Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana

Motorcycles can be a fun and enjoyable way to get around, but they can also be incredibly dangerous if you aren’t careful. And even though only a small percentage of people own motorcycles compared to other types of vehicles, there are a high number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities every year.

In recent years, there have been over 80,000 injuries and over 5,000 fatalities annually as a result of motorcycle crashes. And as with any type of vehicle accident, many factors can lead to a collision. But motorcyclists are more vulnerable and at risk than other drivers because they have less protection for their bodies when there is an impact.

If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle accident, the team at Flores Law Group can help. Our attorneys have years of experience handling a wide variety of personal injury cases in Indiana, including motorcycle accidents. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those injured due to the negligence of others and can help you navigate your claim to ensure the best possible outcome.

Top Five Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana

As mentioned above, there is any number of things that can cause a person to get into an accident, but the situations can vary depending on the vehicle you are operating. Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes in Indiana.

1. Road Hazards

Road hazards such as debris in the road, uneven or broken pavement, or other obstructions can be dangerous for any driver, but they can be especially problematic for motorcyclists. A larger vehicle, for example, can more easily run over some kinds of debris in the road or a pothole without losing control. A motorcyclist, however, is more likely to struggle to navigate and ride over these things without losing control, which means they are more likely to get into an accident due to hazards on the road.

2. Road Rage

It’s not uncommon for other drivers to get frustrated or annoyed by motorcyclists, even if they have no reason to. For instance, some drivers are annoyed that motorcyclists can split lanes, and some even get upset simply when a motorcyclist passes them or speeds around them. Unfortunately, when another driver gets frustrated, they can start exhibiting negative behaviors such as road rage. These actions, such as quickly moving over so a motorcycle can’t pass or even tailgating a motorcycle and trying to cut them off, can cause a motorcycle rider to get into an accident,

3. Blind Spots and Inattentional Blindness

In some cases, accidents happen between a motorcycle and another vehicle due to blind spots. Motorcycles are not as big as other kinds of vehicles and are sometimes harder to spot, and can more easily disappear in blind spots. Some drivers even have inattentional blindness when it comes to motorcycles, meaning they don’t notice them or pay attention to them as much as they do other cars on the road. Unfortunately, either of these situations can lead to an accident.

4. Inexperience

A motorcycle accident can also, of course, be the fault of the motorcycle rider themselves. While motorcycle riders do have to pass a class to get their license, it is still possible for them to have little experience on-road experience. And being unfamiliar with riding a motorcycle can lead to an increased risk of causing an accident.

5. Speeding

Speeding, whether it is the motorcycle rider or another vehicle, can also lead to more motorcycle accidents. If another vehicle is speeding around a motorcycle, it can result in a collision, or if the motorcycle rider themself is speeding they can also cause an accident. Speed is one of the number one causes of most fatal accidents. Speeding while taking a turn can be especially problematic for a motorcycle as it can cause them to lose balance and control of their bike.

What to Do If You’re Injured in an Indiana Motorcycle Accident?

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, your first course of action should be to get yourself to safety and seek immediate medical attention. In other words, move out of oncoming traffic if possible and call for emergency medical responders if needed.

You should also call the police to ensure local authorities arrive. A police report will be essential in helping you prove fault and what happened if you are going to file a personal injury claim for compensation. You should also collect evidence at the scene. This can include photos of what happened, the damages, and your injuries, as well as witness information, which can be used for statements to validate your claim.

After you leave the accident scene and you have sought medical attention, it’s wise to consult with a personal injury attorney before speaking to the insurance company. An attorney can help guide you through the process, help you gather evidence to support your claim, and ensure you don’t say anything that could be used against you to deny your claim or reduce your settlement.

An Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust

At Flores Law Group, we understand how devastating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be. The injuries and losses you sustain can severely impact your life and even the life of your loved ones.

Let us help you navigate your claim and fight for your rights so you can focus on rest and recovery. We will do everything we can to ensure you get the compensation you deserve to help pay for your injuries and other losses.