The Public Policy Institute of Indiana University estimates that there were 2,785 motorcycle accidents in Indiana in 2020. Around 67% of motorcycle riders receive injuries in these accidents. And 5% perish. If you or your loved one was injured in an accident, contact our Evansville motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
The truth is, injuries received by a motorcyclist in a collision with a car can be devastating. Although inexperienced riders can cause some accidents, other vehicles cause the majority of motorcycle accidents because drivers often fail to see motorcyclists. In addition, drivers of cars often fail to give motorcyclists the same rights as other drivers.
In fact, drivers, not motorcyclists, cause over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes. That is just one of the many surprising statistics about the circumstances involving motorcycle accidents. There are many more eye-opening facts that you should know if you are a rider.
If you’ve been injured while riding, contact an Evansville motorcycle accident attorney at Gerling Law. An experienced Gerling attorney can help determine who is at fault and responsible for your injuries. A thorough investigation is important because there are many potential causes of motorcycle accidents.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Evansville
Despite the many safety measures that motorcyclists take, accidents can happen due to a variety of factors. While any Evansville motorcycle accident lawyer can tell you the main causes of motorcycle accidents in the area, no two motorcycle accidents are the same. Additionally, discovering the exact cause of your accident can be difficult. A thorough investigation is important because there are many potential causes of motorcycle accidents.
Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in the state. Driver negligence takes endless forms. Here are a few common examples of negligence:
- Failure to check blind spots. Obviously, motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, and that makes them all but invisible to the driver who is not paying attention. When this fact is combined with the large blind spots on a car, you have a recipe for disaster.
- Failure to yield. Drivers generally have to yield the right-of-way to motorcyclists when appropriate. However, they often fail to do so, leading to accidents and deaths.
Distracted driving
Using a phone or other electronic device, eating or drinking, or engaging in any other activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road can be extremely dangerous, especially for motorcyclists. At 55 mph, a vehicle will travel roughly the length of an entire football field in five seconds. That means the driver who takes a few seconds to answer a text is potentially putting dozens of people at risk.
Speeding
Driving above the posted speed limit is more significant than people believe. Even a small amount of speeding can significantly affect your braking distance and response window. Traveling at unsafe speeds is also a problem in poor weather conditions when the car’s maneuverability is lower.
Inattentive driving, failing to notice motorcyclists, and disobeying the rules of the road all can lead to motorcycle-car collisions. The driver could also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Did A Defective Helmet Or Equipment Cause Your Motorcycle Accident?
Helmets can help save a motorcyclist’s life in an accident. If the helmet or other equipment is faulty and fails to protect you, the designers, manufacturers, and sellers of the defective product can be held liable for your injuries. Defective motorcycle design can also cause accidents, especially accidents involving only the motorcyclist.
A Gerling Law attorney with experience in motorcycle accident cases can investigate your case to determine if a defective product is to blame for your injuries. We can hold the responsible parties liable and pursue full compensation under the law.
Motorcycle Riders Are At High Risk For Injuries
If you ride a motorcycle, you may be at extremely high risk for serious personal injury if you are involved in an accident, since motorcycles lack the bulk and weight of cars, as well as protective features such as roofs, doors, and seatbelts.
Even with a helmet and protective armored clothing, a rider does not have the protection that a person riding in a car has. If you suffer injuries in a wreck with a car, your injuries can be extensive and life-changing. Brain and spinal cord injuries are common and can lead to paralysis, permanent disability, and even death.
Serious injuries may require long-term rehabilitation and lead to costly medical bills. Gerling Law has years of experience dealing with automobile and motorcycle accidents. We understand the difficulties faced in recovering from serious injuries and the need for an experienced attorney to handle issues such as medical bills, rehabilitation, insurance coverage, and recovery of compensation.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in a shockingly large variety of injuries, many of which can be very serious and even life-threatening. Here are some of the most common motorcycle injuries:
- Head Injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are a common and serious injury in motorcycle accidents. This can include skull fractures, concussions, and other types of head injuries.
- Road Rash. A thrown motorcyclist will often suffer road rash, which is a type of skin abrasion caused by contact with the pavement. Not only is road rash very painful, but it can also result in scarring and infection.
- Broken Bones. Fractures of the arms, legs, and other bones are all too common in motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider is ejected from the bike or struck by another vehicle.
- Spinal Cord Injuries. Spinal cord injuries are another frequent result of a motorcycle accident, and they can lead to paralysis, permanent disability, and even death. These types of injuries are more likely to occur when a rider is thrown from their bike or strikes an object in a high-speed collision.
- Internal Injuries. Blunt force trauma can cause injuries to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical treatment.
- Burns. Burns can result from contact with the hot engine or exhaust pipe of a motorcycle, as well as from contact with other vehicles or road surfaces.
Statute of Limitations in Indiana
The statute of limitations in Indiana for motorcycle accidents is generally two years from the date of the incident that led to your injury. In some cases, there can be some exceptions to this rule that may apply. Consequently, it’s best to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney in Evansville to confirm the applicable statute of limitations.
What Are Compensatory Damages for Motorcycle Accident?
In Indiana, compensatory damages attempt to compensate an injured party for their losses as a result of the motorcycle. These damages often include economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. They also include non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
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Did You Lose A Loved One In A Motorcycle Accident?
Unfortunately, because of the severity of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents, these injuries often end in death. If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by another’s negligent actions, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to hold the wrongdoer responsible.
Our Evansville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help You
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, our lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. With our extensive experience and resources, we will investigate your accident, review the evidence, and hold the responsible party liable for your injuries.
Our firm believes that riders have the same rights as other drivers on the road, and our Evansville motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping our clients throughout Indiana and Kentucky get the compensation they deserve. Call Gerling Law today at 888-437-5464 or complete the free case review form for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
