Motorcycle Risks - Biker Injury Rates Remain High

While the weather is warm, it is a safe bet that you will see many motorcycles on our roads and highways. While motorcycle riding can be an enjoyable way to commute or spend free time, these vehicles can be dangerous and accidents involving motorcycles can cause serious injury and may even be fatal. Motorcycle riders are much more vulnerable to injury in the event of a collision than passenger vehicle occupants, due to the lack of a vehicle body surrounding the rider as well as the lack of restraints. According to recent reports, there were 3,551 collisions involving motorcycles in Indiana annually. Out of these, 2,421 involved injury and 117 were fatal. People who are involved in motorcycle accidents may be entitled to recovery through an Indiana negligence lawsuit.

Anyone involved in a motorcycle accident should contact an experienced Hammond, IN motorcycle accident attorney in order to determine whether they may have a claim. Possible damages in a motorcycle accident include medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, or property damage, just to name a few.

Despite efforts to increase motorist awareness and other public safety initiatives, the number of collisions involving motorcycles has remained relatively constant. The same is true for the proportion of these crashes that were fatal, caused injury, or property damage. Statistics show that female riders have a lower proportion of fatalities as a result of motorcycle accidents, but a higher proportion of injuries. When broken down by age, the most common age group to be involved in fatal motorcycle accidents are people age 40 to 49.

The good news for riders is that are specific steps a person can take in order to reduce their risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. Some of these steps include the following:

• Always wear a helmet when riding
• Never operate a motorcycle under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Make sure that your motorcycle is operating properly
• Check tires and brakes before you ride
• Avoid riding in bad weather or at night
• If you do ride at night, always wear brightly colored or reflective clothing
• Ensure that your motorcycle is appropriate for your body size and riding skill level

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should contact an experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. You should be sure to undergo a complete medical evaluation after an accident, to make sure your injuries are both properly treated and documented. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, another person or a company may be responsible for your injuries. If this is the case, you may be able to recover through an Indiana personal injury lawsuit.