Motorcycle riders know that the engines on bikes can get pretty hot. The engines on some Harley-Davidson bikes, however, have gotten so hot they caused serious burn injuries, prompting four bikers to file a class-action lawsuit against the company, according to a recent article in Clutch and Chrome.
The motorcyclists recently filed a federal lawsuit, claiming that 1999 and later model year Twin Cam engines on some Harley-Davidson models overheated, causing severe burns on the riders’ legs. The lawsuit also claims that on 2006 and later model years, the speed transmission is also defective, with most transmissions needing replacement or multiple repairs in order to work properly.
After an early hearing, the court ruled that the injured bikers needed to be more specific in their claim that Harley-Davidson had committed “unlawful business practices.” However, the court allowed the case to go forward as a class action on the claims that the overheating engines and unreliable transmissions pointed toward manufacturing or design defects in the bikes, which the bikers claim Harley-Davidson should have corrected rather than risk injury to its customers.
Finally, the court ruled that the motorcyclists needed to be more specific as to when they realized that the overheating could cause burns or that the speed transmission on the bikes was defective, since their original filing did not give enough information for the court to determine whether or not the statute of limitations applied. If the statute of limitations does apply, the case may be dismissed.
As an experienced Indiana motorcycle accident attorney who also rides, I understand the importance of a bike that works correctly. Defective or damaged parts can cause serious injuries, even if no crash occurs. When a motorcycle’s defective manufacturing or design causes an injury, I fight to help the injured rider find out what happened and hold any negligent manufacturers accountable for their actions.
An Indiana man suffered severe injuries recently after being thrown from his moped during a crash on Indiana Highway 7 just south of Columbus, according to a recent article in The Republic.
The 67-year-old man was riding along Indiana 7 when the car in front of him slowed to a stop, and its driver prepared to turn left onto County Road 300E. The moped’s rider passed the car on the right but swerved back into the lane too soon, crashing into the front right side of the stopped car. The impact knocked the man from his moped.
The moped driver suffered severe head injuries from the crash and was taken to Indianapolis’s St. Francis Hospital via helicopter. He was not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred, according to police. The woman in the car, also a resident of Columbus, was not injured. Sheriff’s deputies are still investigating the Indiana vehicle accident.
In many ways, a moped is similar to a motorcycle. Both are two-wheeled vehicles that are usually street legal, but that offer little protection from the surrounding environment, putting the driver at higher risk of severe injury in an accident. Since mopeds are often smaller than motorcycles and may not travel as fast, many people see them as toys rather than vehicles in their own right. Unfortunately, the moped’s small size is exactly what makes it more difficult for car drivers to see, which increases the chances of an accident. Wearing proper safety gear while riding any motorized vehicle, including a helmet, can greatly decrease your chances of being killed or suffering a life-altering injury in an accident.
In 2010, Indiana’s Center for Criminal Justice Research released its “Indiana Traffic Safety Facts” report on motorcycle safety. The report covers many facts about motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them. One of the report’s main topics is alcohol use – and how it just doesn’t mix with riding a motorcycle in Indiana.
In 2009, 10 percent of all motorcycle crashes in Indiana were listed as “alcohol-related.” Although “alcohol-related” doesn’t always mean “alcohol-caused,” the statistics revealed that over 13 percent of the bikers who suffered single-vehicle crashes had alcohol in their systems at the time. One-third of these single-motorcycle accidents resulted in the biker’s death. In addition, over 26 percent of bikers killed in collisions with another vehicle had been drinking.
Most motorcyclists are careful not to drink and ride, because they know alcohol and motorcycles simply don’t mix. The number of Indiana motorcyclists who had been drinking just before an accident has dropped in recent years, and fortunately, the number of motorcyclists who are injured in drinking-related accidents in Indiana is low. However, the statistics show that a biker’s risk of dying in a crash increases tenfold if he or she has been drinking before hitting the road.
Summer is a great time to ride and to party, but there is no “great time” to mix those activities. If you’re planning to ride your bike to an event this summer, drink moderately and leave yourself plenty of time to sober up – at least one hour per drink – before heading home. Better yet, don’t drink at all, or choose a form of transportation that doesn’t require you to be alert and in control. Each summer offers plenty of chances to ride, but you only get one life.
Warmer weather means that motorcycle riders are ready to hit the road again. In order to reduce the number of injuries and accidents motorcyclists suffer in Indiana each year, the Indiana State Police offer several tips for motorists sharing the road with bikers:
- First, it’s important to look twice or even three times for motorcycles before pulling out of a driveway or into an intersection. Motorcycles are smaller than cars, so more attention is necessary when looking for them. An added bonus: looking twice also makes it more likely you’ll spot an oncoming pedestrian or bicyclist as well, helping you avoid a pedestrian or bicycle accident.
