Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle riders face higher risks of injury or death than other motor vehicle drivers due to the absence of safety features like vehicle bodies, seat belts, airbags, lane deviation indicators, or automatic brakes. Hence, in fatal accidents, motorcyclists often sustain traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, burns, and other personal injuries.
We, at the Injury Lawyer Team, passionately advocate for victims of motorcycle accidents in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer will build a strong personal injury case, hold negligent parties liable, and negotiate financial recovery from insurance companies.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with our motorcycle accident attorneys.
Table of Contents
Contact our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Prevalence of Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana State
Recent data shows that Indiana is witnessing a significant number of motorcycle accidents each year. These statistics emphasize the need to address issues leading to motorcycle accidents, such as intoxicated driving, distracted driving, and poor road conditions.
Some of the Indiana motorcycle accident statistics include:
The 2020 report by Indiana University Public Policy Institute shows that:
- Around 1,969 individuals were harmed in motorcycle collisions. Out of these, 138 motorcyclists were killed, a 23% increase from 2019 recorded 112 motorcyclist fatalities.
- Fatal motorcycle collisions spiked 19%, from 113 in 2019 to 134 in 2020.
- Fatalities per 100,000 motorcycle registrations in Indiana rose by 20% from 2019.
- Helmet use was the highest (46 percent) among motorcyclists involved in collisions under the age of 21 and the lowest (24 percent) for those aged 45 to 54.
If we believe the data provided by the Indiana Crash Facts 2022:
- The number of motorcycle-involved collisions was 2,885, which is a five-year high in 2022. Among these collisions, there were 123 fatalities and 2,106 individuals with non-fatal injuries.
- From 2017 to 2022, multiple-vehicle (MV) motorcycle-involved collisions outnumbered single-vehicle (SV) collisions each year.
- Seventy-two percent of motorcycle riders involved in collisions either lost their lives or got injured.
- Motorcyclists made up almost 13% of all traffic fatalities that year.
- The number of motorcycle collisions was recorded highest between the 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. hours.
- Only 35% of fatal motorbike collisions happen on local or city roads, indicating that interstate and U.S. roads pose greater risks for fatal outcomes.
What are the Common Causes for an Indiana Motorcycle Accident?
Understanding the primary causes of Indiana motorcycle accidents in Indiana is crucial for preventing them in the future. Most of the time, car drivers and other vehicle drivers are responsible for motorcycle accidents.
The following are the main reasons for riding motorbike accidents on Indiana roads:
- Intoxicated/Impaired Driving: A leading cause of fatal accidents in the U.S., resulting in thousands of deaths annually. Riders operating motorcycles under the influence of alcohol or drugs impair their ability to control their motorcycles safely.
- Distracted Driving: Many bikers engage in internet browsing, texting, or navigation use while traveling. This can divert motorcyclist attention from pedestrians or other vehicles on the road, increasing the risk of motorcycle accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, running red lights, and ignoring right-of-way rules are common examples of a motorcyclist’s reckless behavior.
- Failure to Pay Attention: Bikers may fail to notice pedestrians, bicycles, or cars, potentially due to their focus on larger vehicles like trucks.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield the right of way to a motorcycle is the most common cause behind a motorcycle collision. Examples include turning in front of a motorcycle at an intersection, changing lanes abruptly, or driving the wrong way on a one-way street.
- Poor Road Conditions: Unsuitable road conditions such as debris or uneven pavement lead to catastrophic motorbike accidents, especially in bad weather.
- Motorcycle Defects: Faulty brakes, worn tires, and engine failures can lead to accidents if not fixed through regular maintenance and inspections.
What are the Different Types of Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accident Cases?
Motorcycle accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-altering injuries like traumatic brain injuries, and paralysis, coupled with pain and suffering. The severity of injuries often depends on factors like speed, helmet use, protective gear, and impact force. Nearly 37% of motorcycle collisions in 2022 involved motorcyclists who were not wearing helmets and either died or suffered severe injuries.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us and get an Indiana motorcycle accident attorney who can help seek the compensation you deserve.
