Most motorcycle accidents happen at intersections and on non-interstate roads, which are local routes rather than highways that connect users to other parts of the country. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40% of all motorcycle accidents occurred at intersections in 2019.
Turning left is particularly dangerous for a motorcyclist. Many motorcycle accidents happen when the motorcyclist turns left, and another vehicle comes straight toward them.
Motorcycle Accidents at Intersections
It is easy to understand why intersections are so dangerous. Multiple vehicles meet up there at the same time, and it only takes one small mistake in the presence of so many other vehicles to cause an accident. Such mistakes include:
- Running a red light or a stop sign
- Not yielding the right-of-way to the person whose turn it is to proceed
- Not checking for other vehicles before proceeding into the intersection
- Following another vehicle too closely and being unable to stop when they hit a red light or a stop sign
- Hitting a pedestrian who was using the crosswalk
- Not signaling properly before making a turn
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Motorcycle Accidents on Non-Interstate Roads
While road intersections present many opportunities for accidents to happen, it is perhaps more surprising to learn that the vast majority—92%—of motorcycle accidents occurred on non-interstate roads rather than interstate roads in 2019, according to the NHTSA. The interstate, or the highway, generally has a higher speed limit than urban roads, so why would more accidents not happen in such a fast-paced environment?
Urban areas, like intersections, may be more crowded than an interstate, presenting more opportunities for a crash. In addition, people may feel safer on a non-interstate road that is close to home and let their guard down, opening themselves up to the possibility of an accident. Conversely, due to the high speeds allowed on interstates, drivers might be more aware of the dangers and, therefore, more cautious.
Location Affects What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Where your motorcycle accident happens will, to a certain extent, dictate what actions you take in the aftermath. For example:
- If the accident happens on a crowded street or intersection, it is even more important than usual to get out of the roadway as fast as possible to avoid being hit again.
- If the accident happens in an urban area, there may be more witnesses for you to talk to and request contact information from. Their statements could bolster any legal action you take.
- If the accident happens in a rural area and you are alone, it may take longer for help to arrive. You should still call the police and, if necessary, an ambulance. Then you must be patient until emergency personnel get there. You may have to apply first aid if the injury is severe.
Regardless of where the accident happens, the motorcyclist will probably get the worst of it. They have less protection than people riding in a car or another larger vehicle, even if they wear a helmet. Their motorcycle could easily be crushed, and the operator could be thrown onto the roadway, where they could sustain serious injuries like:
- Bone fractures
- Concussions
- Road rash
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Hiring an Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Is Essential
Representing yourself in a motorcycle accident claim (also called pro se) is not a good idea. The law is extremely complicated, and it is all too easy to make a mistake like:
- Missing deadlines
- Using the wrong forms or filling out a form incorrectly
- Failing to identify all liable parties
- Not submitting or presenting your case in accordance with the law or standard legal procedure
- Not being able to find sufficient evidence to support your case and refute the other party’s case
- Undervaluing your claim and asking for far less money than you deserve
Instead of taking such a risk, hire a motorcycle accident attorney in Indiana to manage your case for you. Once an accident happens, you will want to know that a professional Indiana personal injury attorney is working hard to protect your interests.
During your first meeting with a motorcycle accident lawyer, you will want to tell them every detail you can remember about the collision, including:
- Where it occurred
- Who was involved
- What you were doing before and during the accident
- What the other driver was doing before and during the accident
- Whether there were any witnesses present
- The names and contact information of all involved parties and witnesses, if you have them
- The injuries you sustained
- Where you received treatment
- Where you took your motorcycle to be repaired
- The presence of any evidence you may possess, including photographs or medical bills
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After a Motorcycle Accident, Call the Lawyer Who Rides
If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer near you, Sevenish Law Firm P.C. is here to answer the call. No matter where your motorcycle accident happened in Indiana, Randy Sevenish—the Lawyer Who Rides—wants to make sure you get justice. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
