Motorcycle Accident Information & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Indiana

More and more drivers are turning to two-wheeled vehicles to help avoid the pump. While no direct correlation has been proven, it makes sense that, as the number of riders increases, the number of motorcycle accidents increases as well. Nationally, motorcycle accidents have increased every year for the past nine years, bringing the total to its highest level since 1981. Indiana is no exception. There were a total of 110 motorcycle rider fatalities in both 2005 and 2006. In 2005 those fatalities made up 11.7 percent of the total fatal accidents in Indiana and 12.2 percent in 2006.

Eighty percent of motorcycle accidents end in injury or death. By their very nature, motorcycles are much less safe than most passenger vehicles. There is no cage of metal and safety glass surrounding a motorcycle or scooter rider. If there is an accident, a rider and any passengers are very likely to come in direct contact with obstacles or the road. Without proper training and/or experience, it is very easy to make a mistake on a two-wheeled vehicle. Driving a motorcycle on a twisty road at a high rate of speed can easily dump a rider and passenger. When a rear wheel slips out from underneath a motorcycle, the rider and bike will slide, causing more injury and possibly sending the motorcyclist into the path of oncoming traffic. Under-steering can also send a rider off the road and into anything sitting in the way.

Indiana does not require all riders to wear a safety helmet. If you are under the age of 18 you must wear a safety helmet at all times, as well as some form of eye protection. You must also wear a helmet if you are only holding a motorcycle rider permit. To gain a permit, an individual must complete a written exam. If they are under 18, they must complete a state approved rider’s course and then pass the state road skills test. If someone over 18 wants their license, they can waive the road skills test if they have completed and passed the rider course.

Two to four percent of all drivers on the road are on motorcycles and similar vehicles. While this is a relatively small percentage, motorcycle accidents make up nine to eleven percent of the total fatalities on the road every year. The majority of accidents involve another vehicle, most often a passenger vehicle. Motorcycles can be very hard to see. They present a much smaller profile to other drivers than do other types of vehicles. Brightly colored clothing and headlights that are on both day and night (required by law in Indiana) can help other drivers see riders, but automobile operators are usually not looking for motorcycles. Intersections are a particularly dangerous area for riders. Most accidents that involve a motorcycle and another vehicle occur at intersections with the other driver claiming to not have seen the motorcycle or seeing it too late to avoid it..

Other causes of motorcycle accidents are varied. Only about three percent are caused by some sort of vehicle failure, such as a flat tire or brake failure. Another three percent are caused by pavement conditions like potholes and animals in the road way. Surprisingly, weather is not a factor in up to 98 percent of motorcycle accidents. Alcohol, however, is a factor in over half of all motorcycle wrecks.

Indiana is a state with lush farmlands, wonderful towns and cities and areas that are thickly wooded. It is a beautiful place to explore the landscape and escape. If you choose to do this on a motorcycle, Indiana welcomes you. Just be sure to follow all traffic laws, watch out for other motorists and always drive sober.

Thank you for choosing Lawcore.com!

Lawcore.com Home | Contact Lawcore.com | Advertise Your Firm | Terms & Conditions Of Use / Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 - 2008 Lawcore.com, Inc (As Licensee). All Rights Reserved.