- Next, always leave extra space between the front of your vehicle and the back of a motorcycle. Motorcycles handle differently than cars, and bikers need extra space to respond to certain traffic, weather, or road conditions. Leaving extra space also ensures you’ll be able to stop without hitting the motorcycle if an emergency occurs.
- Finally, pay attention to the road and everyone sharing it with you. Drivers who are distracted by cell phones or other items are more likely to suffer all kinds of auto accidents, including crashes with motorcycles.
In 2010, Indiana motorcyclists were involved in 2,615 crashes with passenger cars. Over one hundred of these bikers lost their lives in these crashes, while 2,011 were injured, many severely. As an Indiana motorcycle accident attorney who also rides, I know how important it is for motorcyclists to wear proper safety gear and take a motorcycle safety class before they hit the road. However, I also know that too many tragedies are caused by motorists who simply aren’t paying attention or sharing the road safely. By keeping these tips in mind, we can all help make Indiana’s roads a safer place to travel.
Two motorcyclists were taken to the hospital recently after they crashed into one another on their bikes. The accident occurred on Ragers Hill Road in Adams Township, according to a recent article in the Tribune-Democrat.
The motorcyclists, a 53-year-old from Adams Township and a 55-year-old from Indiana County, collided as they were riding on Ragers Hill Road toward one another. Investigators say that the Adams Township man’s motorcycle must have crossed the center line, where it collided with the Indiana County man’s oncoming motorcycle.
Both riders suffered serious injuries in the Indiana motorcycle crash, which included a broken right foot on one driver and a severed right leg on the other. The motorcyclists were taken to Johnstown’s Memorial Medical Center, where both were treated for their injuries. The biker with the broken foot was released later that day, while the biker whose leg was severed in the accident has been admitted to the hospital in serious condition.
Motorcycle accidents claim the lives of hundreds of Indiana residents each year, and many more are injured. Many riders, especially those with experience, take Indiana motorcycle safety precautions to protect themselves and the safety of others on the road by wearing protective gear, paying careful attention to the road, and driving with extra care or opting to stay home if the weather is foggy or rainy. Unfortunately, even the best bikers can’t prevent all accidents caused by the negligence or carelessness of others. That’s why, as an Indiana motorcycle accident attorney who also rides, I am dedicated to helping other motorcyclists fight for the compensation they deserve after a crash.
After a year without offering a motorcycle safety class, the city of Kokomo will once again provide this resource to Indiana motorcyclists, according to a recent article in The Kokomo Perspective. The classes will begin with a session held the weekend of April 29, 2011, at the Inventrek Technology Park on E. Firmin Street. In all, fifteen classes will be offered on the weekends over this coming summer, except for the holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. In addition, two advanced motorcycle training classes will be offered: one on June 12 and one on July 10. Due to the increase in scooter use in and around Kokomo in recent years, the safety courses are also open to a limited number of scooter riders.
The classes are being offered by American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Indiana. ABATE is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help motorcyclists stay safe and advocate for the rights and safety of riders. Due to the high level of interest in the courses, ABATE recommends that motorcyclists and scooter riders sign up ahead of time. Any spaces left open will be available to walk-in riders the day of the class on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost for the class is $75 or $50 for ABATE members, which includes a $25 refundable registration fee. Riders must be 15-years-old or older to take the class. Riders can register online at http://www.abateofindiana.org.
In my experience as an Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer, I’ve seen first-hand how motorcycle safety courses can help riders avoid accidents that can lead to costly medical bills, difficult recoveries, and even permanent injuries. I highly recommend that anyone who plans to ride a motorcycle or scooter on Indiana’s roads first take a basic training course. When it comes to safety, it’s better to overly prepare than not prepare enough.
A motorcycle rider from Terre Haute lost his life recently after his motorcycle crashed into a car on Indiana 59 in Brazil in Clay County, Indiana, according to a recent article in The Tribune-Star.
Police say that the man, who was 52-years-old, was riding his motorcycle along Indiana 59, heading north, when he approached the intersection of 59 and Rio Grande Road. At the same time, a car driven by another Terre Haute resident approached the intersection, slowed, then pulled out into the path of the motorcyclist, who could not avoid the collision.
Rescue workers attempted to resuscitate the motorcyclist at the scene of the Indiana motorcycle crash, but were unable to save his life. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not say whether the driver of the car was injured in the accident as well.
