Noblesville, Indiana is the county seat of Hamilton County, the fastest-growing county in Indiana as of 2019. Since Indiana is the state with the 11th-most registered motorcycles in the US, that means the number of motorcyclists living in the area is likely growing right along with everything else! Noblesville residents and visitors should all be aware of these Noblesville Indiana motorcycle statistics.
Hamilton County Motorcycle Accident Statistics and Stories
In 2018 there were 67 motorcycle accidents in Hamilton County, Indiana, including 15 in the city of Noblesville. This means 32% of the motorcycle accidents in Hamilton County occurred in Noblesville. Carmel, Indiana motorcycle accidents were just as common–16 of Hamilton County motorcycle accidents in 2018 occurred in Carmel. The city of Fishers, Indiana had 13 motorcycle accidents, and Westfield, Indiana had 2. But the majority of Hamilton County motorcycle accidents, 21, occurred in rural areas.
Though less than 2% of Indiana vehicle accidents involve a motorcycle, these collisions account for 13% of our state’s vehicle accident fatalities. This is one of the reasons motorcycle education in Indiana for passenger car drivers and cyclists alike is very important.
Here are some stories of motorcycle accident injuries and deaths in Noblesville:
- In 2017 a Noblesville man was killed when a passenger vehicle made a left turn into the path of his motorcycle and he could not stop in time.
- In 2013 another man was seriously injured in a Noblesville motorcycle accident when a pickup truck turned left into the path of his motorcycle and the two vehicles collided.
- In 2008 a teen boy was killed in Noblesville while test driving a motorcycle. He collided with a passenger car backing out of a driveway.
What is the Number One Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?
Speeding is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents. 74% of motorcycle accidents are frontal collisions, meaning the front of the motorcycle runs into another object. Just because the motorcycle collides with something else does not mean the driver of the motorcycle is at fault for the accident. If another driver on the road is not following the rules of the road, their negligence could cause the collision.
More than 35% of motorcycle accidents nationwide are caused by reckless driving, especially of passenger vehicles on the road. These behaviors include texting and driving, failure to pay attention, and inexperienced drivers. Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is sudden lane changes or turns by passenger vehicles. Since motorcycles are faster and smaller than cars, drivers may not take the care necessary to see the motorcycle. This is especially true in the vehicle’s blind spot.
Another hazard that causes motorcycle accidents is unsafe road conditions. Potholes, uneven pavement, and road debris can all contribute to vehicle accidents, but with motorcycles specifically, these represent an increased risk for injury or death. In these cases, the negligence of the city or county responsible for maintaining the road may play a role.
Common Motorcycle Accident Trauma
Here are some of the injuries that are common during and after a motorcycle accident:
- Traumatic Brain Injury: A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain is cut or bruised. 15% of helmeted riders and 21% of non-helmeted riders suffered a traumatic brain injury in motorcycle accidents. This injury contributed to 54% of motorcycle accident deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Spinal Cord Injury: The spine can also be injured in the accident, leading to paralysis or other loss of motor function.
- Leg Injuries: Leg or lower extremity injuries are the most common injuries in motorcycle accidents. Specifically, bone fractures are more common than soft-tissue injuries.
- Broken Bones: Bones like the arms and ribs are also commonly fractured in severe motorcycle accidents.
- Skin Injuries, Cuts, and Bruises: Every motorcyclist is familiar with the concept of “road rash.” These skin abrasions may be mild in some cases or require surgery to support recovery. Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, a rider may also sustain cuts from glass or metal, as well as bruises.
- Internal Injuries: Internal injuries can also result from blunt force trauma and other injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Indianapolis and Surrounding Counties
When you or a loved one is seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, the outcomes can be life-altering. Not only are the physical injuries expensive and challenging to recover from, but there are also the emotional effects of the trauma, as well as lost wages and lost the ability to spend time with friends and family. And in cases where wrongful death in a motorcycle accident is the outcome, these effects are compounded for the family.
If negligence contributed to a catastrophic motorcycle accident in your life, you deserve an advocate under the law to seek compensation for the damages and help you get life back on track. With decades of experience representing injured parties in Indiana, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell is here to serve you, from listening to your story to fighting for you in court. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer.