Indiana, a state renowned for its vibrant motorcycle community, faces a significant challenge with a high number of motorcycle accidents. Every year, there are thousands of crashes resulting in over a hundred deaths, leaving motorcyclists with serious injuries and hefty medical expenses.
Despite unjust criticism that portrays them as irresponsible, the main causes of these accidents are often related to other drivers not paying enough attention.
Therefore, it is crucial to follow traffic laws such as stopping at red lights, encouraging the use of helmets, and providing legal support to establish a safer motorcycle culture in Indiana.
In this article, drivers can learn more about the causes of motorcycle accidents, some shocking statistics, and the need for the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis after a crash.
The Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana
Motorcycle accidents in Indiana, just like in many other places, are sad occurrences that often result in severe injuries or even deaths. There are many different reasons why these accidents happen, and some of them might be surprising to regular people who use the roads.
Age as a Factor in Accidents
Statistical records show a higher incidence of fatal motorcycle accidents among older riders in Indiana. Several factors could contribute to this trend, from slower reaction times and overconfidence stemming from years of experience to fewer instances of helmet use, as riders over 18 are not legally required to use one.
Role of Other Vehicle Drivers
Aside from motorcyclists, vehicle operators often play a critical role in causing accidents. The carelessness of these drivers manifests in various ways:
Intoxicated driving: Impaired or intoxicated driving is a notorious cause of fatal accidents nationwide, claiming thousands of lives annually.
Distracted operation: Engaging with smartphones or navigation systems while driving is a prevalent issue, resulting in numerous motorcycle crashes.
Aggressive driving: Actions such as speeding, disregarding traffic signals, or failing to respect the right of way are classic signs of aggressive driving.
Inattentional blindness: This happens when drivers don't notice motorcycles because they are used to expecting bigger vehicles.
Other Contributing Entities
Motorcycle accidents in Indiana can also happen from the negligence of corporate or government entities. If an employed trucker collides with a motorcyclist, the employer could be held accountable.
Similarly, the local administration could be implicated if inadequate road maintenance, such as uncleared debris, leads to motorcycle crashes. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can answer questions like, "What is the survival rate for motorcycle crashes in Indiana?"
Errors from Motorcyclists
Sometimes, motorcyclists themselves can be responsible for accidents, which can be seen in various situations such as:
Rider inexperience: Despite passing required licensing tests, some motorcyclists lack adequate on-road exposure, leading to errors and potential accidents.
Speeding: Excessive speed increases the risk of crashes, particularly when motorcyclists lose control during turns.
Overlooking road hazards: Debris, uneven surfaces, or potholes pose significant threats, especially since motorcycles lack the stability of larger vehicles to tackle such obstacles.
Furthermore, the complex web of motorcycle accident causes in Indiana highlights the importance of adequate legal help for victims.
With so many potential causes and responsible parties, navigating a motorcycle accident case demands the expertise of seasoned professionals.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics: How Rare Are Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana?
A closer look at motorcycle accident numbers in Indiana shows the risks riders face. Studies from Indiana University offer some good and some bad news.
The data showed a slight drop in motorcycle accidents in 2018, totaling 2,681, of which 101 were fatal. Even though the numbers were decreasing, it still highlights the ongoing fight to minimize the causes of motorcycle crashes.
However, the story doesn't stop there. There was a surprising increase in motorcycle accidents in 2020, even though the total number of vehicles on the road went down.
This has led to guesses about what could have caused this. Mostly, there were many deaths among riders who avoided wearing helmets, which shows how important safety gear is.
What's even more worrying is the fact that 15% of all deaths in vehicle accidents involve motorcyclists. Furthermore, in 2017, there was a scary jump in fatal motorcycle accidents in Indiana, with a 47% increase compared to the year before.
The reasons for this increase are still not clear. Nevertheless, it might be because more people are becoming motorcyclists, other motorists are not paying attention, or people are being less careful with smaller vehicles on the road.
Also, the risk of riding motorcycles was very clear in 2019. Out of 112 deaths, 30 were riders who had been wearing helmets.
These numbers show the need to strengthen traffic laws, encourage safety among riders, and create helpful rules for cases of motorcycle accidents in Indiana.
Can Victims of Motorcycle Crashes Get Compensation?
The injuries and lost wages can be too much to handle when a motorcycle crash happens. That's when something called compensatory damages comes in.
Moreover, these can help ease the burden by paying for the losses tied to the injuries from the crash. A motorcyclist who is a victim of an accident has the right to get paid back for the following:
Direct costs such as medical bills.
Money lost from not being able to work, now and in the future.
Pain and the suffering that comes with it.
Emotional upset.
Fixing or replacing the damaged motorcycle.
In some special cases where the person at fault was extremely careless, the law allows for something called punitive damages.
These are more than just payback. Punitive damages are a way to punish the person at fault. It might seem scary to try and understand all of this, but knowing about these things can give victims hope to get some help in these dire situations.
The Importance of Legal Support Following Motorcycle Accidents
Dealing with the aftermath of motorcycle crashes is often complicated. Due to their smaller size, motorcyclists are more vulnerable and at higher risk for severe injuries.
Furthermore, figuring out what caused a motorcycle crash can be complicated and often requires expert help. When it comes to an Indiana motorcycle accident, having legal expertise is especially important.
Working with legal matters and insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially when the victim is also injured. Furthermore, the Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys law firm specializes in this area and can offer valuable support during these difficult times. They can also advise on the benefits of wearing motorcycle protective gear.
Wrapping Up
The road that unfolds following a motorcycle crash is often complex and filled with many challenges. From understanding the intricate details of the causes of motorcycle incidents to dealing with the repercussions of injuries, it can be a daunting task for motorcyclists.
In this chaos, legal assistance plays a pivotal role in providing support and guidance. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, with its expertise, can ease the burden of this complex journey.
Therefore, those involved in such incidents should seek professional legal aid. Every step matters in the aftermath of a crash, and choosing the right help could make all the difference.