Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The popularity of motorcycles has exploded in recent years. The typical motorcycle rider today consists of more mature and casual riders than in recent history. In 2006 motorcycle sales topped 1.1 million. More motorcycles on the road mean more motorcycle accidents. Injuries and fatalities have spiked in the last few of years. Motorcycles offer much less protection to the rider than an automobile, leaving the rider much more vulnerable and open to serious injuries or death. The volatility of the vehicle’s stability, openness to weather, vulnerability to road conditions, and the fact that riders are less discernable on the road stack the odds against motorcyclists. According to NHTSA, motorcyclists were 37 times more likely to die and 8 times more likely to be injured in a traffic accident when compared to automobile occupants in 2006.

Have you or someone you know been injured in a motorcycle accident? If so, contact an Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer at Baker and Gilchrist and start on your road to recovery and compensation!

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2006 there were 103,935 motorcycle crashes across the US, out of those:

4,935 Fatalities/1,901 Alcohol-Related

88,000 Injuries/6,284 Alcohol-Related

15,000 Property Damage Only

Motorcycle accidents have been rising every year for the past nine years. As a result, deaths, injuries, and property damages have escalated as well. Indiana law only requires motorcyclists to wear helmets for riders 17 years of age and younger. In 2005 there were 6.2 million motorcycles on U.S. roads as per the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). The agency notes that motorcycles accounted for over 3 percent of all registered motor vehicles and 0.4 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2005. In that year the NHTSA reported that nearly 103,000 motorcycles were involved in accidents.

In 2006 motorcyclists accounted for 11 percent of all traffic fatalities, 13 percent of all occupant fatalities and 4 percent of all occupant injuries. NHTSA data demonstrates that in 2006, 47 percent of motorcycle riders who died in accidents were age 40 or above, compared with 30 percent ten years earlier. In contrast, fatalities among young motorcycle riders have declined in the past 10 years, relative to other age groups. Speed also plays an important role in motorcycle accidents. In 2006, 37 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared with 23 percent for drivers of automobiles, 19 percent for light truck drivers and 8 percent for large truck drivers, as reported in NHTSA research. Riding without a valid license also seems to be more prevalent among motorcyclist. In 2006, 25 percent of motorcycle operators who were involved in fatal crashes were riding without a valid license, compared with 13 percent of passenger vehicle drivers. NHTSA says that motorcycle operators were also 1.2 times more likely than passenger vehicle drivers to have a prior license suspension or revocation.

Common FAQs

When should I contact an attorney?

If you have suffered an injury as a result of the negligence of someone else, such as a doctor, in an automobile collision, or while working at a construction site, among others, you need to speak with an attorney.

What should I look for in an attorney?

You should first determine if the attorney has the experience necessary to provide you with the best legal advice possible for your situation. There is no substitute for experience.

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