Things Motorcyclists do that are Contributing Factors to Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana
Accidents are an unfortunate daily and nearly hourly occurrence. If you are on a motorcycle rather than in a car, you know that the outcome can be quickly devastating. What are some of the most common things that motorcyclists do that are contributing factors to motorcycle accidents in Indiana?
Adults over the age of 18 are not required to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle in Indiana. Though helmets can feel like a hassle, they can be life-saving when encountering motorists on our highways and roads.
Distracted driving is an issue that brings unsafe driving conditions for motorcycles and other vehicles. Driving while texting, eating, or otherwise distracted can quickly lead to nationwide accidents.
Blood alcohol levels are dangerous when operating any vehicle, including a motorcycle. Don’t drive if you have been drinking; be aware that others may be under the influence while driving or riding next to you. Among crashes in 2022 that resulted in fatal and incapacitating injuries and had reported blood alcohol content (BAC) results, 72% of motorcycle operators in single-vehicle crashes and 55% of motorcycle operators involved in multiple-vehicle crashes were impaired with a blood alcohol level at or above the legal limit, according to the Indiana Public Policy Institute.
When a motorcycle collides with another vehicle, the riders’ bodies are exposed and vulnerable. Their bike can often be flipped or pushed into other cars, making riders much more susceptible to severe injuries and death.
Things Motorcyclists do that are Common Accident Causes
Speeding, as with any vehicle, can lead to accidents. If there is inclement weather and you are going the speed limit, you may need to adjust to allow for extra time if the roadway is slippery or otherwise affected by weather.
Driver’s inexperience leads to several accidents each year. A motorcycle is challenging to operate without adequate experience, which can easily lead to accidents. Practice riding in remote locations before attempting to be on busy streets or highways where accidents are more prevalent. Indiana residents must obtain a motorcycle endorsement in addition to their regular driver’s license, and many opt out of this requirement. Choose to get an endorsement to help keep yourself safe. If you have an existing endorsement from another state, you can typically transfer it to Indiana by taking an additional motorcycle knowledge exam.
Many accidents with motorcycles happen at intersections. It is so common that nearly half of all accidents involving motorcycles stem from an intersection. One driver doesn’t see the motorcycle and turns into the intersection, colliding with a motorcycle attempting to drive through the same intersection.
It is Less Easy for Other Drivers to See Motorcycles
You may have heard many motorcycle riders complain that drivers don’t see them. That’s because this is common across the world. Seeing a motorcycle in our blind spots may be more challenging than a regular vehicle, but we must take extra time to see them and keep everyone safe.
Similarly, motorcycles passing by driveways where cars are backing out or driving past parking spots where motorists are pulling out and not seeing the motorcycle can lead to accidents involving backing over the motorcycle or pushing it into oncoming traffic.
How Is Fault Established In Motorcycle Accidents?
As with any accident, the party more at fault can be pursued due to negligence. The party that pursues them must provide evidence that three elements were present. The element of duty to the plaintiff by the defendant, in accident cases, means that all drivers must use reasonable care when operating a vehicle among others on the roadway.
The other two key elements that the plaintiff must prove to have a compelling case are proof that the defendant breached this duty of care and that their breach specifically led to injuries or other damages.
Product manufacturing defects that lead to accidents can also create liability issues for the product manufacturer or designer through product liability laws.
What Types of Damages Can I Pursue Following a Motorcycle Accident?
You can pursue economic and non-economic damages if you are injured in a motorcycle accident. Economic damages consist of monetary items such as the costs of medical bills or the cost of repairing your motorcycle. Lost income while tending to injuries can also be included.
Noneconomic damages can include emotional distress or pain and suffering. Post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety can all be common following an accident. Your experienced personal injury attorney can help you calculate these noneconomic damages and ensure you are not settling for less than you deserve.
Never Settle For Less
Our experienced team is ready to assist you with your questions and recover the damages you deserve, not just settle for what is offered. With countless cases in the past helping to represent our clients in their time of crisis, we are confident we can help you, too.
Call our office today at (812) 247-8416 for your initial consultation and to learn your options. We have many years of combined experience in helping our clients with personal injury cases, fiercely advocating for them so they can get back to the life they know and love.
Remember that most insurance companies will want you to settle for less as they have their clients and their company’s best interest at heart rather than yours. Let us have your best interest at heart and ensure you can look back at this challenging time in your life, knowing you did everything you could for your future.
