Motorcycles are a great way to get around, and for those that enjoy the thrill, it can make getting from point A to point B much more exciting. But with that excitement comes a much bigger risk for accidents. In fact, motorcycle accidents are extremely common and due to their lack of barriers, most accidents lead to extensive injuries and even death. To avoid getting into an accident while on a motorcycle, it’s important to understand what actually causes these accidents. From driver negligence to hazards on the road, here are the main causes of motorcycle accidents.

Speeding and Alcohol Use

Approximately half of all accidents involving a single motorcycle are caused due to speeding or alcohol use. While these factors play a substantial role in car accidents as well, they are much more severe for motorcyclists since they are afforded no protection by their vehicle.

Lane Splitting

Motorcyclists often take advantage of their small size by driving in between two lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic, which is known as lane splitting and is a practice that is illegal in most states. This poses a danger to motorcyclists due to their close proximity to other vehicles and the fact that most drivers would not expect someone to be passing them in slowed or stopped traffic.

Cars Making Left-Hand Turns

The most dangerous situation for a motorcyclist occurs when cars are making left hand turns. Cars often strike a motorcycle when the motorcyclist is going straight through the intersection and trying to pass or overtake the turning car. Motorcycles that pass within the same lane are even more likely to be struck since car drivers don’t suspect such a maneuver. These types of accidents are also common between two cars, but the smaller size of a motorcycle makes them difficult to notice, and the chance of injuries is much more likely for a motorcyclist.

Road Hazards

Motorcycles are also much more vulnerable to road hazards due to the smaller size and less stable nature of a two-wheeled vehicle. Potholes, slick pavement, uneven asphalt between lanes, unexpected objects like debris or litter, and even weather conditions can all pose a serious safety threat to motorcyclists.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the trusted attorneys at Stewart & Stewart. Give us a call at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website for more information.

No matter how safe we are on the roads, sometimes it’s impossible avoid an accident. This is especially true when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles lack the barriers that cars have, and with their small, sometimes hard to see, exterior, motorcycles quickly become targets for accidents that cause serious injuries.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in the state of Indiana, it’s imperative to follow these steps to ensure you are safe, cared for, and eventually, receive just compensation as a result of the accident.

Stay Safe

The most important thing motorcyclists must consider after an accident is their safety. Without the metal barriers you get in a car, a motorcyclist is open to a lot more harm from passing cars, especially on a busy street or highway. Make sure you get yourself off the road and to a safe area where you can then make your phone calls and assess the damage. If it is possible, try to move your bike to safety as well.

Call 9-1-1

Once you have reached a safe place, dial 9-1-1. It is imperative that you call the police before you call your insurance company or an attorney. With motorcycle accidents, injuries are common and it’s important to have an officer on the scene to determine what exactly happened and ensure that all those involved are okay. The police report will also help you down the line when you file a claim.

Get Medical Attention

When you get into an accident, your adrenaline goes into overdrive, causing certain injuries to go unnoticed. But just because you may feel okay, doesn’t mean you actually are. A motorcycle accident can lead to a concussion, broken bones, and other body injuries that may appear later on or may only be detected by a medical professional. Once the police have entered the scene, be sure you get immediate medical attention—the longer you wait, the worse your injuries can become.

Exchange Information

Always remember to exchange information with the other person involved in the accident. There is no need to call their insurance company—in fact, you shouldn’t call the at-fault drivers insurance at all. Be sure to write down things like their license plate number, their car make and model, and the full names of everyone involved. The information you receive from them will help with your claim.

Make the Right Calls

The final step after an accident is to make the right calls. Make a quick call to your insurance company to explain to them what happened, including the time and location of the accident. Once you speak with your insurance, call your attorney. If you don’t have one, consider calling a company with a good reputation for motorcycle accidents. An attorney like those at Stewart & Stewart will walk you through your next steps and help you get on the right track to just compensation and get you back on your motorcycle.

For a free consultation, contact Stewart & Stewart at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website.

Summer will begin winding down soon in Indiana, and that means cooler temperatures and perfect riding weather are on the way.

If you’re heading out to ride on the state’s highways and interstates, it’s important to drive defensively and outfit yourself in the right gear. As a motorcyclist, you lack the same protection that drivers and passengers in vehicles get, and unless you’re properly equipped, you’re especially vulnerable to suffering critical and life-threatening injuries.

At Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers know that full riding gear helps protect motorcyclists from injuries in a variety of ways:

• Full-face helmets protect the face, head, and brain. With full-face helmets, riders are much less likely to suffer potentially fatal head injuries that are commonly seen in motorcyclists who either don’t wear helmets or who wear half helmets.

• Riding jackets and pants protect from road rash. Even the thickest “normal” clothing is no match for the surface of the road when you contact it at high speed. Riding jackets and pants are designed with durable material that will protect your skin during an accident.

• Gloves and boots protect hands, feet, fingers, and toes. Injuries to the extremities are common during motorcycle accidents. In some cases, victims may even lose fingers or toes due to severe road rash or from impact with the ground. Heavy-duty gloves and riding boots that cover the ankles protect the extremities and can prevent amputation.

While riding gear can help reduce the severity of injuries, it can’t always prevent them. If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your accident—we’re here to help.

There’s nothing better on a beautiful Indiana day than getting out on your bike for a long ride. Soon it’ll be perfect riding weather for doing just that, but before you pull your motorcycle out this year, take a minute to read these top 3 motorcycle safety tips.

1. Wear proper protective gear—The state of Indiana doesn’t require all riders wear a helmet, but it’s a good idea to wear one anyway. A helmet is the most critical piece of protective gear for motorcyclists, as it can be the difference between walking away from an accident and a debilitating injury.
2. Be aware—The biggest threat facing motorcyclists on Indiana roads is other drivers. Be hyperaware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t assume other drivers will see you or understand your intentions. Drive defensively to arrive safe.
3. Plan ahead—Inclement weather can turn a fun afternoon outing into a tough, dangerous ride. Check the weather before setting out. In addition, never ride without a cell phone or your license.

Even the safest motorcyclists can still be in a serious accident. If you’ve been injured, call our Indiana motorcycle attorneys today. We’ll investigate the cause of your accident and protect your rights to compensation. Call today.