Motorcycle crashes can happen anywhere at any time in Indiana. However, there are certain locations where most fatal motorcycle accidents occur. Knowing these hot spots where such incidents happen more frequently than in other places can help the riders take the necessary precautions and adopt strategies to minimize the risk of injuries or fatalities.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have top motorcycle accident lawyers in Indianapolis that understand the complications associated with motorcycle accidents in Indianapolis, Indiana. They can help the injured victims in knowing their rights and legal options.
Where Is a Motorcyclist Most Likely to Crash?
According to the 2021 Motorcycle Traffic Safety Fact Data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 5,932 fatalities and 82,686 injuries in the United States.
The report highlights certain locations that present a heightened risk of motorcycle accidents than others, some of which include the following:
Intersections
The 2021 crash stats report by the NHTSA stated that 35% of all motorcycle crashes in the United States happened at intersections.
There are several causes of motorbike accidents at an intersection, including distracted driving, failure to yield the right of way, traffic law violations, and miscalculations.
Since intersections have the most vehicular traffic, it is crucial for motorcyclists to brush up on the rules when navigating an intersection and exert extreme caution.
Urban Locations
According to the 2021 NHTSA report, most motorcycle accidents occur in urban areas (67%) compared to rural areas (33%). The main reason behind such a wide gap is that the vehicular traffic in villages, towns, and other rural locations is relatively low compared to cities, major highways, and other urban areas. This increases the risk of motorcycle crashes.
Non-interstate Roads
92% of all fatal motorcycle crashes happened on non-interstate roads. This may come as a surprise since interstate roadways pose a greater risk of accidents due to the higher speed limit.
However, there are many other risk factors that make non-interstate roads more dangerous, including poor road conditions, heavier traffic flow, and the reduced number of lanes, among others.
Two-lane Roads
These types of roads have vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, and if the motorcyclist is not careful, they may end up in a serious motorcycle accident. Overtaking other motor vehicles on a two-lane road can increase the risk of crashing into oncoming traffic or the center divider.
In some cases, a motorcycle accident may happen on a two-lane roadway due to a negligent driver traveling in the opposite direction. They may be driving drunk, distracted, or recklessly, causing them to crash into the motorcyclist in the other lane. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can answer questions like what is the three second rule on motorcycle?
Head-on collisions can be extremely dangerous and lead to fatal motorcycle accidents. All drivers and motorcyclists need to practice defensive driving and follow all the rules and laws of the road.
Freeways
Freeways are a hot spot for motorcycle fatalities. Most motorcycle accidents happen on freeways because motorists fail to check their blind spot for bikers before merging into lanes.
In some cases, it could be debris or poor road conditions that result in serious motorcycle crashes.
Why Are Motorcyclists More Susceptible to Accidents in Certain Locations?
There are several factors that make motorcyclists more susceptible to accidents in the locations mentioned above, including:
Higher vehicular traffic: When there are many motor vehicles traveling on the road, there is an increased risk of motorcycle accidents due to the negligent actions of the other drivers. This is why more motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2021 than in rural locations.
Motorcycles are small: Due to the size of a motorbike, it can be difficult for drivers in larger vehicles to see the motorcycle, especially if it is in their blind spot. This increases the risk of motorcycle accidents at intersections and urban roadways.
Purpose of riding: Motorcyclists often ride for pleasure rather than business, and interstate highways are for people commuting for work, which is why you'll find more fatal crashes on non-interstate roads.
Poor road conditions: The constant movement of vehicular traffic can cause wear and tear on urban roadways and freeways, creating an unfavorable environment for motorcyclists. Debris, potholes, and other potential hazards can lead to motorcycle accidents.
Poor weather conditions: Although most motorcycle accidents happen due to negligence, some may occur because of poor weather conditions. Rain or snow can make roadways slippery, increasing the risk of a motorcycle crash.
Even if motorcycle riders are careful, attentive, and practice defensive driving, they can still end up in a motorcycle crash due to someone else's negligence.
When that happens, it can lead to injuries and motorcycle fatalities, for which the affected victims can pursue civil action to recover the damages.
How Can a Motorcyclist Recover Their Losses After an Accident?
When motorcycle accidents occur due to another's negligence, the riders can pursue motorcycle accident claims to recover compensatory damages, which may include the following:
Economic damages: These are quantifiable losses that include medical bills (such as hospital expenses, prescription medication, and therapy costs, among others), lost income (current lost wages and loss of future earning capacity), and property damages (repair or replacement costs).
Non-economic damages: These are non-quantifiable losses that include emotional distress, mental anguish, trauma, physical pain, and reduced quality of life.
Although motorcycle riders can recover compensatory damages after their motorcycle accidents, pursuing a personal injury case can be challenging without legal representation. There is a bias against motorcyclists, and insurance companies are quick to blame them for the incident.
Injured victims need to seek the help of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to increase their chances of recovering compensation. They have insight on what age group is most likely to crash a motorcycle.
How Can Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Help the Injured Victims?
Most motorcycle accidents tend to occur due to another's negligence, but because of the bias against the riders, recovering compensation can become a painstakingly long and challenging process.
However, Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have the expertise in handling auto accidents and can help injured victims in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the following ways:
Investigate the motorcycle accident and gather evidence to determine the liable party(s).
Bring in experienced professionals to calculate the damages and call in expert witnesses to bolster the case.
Follow the legal process and pursue a motorcycle accident claim against the negligent party's insurance company.
Negotiate with the claims adjuster for maximum compensation.
Go to trial if there is a disagreement over a fair settlement.
Injured Victims Should Schedule a Free Consultation with a Top-rated Law Firm in Indianapolis
Those who have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in Indianapolis, due to another's negligence should immediately call to schedule a free consultation with Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, as they may be eligible for compensation.