Motorcycle Accident Attorney Dedicated To Helping Accident Victims In Indiana

When it comes to road traffic accidents, motorcycles see more than their fair share of accidents, and the numbers of incidents seem to be rising. 2017 saw a 47% increase in fatal collisions from the previous year, bringing the total to 147 – the most significant single annual increase in 15 years. Motorcycle accidents in Indiana are on the rise, so you must know what you can do if you find yourself a victim.

What Are The Main Causes Of Motorcycle Crashes?

Accidents can happen at any time, but the following factors increase the likelihood of a crash occurring and form the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Texting while driving: One of the primary causes of motorcycle accidents is drivers using their mobile devices while in charge of a vehicle. This means that concentration is taken away from the road, and this loss of concentration is a leading cause of accidents; drivers are less likely to see a motorcyclist until it is too late.
• Drunk drivers: One of the most common causes of collisions, drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol are responsible for thousands of deaths per year.
• Breaking traffic laws: Some drivers prefer to take the laws into their own hands and will disobey driving and road regulations. From speeding and racing to running red lights, illegal driving is a major factor in many road traffic incidents – especially those involving motorcycles.
• Inattention: This can also be described as a lack of care taken, and occurs when drivers look at a motorcycle but fail to acknowledge it. This is usually due to the smaller size of motorcycles and the fact that they move quickly, often seeming to appear out of nowhere.
• Aggressive drivers: Aggressive drivers are far more likely to take reckless risks, and this can be very dangerous for other road users, including pedestrians and motorcycle riders.

What Injuries May Be Sustained In A Motorcycle Accident?

Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists have no side buffer, no front or rear end to take the impact, and will immediately come into contact with the hard ground if they fall from their bike. As a result, the injuries that can be sustained in these incidents can be substantial and commonly include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: According to research conducted by the NHTSA, 15% of helmeted and 21% of unhelmeted riders from a group of 104,472 motorcyclists suffered a traumatic brain injury. In addition, a traumatic brain injury was the leading cause of death in 54% of all riders that were involved in fatal crashes. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a person’s head is hit or bumped – injuries common in motorcycle accidents. The injury can impede the operating functions of the brain, and this can result in tearing, bruising, or bleeding on the brain, all of which have the potential to result in long-term damage or death. Those who survive may be left with depression, impaired cognitive function, memory issues, changes in personality, impaired sensation, and issues with movement.
• Spinal cord injuries: If the spinal cord is injured during the impact, paralysis can occur. This could be paraplegia, affecting the lower extremities only, or quadriplegia, in which all four limbs plus the torso are affected, and the victim is paralyzed from the neck down. This will usually result in permanent disability.
• Lower extremity injuries: In motorcycle accidents, leg injuries are extremely common, and this can include breaks, fractures and damage to soft tissue.
• Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma commonly results in damage to internal organs and internal bleeding. This can be fatal if not detected early enough. Organs may also suffer from penetration trauma if glass or sharp debris pierce the skin during the accident.
• Road rash: As mentioned, motorcycle riders have limited protection when compared to car drivers, and so they will make more immediate contact with the ground in the event of an accident. This can result in “road rash,” and may result in infections or long-term scarring.

What Can I Do?

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver, there are steps you can take. Motorcyclists may be able to recover damages from the other party, and these monetary awards can often cover medical expenses, hospital bills, and loss of income, in addition to compensation for bodily injuries.

How Can We Help?

Here at Hilbrich Law Firm, we have years of experience in the world of motorcycle injuries, and we can help you take your next steps. You don’t have to walk the road to recovery alone. Get in touch with us today at 219-444-4330 for qualified and compassionate guidance on your journey back to your productive, normal life.