According to investigators, the accident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on a Sunday, when the sun was still up and visibility was reasonably good. Unfortunately, even ideal driving conditions cannot prevent all motorcycle collisions in Indiana. Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable in a crash for two reasons. First, the small size of a bike means that motorists often aren’t looking for or don’t see motorcyclists until it is too late to prevent a crash. Second, motorcycle riders are more exposed than passengers in cars, which means they may be more seriously injured if hit.
Indiana motorcyclists were involved in 3,276 collisions in 2009, which is the lowest number since 2006, and was also a 14.2 percent decrease from 2008, according to a report published by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). In these accidents, 113 Indiana residents lost their lives, including 107 motorcyclists, four motorcycle passengers, and two persons in other vehicles. These deaths represented 16.3 percent of all traffic accident-related fatalities in Indiana in 2009.
A little more than half of Indiana’s total motorcycle crashes in 2009 were the result of a motorcycle and another vehicle colliding into each other. These crashes involved a total of 1,799 cars, 15 pedestrians, and seven bicyclists. Of the Indiana motorcycle accidents than resulted in death, 52 percent involved another vehicle. The remaining motorcycle crashes were single-vehicle accidents, often caused by weather, road conditions, or debris on the roadway.
Although the overall number of motorcycle crashes and the overall number of fatal motorcycle crashes in Indiana went down in 2009, the percentage of these crashes that involved another vehicle or person went up 3.8 percent, rising from 50.6 percent of accidents in 2008 to 54.4 percent of accidents in 2009. The ICJI’s study does not reveal what has caused the number of multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles to increase.
The decrease in motorcycle crashes in Indiana is good news. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents still cause many injuries each year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Indiana, please don’t hesitate to contact The Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. Law firm founder and experienced Indiana motorcycle crash attorney Randy Sevenish will carefully examine your case and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 800-347-4611 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Indiana motorcycle accidents can occur no matter how experienced a rider may be. However, taking the proper precautions to ensure your own safety as well as that of other motorists and riders around you can help save lives and prevent injuries. One way to do this is to take advantage of Indiana’s Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Program, which is taught by instructors who have been certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
According to the Indiana Department of Education, there are two types of courses that riders may take to improve their motorcycle riding skills and one course for those who would like to become instructors. For riders, the courses include the Basic Riding Course and the Experienced Rider Course, both of which have benefits outside of learning proper riding techniques and safety skills. Some of these benefits include:
- Successful completion of a rider course waives the state’s skills test that a rider would otherwise have to take in order to get their motorcycle endorsement.
- Completion of the program may qualify you for a discount on your insurance.
- The curriculum is designed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to give riders access to critical information that could save their lives in the event of a motorcycle accident in Indiana.
- The course is reasonably priced, ranging from $25-$75 so that anyone who wants to learn to ride a motorcycle safely can do so without breaking the bank.
Since Indiana adopted their current motorcycle safety program in 1987, accidents and injuries have decreased significantly and continue to do so. Additionally, roughly 50,000 riders in the state have completed the course, with a total of 2.5 million nationally since the first MSF program was introduced in 1974.
Randy Sevenish, avid motorcycle rider and founder of Indianapolis personal injury law firm, The Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. can help those who have been injured in motorcycle accidents understand their rights. Contact skilled Indiana motorcycle crash attorney Randy Sevenish at 800-347-4611 for a free consultation.
An Indiana motorcyclist was assaulted when he was waiting for a traffic light to change in downtown Indianapolis on Monday, November 8th, reported FOX affiliate WXIN. According to the victim, two men walked up to him, one sticking something which felt like a block of wood in his back, and told him to get off of the motorcycle.
As the light turned green, the motorcyclist put the bike in gear, which caused the assailants to strike the man across the face and knock him off of his vehicle. Fighting back, the man punched and kicked his attackers, not allowing them to take his property. The two men ran away, leaving the motorcyclist with extensive facial injuries which were treated at a local area hospital.
While there are many pros to owning a motorcycle, incidents like this one remind us that there are still dangers to riding, even when the vehicle is not in motion. All motorcyclists should be aware of their surroundings both on and off of the bike. Motorcycles provide enjoyment to riders, however, the fact remains that motorcycles do not offer the same sort of protection that passenger vehicles do, which makes taking proper safety measures all the more important.
No rider expects to be attacked at a stop light just like no rider necessarily expects to be involved in an Indiana motorcycle accident. However, these types of incidents do happen and it is the responsibility of all motorists to ensure that they obey traffic rules in order to not only protect themselves, but those around them as well.
