Motorcycle Crash Statistics in Indiana

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - March 21, 2019 - PRLog -- The freedom and exhilaration of motorcycle riding down an open highway helps to explain why the pastime is so popular. Yet the excitement and high spirits are balanced by risk of injury, and sometimes worse. Atop a motorcycle, a rider is exposed in ways automobile drivers are not. A direct hit by another vehicle can render the possibility of being thrown from the bike, leading to greater harm. Furthermore, a motorcycle–by its very nature–leaves the driver less ballast on wet and icy roads than a four-wheel vehicle does. Indiana requires demonstrated competence in motorcycle safety and operation before issuing a learner's permit.

Sadly, accidents–fatal and otherwise–still occur.

Motorcycle Mishaps on the Rise
Indiana's 2018 Traffic Safety Report shows a marked increase–approximately 17 percent–in motorcycle fatalities between 2016 and 2017. Federal data, likewise, shows motorcycle deaths absorbing a greater percentage of crash fatalities. Injuries from these crashes have held relatively steady, however, at 88,000 per year, that statistic is small comfort. Speeding and alcohol are most often cited as factors in motorbike impact. These might be the fault of the motorcyclists themselves or, equally as likely, of other drivers on the road. Other variables could be poor signage, hazardous road conditions and impaired visibility. A competent motorcycle accident lawyer leaves none of these stones unturned.

The Aftermath of Motorcycle Crashes
Loved ones suffer painful emotional voids upon the death of a motorcyclist. Even when the rider survives, the toll remains high. For the most intense injuries, trauma center costs can range from $16,000 to nearly $30,000, as estimated by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration. The higher costs within this range are often a result for those who were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The same research asserts that extensive recovery times and the possibility of permanent disability are among the non-financial consequences of motorcycle crashes.

Limiting Damage with Legal Counsel
With so much at stake, those involved in a motorcycle crash do well to minimize the monetary burdens–and protect themselves against legal liability–by securing seasoned attorney representation. With 27 offices across Indiana, the firm of Blackburn and Green stands ready to help clients sort out the complex traffic laws and vehicle regulations. Led by one of two founding partners, Tom Blackburn, "The Man With the Bike", the team at Blackburn and Green helps crash victims determine if a personal injury claim is in order, and what the scope of the claim will be.

Practicing before both Indiana and federal courts, Tom Blackburn recognizes the cultural stigma that motorcycle riders sometimes carry. Frequently characterized as thrill-seekers and danger addicts, motorcyclists are just as often the victims of accidents caused by irresponsible drivers of passenger cars. Because of these considerations, lawyers at Blackburn and Green understand the need for strong evidence backed by an expeditious analysis of the crime scene. As experienced attorneys in motorcycle accident litigation and defense, Blackburn and Green apply statutes, case law and the facts to help crash victims and their families bear the price of tragic collisions.

For more information contact our Fort Wayne motorcycle accident lawyers here:
https://www.blackburnandgreen.com/fort-wayne