Motorcycle accidents are deadlier than any other type of traffic accident. The National Safety Council reports that although motorcycles only comprise three percent of registered vehicles, they account for 14 percent of all collision-related fatalities.
Since motorcycles do not provide protection from bad weather, unsafe road conditions, or other motorists, motorcycle riders are at a high risk of suffering fatal injuries in traffic accidents.
What are the Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Many factors contribute to motorcycle accidents, including:
Intoxication
In a recent study, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 29 percent of all motorcycle accident deaths involved alcohol. It noted that motorcycle accidents involve alcohol more than any other traffic accident. Intoxication contributes to both fatal single-vehicle and multi-vehicle collisions.
Speeding
The NHTSA’s report showed that 33 percent of motorcycle accident fatalities involved speeding––generally on the part of motorcyclists. But excessive speeding, which makes the motorcycle harder to control, poses a great danger to the rider and other motorists.
Left Turns at Intersections
The Indiana State Police notes that intersections are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. The density of traffic, failure to yield, and other contributors put motorcyclists at risk of fatal injuries.
It also notes that motorcycles, due to their size, are harder to see than other motor vehicles. This also contributes to the likelihood of serious accidents at intersections.
Distracted Driving
Ride Safe Indiana notes that distracted driving contributes to countless motorcycle accidents each year. The organization notes that distracted driving claims nine lives each day in the United States. Eating, drinking, talking on the phone, and even “spacing out” all constitute distracted driving.
These are just some of the causes of motorcycle accident fatalities in Indiana.
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What Motorcycle Accident Injuries Result in Deaths?
When a bigger, heavier motor vehicle collides with a motorcycle, the sheer force of impact can cause life-threatening injuries.
Here are the common types of fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents:
- Head injuries: Motorcyclists are at a high risk of sustaining severe head injuries due to the lack of protective features found in other vehicles. A motorcyclist may crash onto a hard surface during a collision, resulting in a severe blow to the head, fatal even at low speeds.
- Internal damage: Many motorcyclists sustain organ injuries from blunt force trauma, deceleration, and penetrating trauma (for example, a broken rib piercing an organ). Organs at risk of sustaining damage include the kidneys, spleen, stomach, liver, lungs, and pancreas. Ruptured organs can cause internal bleeding that can lead to death without immediate medical intervention.
- Shock: A collision can bring the victim’s body into shock, which is induced by a quick drop in blood flow throughout the body. This prevents your vital organs from receiving enough blood or oxygen. If immediate medical treatment is not available, shock can lead to permanent damage or fatal injuries.
You Have Legal Options After a Motorcycle Accident
You can take legal action if you lost a loved one to a motorcycle accident in Indiana. Through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit, you can seek:
- Your loved one’s accident-related medical expenses
- Funeral, burial, and cremation expenses
- Loss of your loved one’s income
- Loss of consortium, household benefits, or guardianship
- Pain and suffering family members endured due to the motorcyclist’s death
The exact losses you can recover depend on your situation.
You Have a Limited Time To Seek Damages Via a Lawsuit
IC § 34-11-2-4 notes that you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. Your filing deadline begins either from the date of your accident or your loved one’s passing. It truly depends on your situation.
It’s vital to act within this period to protect your right to damages. If you wait too long to file your lawsuit, the courts will dismiss your case with prejudice, barring you from filing it again.
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You Can Partner with a Wrongful Death Lawyer After Losing a Loved One
Losing a loved one to a motorcycle accident is already challenging. Pursuing a legal case during this trying time can only compound matters. When you partner with a wrongful death lawyer, they will manage everything your case requires from start to finish.
While partnering with an attorney isn’t mandatory, it’s certainly a good idea in the aftermath of a loved one’s passing. With legal aid, you can focus on your personal matters while they focus on pursuing compensation for your losses.
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Begin a Free Case Review with Sevenish Law Firm, P.C.
Contact Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. for more information about pursuing damages from a negligent party. Our Indianapolis motorcycle accident attorney Randall “Randy” Sevenish —a fellow rider — can help you obtain fair compensation for your losses.
Call us today to schedule a free case review. Attorney Sevenish will go over your case, explain your legal options, and walk you through the process of recovering damages. We can also discuss how often motorcycle accidents result in fatal injuries.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
