle accident in Indiana?
A3: Yes, but only if you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system under Indiana Code 34-51-2-6. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from other parties.
Q4: Is lane splitting legal in Indiana, and what happens if I am in an accident while lane splitting?
A4: Lane splitting is not legal in Indiana. Motorcyclists must remain within a single marked lane like other vehicles. While two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in the same lane with mutual consent, motorcycles cannot share lanes with cars, trucks, or other four-wheeled vehicles. If you are involved in an accident while lane splitting, you could be cited for a traffic violation, and insurance companies may argue that you were negligent, potentially shifting significant fault to you and reducing or eliminating your ability to recover compensation.
Q5: What are the minimum insurance requirements for motorcycles in Indiana?
A5: Indiana requires all motorcyclists to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident (25/50/25). Proof of insurance is required before registering your motorcycle, and failure to maintain insurance can result in penalties and license suspension. While not required, motorcyclists are strongly encouraged to carry higher limits and additional coverage including uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage for better protection.