Below are the common types of injuries bikers sustain in motorcycle accident cases:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and concussions are some of the most common types of head injuries victims sustain in a motorcycle accident. Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs can result in lifelong impairment and the need for extensive medical attention.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Often due to protection, motorcycle riders suffer back or spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain. These types of motorcycle accident injuries can be life-altering and require extensive medical treatment. Skilled motorcycle accident lawyers in Indiana will help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
- Broken Bones: When the body of a motorcyclist is rushed on impact from another vehicle or lands violently on the pavement, it causes broken bones. Fractured shoulders, ribs, knees, and forearms are common injuries in motorcycle accidents.
- Internal Injuries: Often motorbike accidents can lead to internal bleeding and damage to internal organs like the liver or spleen. Internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and lacerations if not diagnosed on time can have deadly effects on the patient.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Soft tissue injuries refer to damage or trauma to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as a consequence of sudden back-and-forth motion (whiplash) in motorcycle accidents. These types of injuries can affect mobility or cause paralysis.
- Road Rash and Burns: Road rash, a medical term for severe skin burns from high-speed ground scraping, badly affects ejected or sliding motorcyclists after collisions. Permanent scarring, nerve damage, and loss of movement are common types of injuries when the skin is scraped in a motorcycle accident.
With the support of Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers in Indiana, motorcycle riders can pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation from insurance companies of at-fault parties.
Till When Can I File A Motorcycle Accident Claim In Indiana?
The statute of limitations for Indiana personal injury cases mentioned in Indiana Code section 34-11-2-4 is two years. Under Indiana law, motorcycle accident victims have a two-year window to file cases and pursue compensation for their injuries, losses, and suffering. This two-year legal deadline starts from the date of the accident or death resulting from the motorcycle accident.
If the two-year period of the Indiana statute of limitations expires, then the motorcycle accident claim will be dismissed. There are exceptions to this law, for example, in motorcycle accidents involving government officials, the plaintiff has two years to file a claim or lawsuit.
If there’s a delay in filing a claim, the injured riders can face challenges in proving negligence due to potential loss of evidence over time. Therefore, victims should hire an Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible and recover compensation.
Comparative Negligence Law in an Indiana Motorcycle Accident Case
Under Indiana law, if involved in a motorcycle crash, how much compensation you will recover depends on the percentage of your fault in the accident. Should your fault be determined to be 50 percent or less, your entitled recovery decreases in proportion to that fault.
If your responsibility is found to be less than 51 percent, you remain eligible to seek damages. However, if your percentage of fault exceeds 51 percent, you will recover zero compensation from insurance companies.
Understanding comparative negligence law with the guidance of an Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer is important as it can drastically affect the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
What are the Insurance Requirements for Motorcycle Riders?
Indiana state law requires motorcycle riders to carry vehicle insurance that covers injuries or damage they cause if they are responsible for an accident. Generally referred to as “25/50/25,” the coverage refers to the minimum amount of coverage riders need to operate a motorcycle in Indiana. It’s recommended to purchase additional insurance for your motorcycle if the incurred damages exceed your coverage amount.
The minimum coverage requirements for Indiana motorcycle insurance are the following:
- $25,000 minimum coverage in property damage (PD) per accident
- $50,000 worth of coverage in bodily injury (BI) of two or more individuals per accident
- $25,000 in bodily injury (BI) per person coverage
Besides, motorcyclists must carry Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) in case the at-fault driver does not have any insurance coverage or enough liability insurance.
Talk to an experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer to understand what types of damages you can recover with minimum vehicle coverage.
Why Hire Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyers from the Injury Lawyer Team?
The Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, will handle your motorcycle accident claim, guiding you through the entire process and dealing with insurance companies or third parties on your behalf.
Indiana motorcycle accident victims rely on us for complete legal representation, from navigating insurance claims to pursuing fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
Our seasoned Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers offer expert legal advice, ensuring you make informed decisions. We swiftly negotiate with insurers and third parties, accelerating your compensation. Our team ensures you receive every penny you deserve, often resulting in significantly higher payouts.
Gain peace of mind knowing we handle everything while you focus on recovery.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Motorcyclists face a higher risk of severe injury, even with helmets, compared to other types of vehicle drivers. Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents in Indiana result from the negligence of other drivers.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an Indianapolis motorcycle accident, our law firm will help assume your right to seek maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. We will negotiate fair recompense from insurance companies or advocate in court trials if necessary.
Contact our Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our personal injury lawyer will remain private through an attorney-client relationship.