Top Motorcycle Crash Causes in Indiana

Drivers who don’t share the road can create dangerous conditions for motorcycles. If a driver hits you, they’re protected by bumpers, airbags, and a heavy steel frame. Motorcycles offer relatively little protection when a collision occurs—besides wearing a helmet, you’re on your own. This is why you need an Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer who has seen (and prevailed in) these kinds of injury cases before.

Most Common Motorcycle Accidents in Indiana

Motorcycle fatalities are unfortunately common in the Indianapolis area. State Road 44, State Road 135, Fall Creek Road, Brookville Road (near South Arlington Avenue), and Franklin Road all saw at least one motorcyclist death in 2024. Many different factors can lead to these crashes, but the most common causes of motorcycle collisions include:

Failure to Yield

Motorcycle accidents typically involve a driver not yielding the right-of-way. Drivers may proceed ahead of a biker, attempt to go around a motorcyclist, or otherwise ignore traffic signs or laws. Depending on the maneuver, even the most skilled motorcyclists may be unable to avoid collisions with reckless drivers.

Not “Seeing” Bikers

Drivers generally lack awareness about motorcycles and the people who ride them. They may not actively scan the roadway for motorcycles, especially when changing lanes or merging. To make matters worse, motorcycles can easily be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spots, often leading to the claim that a biker “came out of nowhere.” Even attentive drivers may not notice a motorcycle due to glare, other vehicles, blind spots, or other road obstacles.

Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving motorcycle accidents happen when drivers texting or using their phones fail to notice motorcycles in time to avoid an accident. In addition to using mobile devices, engaging with in-car entertainment systems, eating, or interacting with passengers can divert attention away from the road and other vehicles—including motorcycles.

Intersections

Intersections are also very dangerous for motorcyclists because many cars are turning and rushing through traffic lights. One common type of intersection crash occurs when drivers make left-hand turns into a motorcyclist’s path. And it’s not just four-way intersections that threaten bikers; drivers in traffic circles might not see oncoming motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance. Following too closely to a motorcycle can lead to rear-end collisions, often throwing the motorcyclist off the bike.

Improper Lane Changes

Drivers who change lanes without using signals or checking their blind spots may cut off or collide with a motorcycle, while drivers attempting to pass another vehicle may strike an oncoming motorcyclist head-on. When merging onto a highway, drivers who don’t adequately check for motorcycles can cause accidents if they merge too closely or abruptly. Injuries in these cases can be significant, and you will want to hire an attorney with specialized knowledge about motorcycle accident cases if you are involved in a crash.

Night Driving

Motorcycles are harder to see in low-light conditions such as dusk, dawn, or at night. Drivers who do not use their headlights appropriately can miss motorcycles since they are small, fast, and often move in ways that cars can’t. In limited visibility, it’s much harder for drivers to adequately assess and respond to sudden situations, such as turns or obstacles. Regardless of the time of day, a driver is still expected to maintain vehicle control.

Rural Roads

Fatal motorcycle crashes are more likely to happen in Indiana’s rural areas than in urban areas. Speeding and motorcycle crashes go hand-in-hand, especially when traveling outside city limits. Areas just outside of the city, such as suburban, exurban, or rural areas, encourage drivers to speed. Additionally, there is a higher likelihood of obstacles like animals and other collisions on less-traveled paths.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

While motorcycle accidents happen for plenty of reasons, there’s no excuse for causing someone harm. The Indiana motorcycle injury attorneys at WKW can listen to the details of the crash and take the right legal steps to help restore your life. Call us today at (317) 920-6400 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.

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