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Though we are Indiana motorcycle accident attorneys, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell want to share information that prevents motorcycle accidents as much as possible. Roadway accidents are one of the most preventable causes of injury and death in the United States and we see unfortunate accidents happen all the time.
We consider it our duty and privilege to represent injured individuals when they have been harmed by another driver’s negligence. But we prefer that motorcyclists don’t get injured, to begin with because we know how life-altering and devastating these incidents can be.
As spring and summer come back around and bikers get back on the road, drivers of cars and cycles alike should be mindful of these insights and answers about motorcycle safety in Indiana.
How Do You Get an Indiana Motorcycle License?
In Indiana, your official driver’s license is amended to include a motorcycle endorsement. This includes both a written test and a driving test, as well as a safety course or safety skills exam with a Ride Safe Indiana training location. This course covers basic operating procedures, crash avoidance, braking, and cornering.
Due to the hybrid nature of in-classroom and hands-on experience in the Ride Safe Indiana course, successfully completing a Motorcycle Operator Safety Education course in Indiana waives the motorcycle knowledge and rider skill test requirement.
Is It Required to Wear a Motorcycle Helmet in Indiana?
People under the age of 18 must wear a helmet as well as eye protection. The same applies to anyone over 18 who is driving a motorcycle with a learner’s permit. Otherwise, motorcyclists over the age of 18 are not required to wear a helmet.
Is Indiana Dangerous for Motorcycles?
In 2019, 2,579 motorcyclists in Indiana were involved in collisions. With almost 229,000 registered motorcyclists in the state, this means an average of 1.12% of all Indiana motorcyclists were involved in a collision in 2019. According to the same report:
- 113 Indiana motorcycle accidents resulted in fatalities.
- 1,818 Indiana motorcycle accidents resulted in non-fatal injuries.
- 648 Indiana motorcycle accidents resulted in only property damage.
The number of Indiana motorcycle operators and passengers injured in collisions has been on a steady decline for many years. From 2018 to 2019, the number of operators injured dropped by 5%, and the number of passengers injured dropped by 12%.
When it comes to fatal motorcycle accidents in Indiana, drivers account for 95% of the fatalities, though the number of operators killed in these accidents has declined by 2% over the last 5 years. The number of passengers killed has declined by 10% in the same amount of time.
Indiana Motorcycle Safety Tips
The Indiana State Police offers the following safety tips for passenger vehicles and motorcyclists to share the road safely:
Safety Tips for Passenger Vehicles:
- Watch for motorcycles in your blind spot, and check twice at all intersections.
- Always use your turn signal when changing lanes.
- Allow at least two seconds of distance between your vehicle and a motorcycle.
- Anticipate hazards like potholes, road conditions, or debris that may cause a motorcycle to swerve.
- Be especially cautious when turning left, as this is a primary time when vehicles and motorcycles collide.
- Motorcyclists are entitled to operate in a full lane and should not be passed within the lane.
- Obey all traffic laws.
What do Top Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Consider in a Case?
When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident and gets injured due to another driver’s negligence, there is essential evidence, some of which needs to be collected as fast as possible. This includes:
- Eyewitness testimony, especially from individuals who were on the scene but not involved in the accident.
- Police report, which will include the responding officer’s analysis of the accident, notes about the scene, and initial opinions about the fault. Remember that a police report is just one part of the evidence and even if it says you were at fault, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you tell the full story.
- Your helmet, clothes, and gear from the accident should always be kept as evidence. Do not alter the helmet, clothes, or your damaged bike in any way until you speak to an Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer.
- Photographs of the scene of the wreck, the motorcycle, and another vehicle, and of the resulting injuries. These help an attorney tell the story of the long-term effects to a jury.
- Camera footage whether from a helmet cam, dashcam, or surveillance from a nearby business helps support the story of who was at fault for the accident and can also prove negligent behavior from a car like running light or being distracted on a phone.
- Lastly, keep a daily journal or diary, starting with your recollections of the accident and continuing to document your medical care, conversations with attorneys and insurance, and the impacts of your injury. If your loved ones and employer are willing to make truthful and candid notes about the life-altering effects of your motorcycle accident, that is even more testimony that will support your case.
Christie Farrell Lee & Bell approach every client’s case with respect and compassion about the situation. We explore the details that represent how your life has been altered due to someone else’s negligence. Our experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyers also serve greater Indiana and know the official channels to go through at the state level and in each county that will get the evidence you need to prove your case. From listening to your story to fighting for you in court, we’re your advocates. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer and get the support of trusted advisors that can help you get life back on track.